TThis module provides a broad introduction to welfare services in modern Britain, with a focus on England. Successful students will improve their understanding of the recent history and current organisation of the following areas of social welfare provision. These include education, health, social care, and housing.
The module starts with a basic mapping and description of key institutions and issues. It then moves on to: The policy-making process: paying for welfare services; social policy implementation by government and professions; assessing the impact of social policies.
The teaching will emphasise debates, arguments and controversies. Students will learn how to put together an argument and persuade others.
Total Contact hours: 44
Private study hours: 256
Total study hours: 300
BA Health and Social Care, BA Social Policy (single and joint hons) – compulsory module
Main assessment methods
Coursework 1 (essay) 5%
Coursework 2 (essay) 20%
Coursework 3 (essay) 25%
Examination 50%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework
Alcock, P. with M. May (2014). Social Policy in Britain. Palgrave. 4th edition.
Hudson, J., Kuhner, S. and Lowe, S. (2015). The short guide to social policy. Policy Press. 2nd edition.
Alcock, P., M. May and K. Rowlingson eds. (2012). The Student's Companion to Social Policy. Blackwell. 4thedition.
Aveyard, H., P. Sharp and M. Woolliams (2011). A Beginner's Guide to Critical Thinking and Writing in Health and Social Care. Open University Press.
Spicker, P. (2014). Social Policy: Theory and Practice, 3rd edition. Policy Press.
Glennerster, H. (2017). Understanding the Cost of Welfare. Policy Press.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Display systematic understanding of, and coherent and detailed knowledge of the relative roles of the following sources of welfare in
England: the state, the private sector, the voluntary sector.
8.2 Display systematic understanding of, and coherent and detailed knowledge of the organisation in England of at least one of the following
welfare services: health, social care, housing, education.
8.3 Display systematic understanding of, and coherent and detailed knowledge of the sources of funding for welfare services and the policy
processes through which welfare services evolve.
8.4 Describe and comment upon current debates regarding the organisation and delivery of welfare services.
8.5 Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts, and data to analyse and evaluate the organisation, cost and impact of
welfare services.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Display progression in ability to communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions through essay writing and seminar-based group
discussion.
9.2 Display progression in ability to deploy accurately techniques of analysis and enquiry using statistical data drawn from research and
official sources.
9.3 Display progression in ability to devise and sustain arguments, both verbal and written.
9.4 Display progression in ability to apply scholarly social science theory and refereed research evidence to understanding social problems
and policy responses.
9.5 Display progression in the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility, and the ability to manage their own learning through reflection
on essay feedback.
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