Department of Sociology - Postgraduate taught - University of Essex
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Department of Sociology Postgraduate taught STUDENT HANDBOOK 2021-22
Welcome
I would like to offer a warm welcome to the Department of Sociology to those of you who are
new to the Department and a warm welcome back to everyone returning. We hope that this
handbook will answer any broad questions you may have as well as offering useful contact
details if you need them.
The Department of Sociology at the University of Essex has a strong record in teaching and
research. We aim to provide the best possible environment for you to flourish, both through
supervision and through our extra-curricular events.
Our Department is home to students and staff specialising in Sociology, Criminology, Social
Psychology, Social Anthropology, Media, Culture, Data Science and more. We offer joint
programmes with other leading groups at the University of Essex, including the Human
Rights Centre, the Government Department and Essex Business School.
We welcome you all and hope your time with us will be pleasurable and rewarding.
Professor Pamela Cox
Head of Department
1Contents
Welcome ................................................................................................................................................. 1
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 1
Practicalities and Getting Started ............................................................................................................ 2
Registration ......................................................................................................................................... 2
Right to Study ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Student visas ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Choosing your modules ...................................................................................................................... 2
Explore your Campus.......................................................................................................................... 2
Get connected ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Your IT account ............................................................................................................................... 3
Campus Wi-fi ................................................................................................................................... 3
Essex Apps ..................................................................................................................................... 3
MyEssex .......................................................................................................................................... 3
PocketEssex.................................................................................................................................... 3
Find Your Way ................................................................................................................................ 3
Working while studying ....................................................................................................................... 3
Your personal belongings ................................................................................................................... 3
The Essex Experience ............................................................................................................................ 4
Essex Values ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion ......................................................................................................... 4
Student Communities .......................................................................................................................... 4
Essex Sport ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Students’ Union ................................................................................................................................... 5
Get involved! ................................................................................................................................... 5
Essex spirit, social media and what’s on? .......................................................................................... 5
About the Department of Sociology ........................................................................................................ 6
Meet the team ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Other staff in the Department .......................................................................................................... 7
Teaching staff and support.............................................................................................................. 8
Module Director /Convenor ............................................................................................................. 8
Your Personal Tutor ........................................................................................................................ 9
Staff research interests ....................................................................................................................... 9
Departmental resources and facilities ................................................................................................. 9
Department of Sociology Common Room ...................................................................................... 9
Postgraduate Study Room .............................................................................................................. 9
Printing, photocopying and scanning ............................................................................................ 10
iiPremium printing ........................................................................................................................... 10
Noticeboards ................................................................................................................................. 10
Departmental prizes .......................................................................................................................... 10
Communications ............................................................................................................................... 10
Social Media .................................................................................................................................. 10
The use of personal devices ............................................................................................................. 11
Learning and Teaching ......................................................................................................................... 12
The academic year ............................................................................................................................ 12
My Course ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Postgraduate Course Structures 2021 - 2022 .................................................................................. 13
Credits ........................................................................................................................................... 23
Learning outcomes........................................................................................................................ 23
Grade boundaries ......................................................................................................................... 23
Module enrolment ............................................................................................................................. 23
Changing Modules ........................................................................................................................ 23
Module Directors/ Convenors........................................................................................................ 23
Fitness to practise ............................................................................................................................. 24
Employability Modules ...................................................................................................................... 24
Study Abroad .................................................................................................................................... 24
Work Placements .............................................................................................................................. 24
DBS Checks for Placements ............................................................................................................. 24
Module Materials ............................................................................................................................... 25
Teaching timetable ............................................................................................................................ 25
Recording your attendance ............................................................................................................... 25
Making changes to your study .......................................................................................................... 25
Changing your course ................................................................................................................... 25
Thinking of leaving or taking a break? .......................................................................................... 25
Library Services ................................................................................................................................ 25
Academic Skills Support ................................................................................................................... 26
Proofreading services ....................................................................................................................... 26
Language classes ............................................................................................................................. 27
Assessment and Academic Integrity ..................................................................................................... 28
Rules of Assessment ........................................................................................................................ 28
Core, compulsory and optional modules........................................................................................... 28
Academic Integrity and Academic Offences ..................................................................................... 28
Methods of Assessment in the Department of Sociology ................................................................. 28
Coursework ....................................................................................................................................... 29
Preparation of assignments .......................................................................................................... 29
iiiReferencing in coursework............................................................................................................ 29
Submission of coursework ............................................................................................................ 29
Problems with FASER................................................................................................................... 30
Late submission of coursework ..................................................................................................... 30
Dissertation Extensions (PGT Only) ............................................................................................. 30
Return of coursework .................................................................................................................... 30
Ethics in research .......................................................................................................................... 30
Moderation and marking ................................................................................................................... 31
Marking.......................................................................................................................................... 31
Moderation .................................................................................................................................... 31
External Examiners ....................................................................................................................... 31
Re-marking of coursework ............................................................................................................ 32
Appeals ......................................................................................................................................... 32
Feedback........................................................................................................................................... 32
The Board of Examiners ................................................................................................................... 32
Publication of results ..................................................................................................................... 32
Failure to pass ................................................................................................................................... 32
Credit accumulation ...................................................................................................................... 33
Reassessment .................................................................................................................................. 33
Exit Awards ................................................................................................................................... 33
Extenuating Circumstances .............................................................................................................. 33
Computers, Learning Technologies and your Information .................................................................... 34
Computers ......................................................................................................................................... 34
Using a campus computer ............................................................................................................ 34
IT Help and Guidance ................................................................................................................... 34
Learning Technologies and Systems ................................................................................................ 34
Learner Engagement Activity Portal (LEAP) ................................................................................. 34
Moodle........................................................................................................................................... 34
FASER .......................................................................................................................................... 34
Online reading lists ........................................................................................................................ 35
Listen Again................................................................................................................................... 35
Zoom ............................................................................................................................................. 35
Your information ................................................................................................................................ 35
Changes to your information ......................................................................................................... 35
Your personal information ............................................................................................................. 35
Student Voice ........................................................................................................................................ 36
Student Representatives ................................................................................................................... 36
Student Voice Groups ....................................................................................................................... 36
ivStudent Surveys ................................................................................................................................ 36
Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) ........................................................................ 36
Student Module Feedback ............................................................................................................ 36
You Matter ............................................................................................................................................. 37
Student Services Hub ....................................................................................................................... 37
Support for students with disabilities or additional needs ................................................................. 37
Funding opportunities.................................................................................................................... 37
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEP) ........................................................................... 37
Essex Accessibility Forum ............................................................................................................ 37
Seeing a Doctor ................................................................................................................................ 37
Counselling services ......................................................................................................................... 37
Drop In/Wellbeing Appointments ...................................................................................................... 38
UK Immigration Advice and Guidance .............................................................................................. 38
Money management ......................................................................................................................... 38
Students’ Union Advice ..................................................................................................................... 38
Residence Life .................................................................................................................................. 38
Religion, faith and beliefs .................................................................................................................. 38
Harassment support .......................................................................................................................... 38
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) ................................................................................................................... 39
Health and safety on campus............................................................................................................ 39
Making a Complaint .......................................................................................................................... 39
Student Development............................................................................................................................ 40
Careers Services ............................................................................................................................... 40
CareerHub ......................................................................................................................................... 40
Your Personal Development at Essex .............................................................................................. 40
Volunteering ...................................................................................................................................... 40
Get Work Experience ........................................................................................................................ 40
You Are Essex ...................................................................................................................................... 41
Graduation and Awards .................................................................................................................... 41
Graduation ceremonies ..................................................................................................................... 41
HEAR ................................................................................................................................................ 41
References ........................................................................................................................................ 42
Requesting references from members of staff .............................................................................. 42
Copies of references ..................................................................................................................... 42
Alumni ............................................................................................................................................... 42
What comes next? ............................................................................................................................ 42
vIntroduction
Your Student Handbook will tell you everything you need to know about your department, the
University its academic policies and procedures, and all of the resources that are available to you.
We know things might be a little different this year, but we remain absolutely determined to provide
you with the best Essex education and student experience we can while safeguarding your health and
wellbeing. Make sure that you keep up to date with what we all need to do to keep safe as a
community.
At Essex we celebrate diversity and challenge inequality. We are a truly diverse community where
differences are celebrated, and individuality is valued. Your contribution is welcomed and encouraged
based on your own thoughts and experiences. As part of our community, you will have the freedom to
explore, experiment, challenge your discipline and have your ideas shaped by peer and professional
knowledge from all over the world. Essex is about more than just getting a degree: we have so much
to offer our students.
Things might have to change and adapt over the year, so make sure that you’re checking online and
keeping in touch with your department for the latest updates. The Student Directory contains a wealth
of other helpful sources of information which you may also find useful.
1Practicalities and Getting Started
You’ve made it to Essex! We’ve outlined below the most important things you need to make sure you
do as soon as possible to get your time at Essex started.
Registration
Whether a new or returning student, you will need to officially register and pay your fees (if required to
do so) at the start of each academic year and prior to the published latest Registration date.
Registration is not only a formal procedure of enrolling you into the University, but also connects you
to a number of vital systems which allow you to access your online Welcome and Induction
information and start your studies. As part of this process, you will need to activate your Essex IT
account, register online (including payment of fees where required) and, once you arrive on campus,
undertake a Right to Study check and collect your student registration card.
Right to Study
The University must ensure all students have the right to study at the University of Essex for the
whole duration of their course. If you aren’t a UK or Irish national, your immigration permission to
study in the UK will be checked when you first arrive on campus and as necessary thereafter.
Students have a duty to maintain valid UK immigration permission that allows study for the duration of
their course, failure to do so may lead to withdrawal from the University under the University’s
General Regulations.
Student visas
The University has many duties as a Student Sponsor and must ensure we remain compliant in order
to retain our sponsor status. Students with a student visa have responsibilities to the University and
the Home Office. There will be conditions attached to your visa that restrict what you can do in the
UK, breaking any of the conditions may mean you can’t remain in the UK and complete your course.
Please be aware that changes to your course, whether due to academic failure or choice, must be
considered against the Immigration Rules and guidance in place at the time, this can mean that some
academic options may not be available to you. The Board of Examiners are not aware of a student’s
UK immigration status, it is each students responsibility to check what impact any option offered
would have on their student immigration status, before making a choice. Continued or future
sponsorship is not guaranteed.
Choosing your modules
You may have module options to select as part of your course structure. If you do, you must select
the modules you wish to enrol on before the academic year begins. You can view and choose your
specific options through the eNROL system. New students can do so from the end of August and
returning students can from the April preceding the next academic year. Early module enrolment
ensures that timetables can be scheduled effectively. We’ll talk more about how you might decide
which modules to take in the Learning and Teaching section of this Handbook.
Explore your Campus
There is a broad range of facilities across each of our campuses to support your experience at
Essex, whether in person or virtually. For the latest information, see the updates on campus services
on campus and make sure that you’re aware of the guidance for those coming onto campus.
2Get connected
Your IT account
You will need to activate your Essex IT account. Once you’re set up, you can access your Essex
email, log in to Moodle, access lab computers and library services, print for free on campus, connect
to campus wi-fi, and much more. When you activate your account, you should register an external e-
mail address and passphrase so that if you forget your password, you can also reset it using these
details. If you have forgotten those also, you should either visit the IT Helpdesk or call 01206 872345.
Make sure you keep your password safe and do not share it with others!
Campus Wi-fi
If you are studying on any of our campuses, connect to our Wi-Fi by simply finding the ‘eduroam’
network on your device and use the same log in details as your IT account to connect up!
Essex Apps
The University has a variety of online systems and platforms designed to enhance your learning and
help make processes, such as submitting coursework, easier. We have rounded up the top platforms,
portals and apps that you need to know about!
MyEssex
MyEssex is your online account. This is different to your applicant portal – you can use MyEssex to
view your timetable, update your personal details, request replacement student cards or supporting
documents, monitor your course progress, let us know if you’ll miss a lecture or class, contact the
Student Services Hub, and much more.
PocketEssex
Pocket Essex is the University's official app for students; its interface of icons act as a portal through
to a variety of areas and resources. PocketEssex links to many areas that MyEssex does, but also
takes you through to other key resources, such as the Students’ Union, FindYourWay and the Library.
Find Your Way
When on campus, we know that finding your way can be challenging to start with. Our Colchester
campus in particular can be difficult to navigate with a historically complex room numbering system!
FindYourWay is our interactive campus map designed to get you from A to B on either the Colchester
or Southend campuses with quick and easy directions.
Working while studying
Many students choose to work part-time to supplement their income. Working during your course can
also give you excellent skills and experience to boost your CV. Our Student Services Hub can help
you find part-time work. There are also many opportunities to work in paid jobs on campus.
You can access recommendations on working hours, as well as guidance on rates of pay and
National Insurance contributions on the Careers Services webpages.
If you have a student visa, please read our information on working in the UK for international
students before you start looking for a job. The country you're from and your visa type will determine
whether or not you can work in the UK. If you can work, the type of work you are allowed to undertake
and the number of hours you can work will be restricted.
Your personal belongings
The University does not cover costs for personal damage or loss of possessions; only in instances
where the University has been negligent would a claim be viable for compensation for personal
3belongings. Therefore, you are strongly advised to take out personal insurance cover for your
possessions. This is especially important for valuable items, such as laptops, phones and tablets.
The Essex Experience
Essex Values
The University of Essex is proud of its values of inclusivity and internationalism. Our campuses are
places that are welcoming, where everyone can feel they belong and where you can find the world in
one place.
Our Student Charter is a pledge that every member of our learning community signs up to when they
join us, but in exchange you’ll receive support and encouragement and a transformational education
to achieve great things.
Our Code of Student Conduct outlines the rules and regulations that help us maintain our high
standards of behaviour.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University recognises the value of diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. All of our
students and staff are treated with dignity and respect, and solely on the basis of their merits, abilities
and potential, regardless of race, ethnic or national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation,
disability, age, socio-economic background, family circumstances, religious or political beliefs and
affiliations, or any other irrelevant distinction.
The University is committed to a programme of action to ensure that this policy is fully effective.
The Department of Sociology has been awarded a bronze award for the Athena SWAN Charter.
Student Communities
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. The University
recognises the value of diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity within the University.
We aim to create an environment whereby students and staff are treated with dignity and respect, and
solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential regardless of their background whether that is
race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or any other distinction.
We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members, such as our
postgraduate students – our student communities - who may have specific requirements, interests or
responsibilities- to help fulfil your potential. Whether you are an international student, a mature
student, a BAME student or have any other requirements or needs, we want to welcome you with
open arms. The University is committed to a programme of action to ensure that this policy is fully
effective.
Essex Sport
Learning doesn't just happen in the classroom. Keeping active during your studies is a great way to
meet new people, help relieve stress, maintain good physical and mental wellbeing, increase
productivity, and improve your employability.
Visit the Essex Sport website or download the app to discover all the ways you can keep active during
your time at Essex. In order to ensure the welfare of our community there may be changes to opening
hours or what’s available, so do check on the website for the latest information.
4Students’ Union
We’re famous for our Students’ Union at Essex, and for good reason. Here you’re not just a member
of a normal Students’ Union; you’re part of a family. We work hard to support our PGT community,
and are here from day one to the moment you graduate to support you in any way we can.
The Students’ Union is run by students for students, and you have the ability to shape what we do.
From deciding who leads the SU by electing our entire Student Leadership team including the PGT
officer, to shaping your own experiences at Essex, we are here to represent your views and work with
you to make amazing things happen.
Get involved!
There are opportunities to join Sports Clubs, to get involved with our BUCS teams which offer the
opportunity to play competitively in a wide range of sports across the year. If you just want to try a
sport, don’t want to commit to a regular team, or would rather not play competitively, check out our
Just Play programme.
We have 120 Societies where you can meet people with similar interests, challenge yourself with
something new or, if you can’t find what you’re looking for, start your own!
We also train, recruit and support hundreds of student reps each year. These reps gather feedback to
share student viewpoints on academic experiences. You can find out more about student reps
including how to sign up and getting trained here.
We also have our very own letting agency SU Homes designed to offer help and support for students
to find off campus accommodation.
Essex spirit, social media and what’s on?
Keep up to date with important news, events and offers from across the University with our Essex
spirit newsletter, delivered directly to your Essex email address.
Follow us on social:
Our Events calendar brings together all the events happening across our three campuses, so you can
make the most of your time at Essex.
5About the Department of Sociology
Meet the team
A full list of all staff can be found on our Department website. Below is a summary of the roles of staff
that can help you with a variety of areas during your time at Essex.
Name Role Email Ext no Room
Professor Pamela Head of Department pamcox@essex.ac.uk 2644 5A.301
Cox
Professor Sean Director of Education snixon@essex.ac.uk 2646 6.349
Nixon
Dr Anna Sergi Postgraduate Taught asergi@essex.ac.uk/ - 5A.312
(Autumn) Director icrow@essex.ac.uk 6.360
Dr Isabel
Crowhurst (Spring)
Professor Sandya Ethics Officer skhewa@essex.ac.uk 3828 5A.342
Hewamanne
Katy Wheeler Senior Personal Tutor mrop@essex.ac.uk/ 3045/ 5A.317/ 6.349
snixon@essex.ac.uk 2646
Hasnain Qayyum Study Support socstudy@essex.ac.uk 3743 5A.322/5A.307
Manager/ Disability
Liaison Officer
Dr Alexandra Cox PGT Admissions alexandra.cox@essex.ac.uk 3039 6.326
officer
Prof Joan Busfield Graduate Director – busfj@essex.ac.uk 3399 5A.329
PGR Admissions
Megan Capon Department Manager socda@essex.ac.uk 3055 5A.311
(Part time Mon-
Wed)
Camilla Thomsen
(Part time Wed-
Fri)
Catherine Deputy Department socddm@essex.ac.uk 2871 5A.303A
Freeman Manager
(Secondment)
Rebecca Nicholls Student Administrator sociology-pgt@essex.ac.uk tbc 5A.303
(Part time) (PGT)
Michele Hall Student Administrator socpgadm@essex.ac.uk/ 3051 5A.303
(UG/PGR) socugrad@essex.ac.uk
Jane Harper Student Administrator socugrad@essex.ac.uk 3052 5A.303
(UG)
Mei Tang Student Administrator socugrad@essex.ac.uk 4892 5A.303
(Assessment and
Engagement)
Joanne Findlay Research Jo.findlay@essex.ac.uk 3548 5A.303
(Part time) Administrator
6Other staff in the Department
add @essex.ac.uk Ext no Room
Dr James Allen-Robertson [jallenh] 2273 6.330
Professor Nick Allum [nallum] 4378 6.332
Dr Michael Bailey [mbailey] 3867 6.347
Dr Shaul Bar Haim [sbarhaim] 2104 5A.334
Dr Boróka Bó To be confirmed
Professor Joan Busfield [busfj] 3399 5A.329
Professor Eamonn Carrabine [eamonn] 3038 5A.314
Dr Alexandra Cox [alexandra.cox] 3039 6.326
Dr Isabel Crowhurst [icrow] 3059 6.360
Dr Valentin Danchev [valentin.danchev] TBC TBC
Dr Maitrayee Deka [maitrayee.deka] 3539 6.328
Dr Neli Demireva [nvdem] 2640 6.334
Dr Anna Di Ronco [a.dironco] 2115 6.351
Professor Peter Fussey [pfussey] 2748 6.336
Dr Carlos Gigoux [cgigou] 3502 5A.331
Dr Ayse Guveli [aguveli] 3054 5A327
Dr Katerina Hadjimatheou [k.hadjimatheou] 4880 6.343
Dr Michael Halewood [m.halewood] 3747 6.354
Dr Laurie Hawkins [laurie.hawkins] 4885 6.322
Professor Sandya Hewamanne [skhewa] 3828 5A.342
Dr Sobia Ahmad Kaker [s.kaker] TBC TBC
Dr Phoebe Kisubi To be confirmed
Dr Tara Mahfoud [tara.mahfoud] 2663 5A.336
Professor Linsey McGoey [lmcgoey] 3544 6.356
Professor Lydia Morris [ldmorris] 3048 5A.319
Professor Sean Nixon [snixon] 2646 6.349
Professor Michael Roper [mrop] 3045 5A.317
7Dr Róisín Ryan-Flood [rflood] 3551 5A.338
Professor Colin Samson [samsc] 2662 5A.310
Dr Anna Sergi [asergi] 3046 5A.312
Dr Carlos Solar [carlos.solar] TBC TBC
Dr Jason Sumich [js18415] 2641 5A.316
Dr Darren Thiel [djthiel] 2638 5A.308
Dr Katy Wheeler [katy.wheeler] 3061 5A.320
Teaching staff and support
All teaching staff hold regular weekly academic support hours during term time. This is a time when
you can meet with them about anything to do with your modules, from difficulties you might be having
with your seminar readings, to discussions about feedback on your coursework. Office hours are
advertised on academic profiles and on each module’s Moodle page, it is suggested that you contact
the teaching staff beforehand this year to see whether a meeting would need to take place in person
or on Zoom.
Please note that academic staff do not hold regular academic support hours during the vacations, and
may, on occasions, be away from the University on research trips and visits. Therefore, if you need to
get in touch with them during the vacation periods, you should e-mail them in the first instance.
Module Director /Convenor
There are dedicated Module Directors or Convenors to support students for each module. Module
Convenors are responsible for individual modules. They design, teach and examine them. They
monitor student progress and can also talk to students about any related academic issues. You can
find out who is the Module Convenor for each Module online here and listed below:
Module Module title Module Convenor
SC504-7-AU Introduction to Quantitative Analysis Ayse Guveli
SC507-7-SP Consumption, political economy, and sustainability Katy Wheeler
SC508-7-SP Digital Economy James Allen-Robertson
SC519-7-AU Advertising: Commerce and Creativity Sean Nixon
SC520-7-SP Interviewing and Qualitative Data Analysis Helen Rand
SC526-7-SP Citizenship, International Migration and Human Rights Carlos Gigioux
SC551-7-SP Dynamics of Gender, Work and Home Sandya Hewamanne
SC555-7-AU Formative Debates in Criminology Isabel Crowhurst
SC556-7-AU Organised Crime: Global and Local Anna Sergi
SC557-7-SP Critical Perspectives on Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Pete Fussey
SC559-7-AU Emotions and Society Shaul Bar Haim
SC560-7-SP Crime, Politics and the Sex Industry Isabel Crowhurst
SC561-7-SP Global Security Challenges Carlos Solar
SC655-7-SP Current Controversies in Criminology Eamonn Carrabine
SC901-7-SP Topics in Contemporary Social Theory Maitrayee Deka
SC905-7-AP Sociological Research Design Isabel Crowhurst
SC920-7-SP Colonialism, Culture and Human Rights Colin Samson
8Advanced Quantitative Analysis: Models for Cause and
SC968-7-SP TBC
Effect
SC970-7-AU Introduction to Survey Design and Management Annette Jackle (ISER)
SC971-7-AU Survey Sampling, Non-Response and Inference Olena Kaminska (ISER)
SC972-7-SP Survey Practicum Violetta Parutis (ISER)
Pablo Cabrera Alvarez
SC974-7-SP Survey Measurement and Question Design
(ISER)
Postgraduate Taught Project (Dissertation) and
SC981-7-FY Anna Sergi
Academic Skills
SC982-7-AU Migration: Theory, Concepts and Selected Issues Carlos Gigoux
Your Personal Tutor
All undergraduate and postgraduate taught students have a Personal Tutor who will meet you soon
after you arrive, and regularly throughout your course. Your Personal Tutor will be a member of
academic staff and is someone you talk to about your course or any difficulties that may encounter.
They can recommend and direct you to other support services that might be able to further help and
support you. You can find out who your Personal Tutor is through MyEssex.
If you have a disability, long term medical condition and/or Specific Learning Difference and have not
registered with Student Wellbeing & Inclusivity Service, to discuss your support needs, please email
include@essex.ac.uk.
Staff research interests
Staff research interests can be found on our Departmental webpage.
Departmental resources and facilities
A wide range of facilities and resources are available for all students to access and use as part of
their study at Essex. Each department and school also has a selection for the exclusive use of their
students. Below is a summary of the facilities and resources that are likely to be most useful to you.
Department of Sociology Common Room
The Department of Sociology Common Room (5A.325) is located on floor 5A close to the Student
Administration Services. Daily newspapers are provided during term-time and a good quality vending
machine dispenses hot drinks, along with a drinking water cooler.
Postgraduate Study Room
The Study room is available for all students in The Study Centre in room 5A. 307. The Department of
Sociology also has the Common room in 5A.325.
Postgraduate Lockers
Lockers are available in The Department of Sociology Common Room (5A.325) for postgraduate
students. These are allocated on a first-come first-served basis.
Postgraduate Training
Postgraduate Taught students are provided with structured training throughout their scheme of study.
The Department offers a wide range of postgraduate taught modules that either explore particular
fields and concepts or offer specific training in research methods and skills. Students should peruse
the modules available and discuss with the Graduate Director Taught which of these modules would
be suitable.
9Students of the Sociology Department are invited to check the plans for the compulsory module
SC981 – Academic Skills & Dissertation which includes specific sections on career orientation and
further training. The module outline for SC981 will be on Moodle.
Printing, photocopying and scanning
All students can print, copy and scan for free at Essex! You can even print from your mobile by
sending your attachment to mobileprinting@essex.ac.uk.
Once you’ve located a device, simply log in using your Essex login and password, or tap with your
student card to print. Whilst printing is free for all students, please think of your carbon footprint and
only print if necessary.
Please note that there are strict laws about infringement of copyright; more information can be found
on the library website which explains what and how much you are permitted to copy. Usage is
monitored and subject to a fair use policy.
Premium printing
Premium services for printing and finishing, including binding your documents for presentational
purposes, are available at The Copy Centre (Square 4, Colchester Campus). These services are
chargeable.
Noticeboards
Every department and school has their own noticeboard providing information on staff, courses and
classes, updates, careers, events and opportunities Student noticeboards can be found outside the
Sociology Study Centre (5A.307) and in the Sociology Common room (5A.325).
Departmental prizes
Each year we are pleased to award prizes signifying excellence. The following prizes are available for
award to postgraduate taught students:
The David Lockwood Prize
This prize is awarded to the taught Masters Sociology student who achieves the highest mark for the
Dissertation. The prize is worth £100.
The Fuller Postgraduate Prize
This prize, worth £100, is awarded to the taught Masters Sociology student for the best overall
performance, and is normally awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall weighted
average mark.
Communications
The University will predominantly use e-mail for routine communication between staff and students.
Your Essex e-mail address will have been added to the relevant e-mail groups specific to your
department or school, course and modules to ensure that you receive the essential information
relevant to you. It is recommended that you check your Essex e-mail each day to ensure you do not
miss any important updates to classes and assessment.
You will also automatically be subscribed to a small number of opt-out lists, again, based on your
course. You can always opt in or out of these communications online.
Social Media
Departmental Facebook
www.facebook.com/UoESociology
10Departmental Twitter feed
twitter.com/essexsociology
twitter.com/UoECrim
Linked-In groups
www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-essex/
The use of personal devices
You can use laptops and tablet PCs during teaching classes for purposes related to the class you are
attending. You should refrain from using your mobile phone during all teaching events, except in cases
where a lecturer uses a programme which requires these devices to be switched on for participation.
The Department has agreed that mobile phones and other technology may be used for teaching-related
purposes in lectures and classes but must not be used for personal phone calls and texting.
11Learning and Teaching
The University is committed to providing equal opportunities for all our students regardless of where or
how you study. Our diverse student population is considered when developing the resources, services
and facilities on and off campus, when we create our courses, write publications and course materials,
and set our policies and regulations.
The academic year
The academic year uses a week numbering system that covers the 52 weeks of a calendar year but
corresponds to typical term dates. So, the start of the academic year is week 1, which is Welcome
week, with teaching commencing in week 2.
Term Week numbers
Autumn 2-11
Spring 16-25
Summer 30-39
You can view the University’s week numbers with the equivalent dates in the week by week calendar.
The University’s key dates include an overview of the start and end of each term and exam periods.
Some courses have slightly different term dates. In the Department of Sociology this does not apply.
However, you will find that all campus activities and events make reference to the standard academic
year terms and schedule noted above.
You are expected to be available during term time to attend teaching events, unless otherwise
advised by your Department.
My Course
Each course at the University has its own syllabus, full details of which, including the aims and
learning outcomes of your course, can be found in the University’s Programme Specifications
Catalogue.
Your own course structure, including your specific programme specification, can be found in the
MyStudy section of your MyEssex homepage.
12Postgraduate Course Structures 2021 - 2022
MA SOCIOLOGY
Masters
Module Code Title Credits Status in
Award
SC981-7-FY Dissertation 60 Core
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Core
SC901-7-SP Topics in Contemporary Social Theory 20 Core
-- Level 7 Sociology option from list(1 x 20 credits) 20 Optional
-- Level 7 Sociology option from list(1 x 20 credits) 20 Optional
-- Level 7 Sociology option from list(1 x 20 credits) 20 Optional
-- Level 7 Sociology or outside option from list (1 x 20 Optional
20 credits)
Postgraduate Diploma
Module Code Title Credits Status in PG
Diploma
SC981-7-FY Dissertation 60 Optional
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Compulsory
SC901-7-SP Topics in Contemporary Social Theory 20 Compulsory
-- Level 7 Sociology option from list (1 x 20 credits) 20 Optional
-- Level 7 Sociology option from list (1 x 20 credits) 20 Optional
-- Level 7 Sociology option from list (1 x 20 credits) 20 Optional
-- Level 7 Sociology or outside option from list (1 x 20 Optional
20 credits)
Postgraduate Certificate
Module Code Title Credits Status in PG
Certificate
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Compulsory
SC901-7-SP Topics in Contemporary Social Theory 20 Compulsory
-- Level 7 Sociology option from list(1 x 20 credits) 20 Optional
-- Level 7 Sociology option from list(1 x 20 credits) 20 Optional
-- Level 7 Sociology option from list(1 x 20 credits) 20 Optional
-- Level 7 Sociology or outside option from list (1 x 20 Optional
20 credits)
13MA ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND THE MEDIA
Masters
Module Code Title Credits Status in Award
BE557-7-AU Perspectives on Marketing 20 Core
SC519-7-AU Advertising: Commerce and Creativity 20 Core
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Compulsory
BE555-7-SP Consumer Behaviour 20 Compulsory
SC508-7-SP Media Theory 20 Compulsory
SC507-7-SP or Ethics and Corporate Social 20 Optional
BE467-7-SP or Responsibility or Sociology option
Sociology option
SC981-7-FY Dissertation 60 Core
Postgraduate Diploma
Module Code Title Credits Status in PG
Diploma
BE554-7-SP Perspectives on Marketing 60 Core
SC519-7-AU Advertising: Commerce and Creativity 20 Core
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Compulsory
BE555-7-SP Consumer Behaviour 20 Compulsory
SC508-7-SP Media Theory 20 Compulsory
SC507-7-SP or Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility 20 Optional
BE467-7-SP or or Sociology option
Sociology option
SC981-7-FY Dissertation 20 Optional
Postgraduate Certificate
Module Code Title Credits Status in PG
Certificate
BE557-7-AU Perspectives on Marketing 20 Core
SC519-7-AU Advertising: Commerce and Creativity 20 Compulsory
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Compulsory
BE555-7-SP Consumer Behaviour 20 Compulsory
SC508-7-SP Media Theory 20 Compulsory
SC507-7-SP or Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility 20 Optional
BE467-7-SP or or Sociology option
Sociology option
14MA CRIMINOLOGY
Masters
Module Code Title Credits Status in
Award
SC981-7-FY Dissertation 60 Core
SC555-7-AU Formative Debates in Criminology 20 Core
SC655-7-SP Current Controversies in Criminology and 20 Core
Criminal Justice Policy
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Core
SC504-7-AU or Introduction to Quantitative Analysis or 20 Compulsory
SC520-7-SP Interviewing and Qualitative Data Analysis with options
-- Level 7 Criminology/Sociology option (2 x 20 40 Optional
credits)
Postgraduate Diploma
Module Code Title Credits Status in PG
Diploma
SC981-7-FY Dissertation 60 Optional
SC555-7-AU Formative Debates in Criminology 20 Core
SC655-7-SP Current Controversies in Criminology and 20 Core
Criminal Justice Policy
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Core
SC504-7-AU or Introduction to Quantitative Analysis or 20 Compulsory
SC520-7-SP Interviewing and Qualitative Data Analysis with Options
-- Level 7 Criminology/Sociology option (2 x 20 20 Optional
credits)
Postgraduate Certificate
Module Code Title Credits Status in PG
Certificate
SC555-7-AU Formative Debates in Criminology 20 Compulsory
SC655-7-SP Current Controversies in Criminology and 20 Compulsory
Criminal Justice Policy
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Compulsory
SC504-7-AU or Introduction to Quantitative Analysis or 20 Optional
SC520-7-SP Interviewing and Qualitative Data Analysis
-- Level 7 Criminology/Sociology option (2 x 20 40 Optional
credits)
15MSc CRIMINOLOGY AND SOCIO-LEGAL RESEARCH
Masters
Module Code Title Credits Status in
Award
SC981-7-FY Dissertation 60 Core
LW513-7-AT Legal Research and the English Legal System 20 Core
LW349-7-SP Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice: Law, 20 Core
Policy and Pratice
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Compulsory
SC555-7-AU Formative Debates in Criminology 20 Compulsory
SC504-7-AU; or Introduction to Quantitative Analysis; 20 Optional
SC520-7-SP. Interviewing and Qualitative Data Analysis
-- SC655-7-sp or Level 7 Sociology option from 20 Optional
list (1 x 20 credits)*
Postgraduate Diploma
Module Code Title Credits Status in PG
Diploma
SC981-7-FY Dissertation 60 Optional
LW513-7-AT Legal Research and the English Legal System 20 Compulsory
LW349-7-SP Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice: Law, 20 Compulsory
Policy and Pratice
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Compulsory
SC555-7-SP Formative Debates in Criminology 20 Compulsory
SC504-7-AU; or Introduction to Quantitative Analysis; 20 Optional
SC520-7-SP. Interviewing and Qualitative Data Analysis
-- SC655-7-sp or Level 7 Sociology option from list 20 Optional
(1 x 20 credits)*
Postgraduate Certificate
Module Code Title Credits Status in PG
Certificate
LW513-7-AT Legal Research and the English Legal System 20 Optional
LW349-7-SP Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice: Law, 20 Compulsory
Policy and Pratice
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Optional
SC555-7-SP Formative Debates in Criminology 20 Optional
SC504-7-AU; or Introduction to Quantitative Analysis; 20 Optional
SC520-7-SP. Interviewing and Qualitative Data Analysis
-- SC655-7-sp or Level 7 Sociology option from 20 Optional
list (1 x 20 credits)*
16MA ORGANISED CRIME, TERRORISM AND SECURITY
Masters
Module Code Title Credits Status in
Award
SC981-7-FY Dissertation 60 Core
SC556-7-AU Organised Crime: Global and Local 20 Core
SC557-7-SP Critical Perspectives on Terrorism and Counter- 20 Core
Terrorism
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Compulsory
SC555-7-AU Formative Debates in Criminology 20 Compulsory
-- Level 7 Spring term Sociology module (2 x 20 40 Optional
credits)
Postgraduate Diploma
Module Code Title Credits Status in PG
Diploma
SC981-7-FY Dissertation 60 Optional
SC556-7-AU Organised Crime: Global and Local 20 Compulsory
SC557-7-SP Critical Perspectives on Terrorism and Counter- 20 Core
Terrorism
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Compulsory
SC555-7-AU Formative Debates in Criminology 20 Compulsory
-- Level 7 Spring term Sociology module (2 x 20 40 Optional
credits)
Postgraduate Certificate
Module Code Title Credits Status in PG
Certificate
SC556-7-AU Organised Crime: Global and Local 20 Optional
SC557-7-SP Critical Perspectives on Terrorism and Counter- 20 Compulsory
Terrorism
SC905-7-AU Sociological Research Design 20 Optional
SC555-7-AU Formative Debates in Criminology 20 Optional
-- Level 7 Spring term Sociology module (2 x 20 40 Optional
credits)
17You can also read
