Overview

What is an Extended Degree?

It is a four year undergraduate degree programme specifically designed for students with a non-traditional educational background who may not have sufficient formal qualifications to meet typical entry requirements to study an undergraduate degree programme at the University of York.

The extended element is an introductory ‘foundation year’. This foundation year is designed to prepare students and give them the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence to continue their studies to Higher Education level one - the first year of a BA (Hons) degree in either Applied Social Science or Social Policy at the University of York. Successful completion of all four years will result in a University of York BA (Hons) Degree in either Applied Social Science or a BA (Hons) in Social Policy depending on what students choose to study.

Where will I study?

The extended degree is run in partnership with the University of York and York College. During the introductory ‘foundation year’, extended degree students will study on site at York College, with some elements taking place at the University of York. For the remaining three years of the degree programme students will study exclusively on site at the University of York.

How much is it?

The University offers substantial fee waivers for foundation year programmes. You can find out more details on the fees and bursary packages available from the Fees and Funding pages. Questions about fees and bursaries can be direct to the Student Financial Support Unit.

The course begins in September each year at York College.

For further information see:

• York College

Structure

Course structure

This is a 4-year, full time undergraduate programme.

Your first year of study is at York College, where you will undertake an introductory programme which both develops your knowledge and understanding of the subject and equips you with the skills required to enter Higher Education.

Full details on the York College year is available on the course website.

Continuing your programme

On successful completion of your year at York College, you will gain automatic entry onto your choice of one of our four degree programmes in Social Policy and Applied Social Science. You will then undertake the degree programme, starting at the first year of the BA, along with other students in the Department.

The pages below will provide more specific information on the aims and course content for each programme:

• BA Applied Social Science
• BA Applied Social Science - Children and Young People
• BA Applied Social Science - Crime and Criminal Justice
• BA Social Policy

Careers

Many of our students use the expertise they gain from their degree to enhance their employment careers. Recent examples from both Social Policy and Applied Social Science graduates include:

• Policy research in the House of Commons
• Employment and training research
• Work for specialist charities such as ‘Shelter’
• Work for a local authority
• Graduate trainee with a national children’s charity
• Commissioning children’s services for a local authority
• Working as a Curricular Enrichment Coordinator for a college
• Youth Development work with a Youth Offending Team
• Trainee police officer with the Metropolitan Police
• Trainee probation officer

Others go on to develop their skills through:

• Fast-track civil service training
• Housing Management training sponsored by a Housing Association
• Post-graduate training in social work

Some of the key skills that you will develop throughout your degree include:

• Academic and evidence-based writing
• Presentation skills
• Information searching skills
• Awareness of different backgrounds and global cultures