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Introduction
There is recognition that the underlying body of knowledge and theories surrounding equality, equity and diversity, which are directly linked to social policy, sociology and social and cultural theory, are essential in developing informed professionals.
This Master's Programme will extend professional knowledge and understanding and aims to develop reflective/reflexive practitioners through an integrated set of compulsory modules.
This programme will give a sound understanding of equality and diversity and its implications for society, organisations, communities, families, individuals and policy-makers.
The Degree draws upon current policy and legislation in practice, for example, Equality Act (2010), Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and legislation ‘as it happens’.
This course is available face-to-face, online or as a combination of both. Face-to-face lectures will run live on Teams. Everything is recorded so that students can mix and match their type of attendance.
PATHWAY OPTIONS
This course is available as an MA, PGDip or PGCert.
Advocacy (BA)
UCAS Code: 6X7S
Social Studies (CertHE)
UCAS Code: SLS1
Sociology (BA)
UCAS Code: SOC1
Sociology (DipHE)
UCAS Code: SOC5
Equity and Diversity in Society (MA)
Social Justice and Inclusion (PhD/MPhil)
Why choose this course?
1. This degree is delivered full-time or part time; face-to-face or through online learning.
2. Applicants are encouraged from both traditional degree awards, from professional practice and those with experience in the field.
3. This degree responds to the need for professionals who are able to understand ‘the complexities involved in social policy formation, implementation and development’ (SPA, 2007: 8).
4. The programme is designed to enable students to further develop the range of skills gained at initial degree level, which transfer easily to the world of work.
5. The potential to progress to a PhD in Social Justice and Inclusion.
Overview
The Master's in Equity and Diversity in Society is grounded in the quest to ‘provide an understanding of the long-term and underlying causes of disadvantage that need to be addressed by public policy’ (Equalities Review, 2007: 13).
To this end, the principle of equality and inclusion is embedded within and throughout the programme. The programme recognises that philosophers, economists, and political and social theorists debate the concepts of equality and diversity from a range of different perspectives; allowing the student to explore competing interpretations of what ‘equality’ and ‘diversity’ might mean in our society.
Through engaging with ‘the intellectual traditions and perspectives of the social science, students will be encouraged to explore social processes and the links between theory, policy and practice.
It allows students to debate societal issues, and promote engagement with ‘new ideas …. Relating to issues such as the impact of globalisation on … advocacy, diversity, gender, age social justice, sustainable development, poverty and inclusion.’
Modules
PART I: Taught Modules
The Philosophy and Practice of Social Research (30 credits; compulsory)
This module gives students the skills to critically evaluate academic texts and research and also to plan their own research projects.
By focusing on the concepts in qualitative research and how they differ from concepts of quantitative research the student will be able to develop their own research projects and interrogate academic papers in the field of Equality and Diversity.
Through exploring the data collection methods within the social sciences students will be able to explore some of the practical, theoretical and ethical issues which surround research in this field of study.
The Social (Re)Production of Inequality (30 credits; optional)
An exploration of the main sociological perspectives and theories which impact upon equality and inclusion will allow students to develop a firm foundation for their dissertation and allows for a critical analysis of current policy and practice.
An understanding of how inequality is socially (re)produced throughout society will give students an awareness of the complexity and competing forces within this field of study. This module will make reference to how individual, societal and political attitudes and values influence equality and diversity in practice.
Ultimately an understanding of such concepts allows the student to consider the impact of power and control upon the delivery of a ‘fair society’.
Sustainable Communities (30 credits; optional)
It is essential that interventions developed within the framework of equality and inclusion are sustainable and fit for purpose. To this end this module is innovative and forward-looking as current thinking on reflective practice is at the forefront of ‘best practice’ within social contexts.
There will be an evaluation of the role of the reflective practitioner in relation to the development of effective inclusive practice within a variety of contexts. The roles, principles and purpose of management for inclusion will be outlined and consideration of what constitutes community and how to develop sustainable innovations will be considered.
Managing Professional Practice in Advocacy (30 credits; optional)
Consider how the professionalisation of advocacy services supports the voice of the service user in society through a complex examination of a range of scenarios.
Critically analyse the levels of service demand and provision whilst working in an advocacy context. Critically evaluate innovations in advocacy services which respond to the professionalization of advocates. Critically evaluate proposed management plans which aim to deliver services within an advocacy framework.
Dismantling Barriers to Equality: Gender, Ethnicity and Race, Youth and Age, Health and Disability and Vulnerable Groups (30 credits; optional)
Critically explore what constitutes equality, equity, social justice and liberation in society through exploration of a range of theoretical positions.
Critically evaluate how intersectionality allows for a deeper understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of disadvantage, exclusion and inequity and how this impacts upon Gender, Ethnicity and Race, Youth and Age, Health and Disability and Vulnerable Groups.
Through examining the complexity of the social, cultural and political landscape, review the barriers and challenges experienced by individuals and groups in society.
Critically reflect upon the potential opportunities to dismantle the barriers to equality and plan for positive change in the future.
Political: Influences on Inequality and Diversity (30 credits; optional)
This module critically explores the social and the political landscape and how these influences social policy in relation to inequality and diversity in society.
Students engage in in-depth study of the contexts which impact upon the development and implementation of social policy, social justice, equity, equality, diversity and inclusion within EU, UK and Wales.
Students will gain a critical understanding of how society might change to become more equal, inclusive and sustainable, as well as critically evaluate the role of practitioners in a multi-disciplinary field, in relation to the development of policy with the consideration of ethical issues.
PART II: Dissertation
Dissertation (60 credits; compulsory)
A 15,000-word extended research project, linked to the student’s interest and the programmes outcomes.
This will comprise either a literature review or a small piece of research. There will, usually, be one-to-one supervision either face-to-face, through Skype or by telephone or online.
Please note, modules alter a little from year to year, owing to staff changes, curriculum development and recommendations following validation.
Entry Criteria
The School has its own Admissions Policy which adheres to the requirements of the University Admission Policy and the University’s Policy on Equality and Diversity. A robust planning system is undertaken with Support Services for those students with identified disabilities.
Traditional entry route requirement for students is normally a 2:1 or 1st class honours first degree or the vocational qualification equivalent and relevant experience. The School encourages students with a range of vocational qualifications and relevant experiences to apply.
General Requirements
• an initial degree of the University of Wales;
• an initial degree awarded by another approved degree awarding body;
• a non-graduate qualification which has been deemed to be of a satisfactory standard for the purpose of admission;
• a non-graduate may also be admitted to candidature provided that he/she has held, for a minimum of two years, a responsible position which is relevant to the scheme to be pursued.
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Assessment
There are NO EXAMINATIONS in Equity and Diversity in Society (MA). The assessments within this programme aim to not only allow a student to demonstrate their academic understanding but also ‘upskill’ them through the use of assessments directly related to the needs of employers in this field, and may include:
• Assignments
• Case studies
• Community profile
• Designing a leaflet and supporting academic paper
• Dissertation
• Extended essays
• Questionnaire design
• Reflective diaries
• Seminar presentations.
Career Opportunities
This programme aims to develop students’ intellectual independence and critical engagement with evidence. Although it is not primarily a vocational programme, it does prepare students to move in a vocational direction. Graduates exiting from this degree will be well placed to enter a range of careers, including, for example:
• Child Care Officer
• Education Officer
• Equality Agenda
• Family Aide
• Fostering Service Project Worker
• Health care professional
• Language and Numeracy Assistant
• Learning Coach
• Probation Officer
• Social Worker/Social Services
• Support Assistant for disabled people
• Teacher
• Voluntary youth organisation worker
Graduates may also choose to go on to complete postgraduate consider gaining professional endorsement via the Youth and Community Work (MA) or progressing to a PhD in Social Justice and Inclusion.
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