Hi, My name is Megan and I’m a third year BA Social and Public Policy student here at York. This blog will focus on three things to look forward to if you have chosen to study Social and Public Policy in the School for Business and Society!
Supportive lecturers and seminar leaders
Coming to York can be nerve-wracking. Moving to a new city and settling into university life is a completely new experience that can take some time to get used to. Once you start lectures and seminars you’ll meet everyone else studying social policy, as well as your lecturers and seminar leaders. You will soon realise the academics here at York are some of the leading experts in the field.
Not only are they the experts, but they are all really approachable. They welcome you asking questions or talking through something you don’t quite understand. There are no silly questions with the academics who teach social policy here at York, they are always willing to go over something again or invite you to an office hour if you need it.
The course
Here at York, your first year is designed around gaining a base knowledge of Social Policy. This will give an idea of your strengths, weaknesses, and interests. You usually do not get to choose modules during your first year. While this may not be your style, everyone must gain equal knowledge to move forward with.
Then in the second year, you have some core modules and also get to elect some chosen modules. I have an interest in criminal justice so many of my chosen modules revolved around this. All of the content can be found on our VLE, and it is super easy to catch up on your content if you are ever under the weather or can’t attend a lecture.
I can honestly say I have been interested in everything I’ve learned so far. Some of it didn’t play to my strengths but it is important to explore new things and find out what your interests are. I feel that the course at York is a perfect mix of core and option modules. There is something for everyone within the content you will study.
Social Policy Society
The Social Policy Society (SOCPOC) was set up by students for students. Welcoming everyone who does a social policy degree, we are also involved with the wider School for Business and Society. Some of our members do completely different degrees and have made friends through the society that have similar interests to them. Please don’t think you have to be an expert to join. Many of the events we put on are social and are amazing for making friends on your course. We also run academic events such as welcoming guest speakers to the University, which is great for your CV.
SOCPOC is a welcoming space where you can come along to have fun and make friends. Memberships are £4 for the whole year and a one-time purchase. If you have any questions feel free to drop us an email (socpocsoc@yorksu.org) or a DM (@UOYSOCPOC)!
This is the perfect society to join alongside you studies, as it will give you more friends to go to lectures with. You will also build connections to students in other years to get advice should you need it.
Read more student stories about studying Social Policy at York.
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