Teaching and assessment
You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
Teaching format
Our teaching is designed to help you develop yourself as a critical thinker and researcher. You'll take part in sociological debates and develop your ability to craft arguments and express complex ideas.
Across a large part of your course you'll be taught through lectures that will introduce you to the main themes of each module, and small seminar groups, working with a member of staff who's an expert in the topic you're studying.
The law elements of your course are delivered through problem-based learning (PBL). This method will develop your skills of analysis, reasoning and judgement. Through this approach you'll also develop communication and project management skills that will enhance your effectiveness in the world of work. This learning will be supported through large group plenary sessions to embed your understanding and develop your critique of legal concepts.
Our staff are ready to offer support and guidance throughout your studies; you'll also be allocated a personal supervisor who's there to make sure you're making the most of your time at York.
Timetabled activities
In your first year, you can expect:
| Lectures and plenary sessions |
7-8 hours per week |
| Seminars and workshops |
6.5 hours per week |
These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.
Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.
In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.
Teaching location
You will be based in the Department of Sociology located on Campus East. Your teaching will take place across both Campus East and Campus West.
About our campus
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.
Assessment and feedback
As you progress, you'll complete a range of assessments designed to help you develop the skills needed to be an effective scholar. Your assessments will be varied, ranging from essays and reports to observational exercises, podcasts and even visual analysis and communication skills workshop design. What assessments you complete will depend on what modules you take.
You’ll submit summative work, which counts towards your final degree score, and formative work, which doesn’t count towards your final grade but gives you the chance to practice techniques and identify areas to improve. We’ll provide detailed feedback on the work you submit, supporting you to develop your academic skills.
