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Advocacy (Full-time) (BA Hons)

Carmarthen
3 Years Full-time
80 UCAS Points

This degree allows you to explore the relationship between advocacy and activism in contemporary society. During your studies you will explore current issues by applying theories of power, conflict and cohesion to society and to the decisions of governments, local authorities and other institutions.

You will explore the different types of advocacy roles that exist in society, from the person advocating on their own behalf to those employed as professional, independent advocates. You will also explore the role that activism has played in the development of our society and the role that it continues to play in the world today. In doing so you will explore the complex relationship between advocacy and activism and many of the theoretical and political distinctions between these two types of activity.

You will engage with conceptual and theoretical frameworks, for example citizenship and human rights, needs and social justice, health and well-being, philosophies of welfare, political economy of welfare and welfare regimes, political and social theory, and anti-oppressive practice and explore how these relate to the concepts of activism and advocacy. You will further explore the ways in which roles of an advocate and an activist are viewed by society and will engage with the debate as to whether either are effective in the current social context.

As you develop your own research interests you will be able to explore the ways in which both advocacy and activism are used by different individuals and groups in order to seek redress and change in society. These could include crime and criminal justice, education, family and childhood, health and social care, housing and urban regeneration, income maintenance and social security, migration, poverty, inequality and social exclusion, work, employment, and labour markets.

*Selected modules subject to revalidation

Course details

Start date:
Study modes:
  • On-campus
  • Full-time
Language:
  • English
  • Welsh
Institution code:
T80
UCAS code:
ITH1
Course length:
3 Years Full-time
Entry requirements:
80 UCAS Points

Tuition Fees 2023/24 and 24/25
Home (Full-time): £9,000 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £13,500 per year

This programme is subject to revalidation.

Why choose this course?

01
This is the first Advocacy (BA) qualification in Wales and the UK.
02
This degree is designed to appeal to individuals who wish to explore the ways in which individuals and groups can make a difference in society.
03
All content is co-constructed with professional advocates in Wales from a wide practitioner base, which aligns with Welsh Government directives.
04
Research-active staff, who also engage in theory and practice in the sector, alongside visiting speakers from a wide set of organisations.
05
Guest lecturers embedded in practice.
06
Opportunities to explore theory and policy in practice via placement and volunteering opportunities.

What you will learn

Advocacy (BA) is a three-year programme. The qualification is underpinned by an initial foundation year that explores advocacy, sociology, social policy and social studies.

In the second year, students undertake a placement. There is a clear focus on advocacy in practice.

The final year of study incorporates a dissertation with links to professional advocacy practice.

Understanding Society: An Introduction to Sociological Theory

(20 credits)

Who are We: Culture and Identity

(20 credits)

Multi-Agency Working: Policy in Practice

(20 credits)

Agency, Empowerment and Anti-Oppressive Practice

(20 credits)

Advocacy Services in the 21st Century

(20 credits)

Research Methods for the Social Sciences

(20 credits)

Work, Poverty and Welfare in the Modern World

(20 credits)

Health and Social Care, Disability and Wellbeing

(20 credits)

Relationships, Communication and Families in Contemporary Society

(20 credits)

Professional Practice in Advocacy

(20 credits)

Independent Project

(40 credits)

Skills for Life: Employability and Future Pathways

(20 credits)

Course Page Disclaimer

  • We listen to student feedback and insights from industry and from professionals to ensure that course content is high-quality and up-to-date, and that it offers the best possible preparation for your future career or study goals. 

    For this reason, there might be modifications to the content of your course over time, to keep up to date with changes in the subject area or in the sector. If a module is no longer running, we’ll make sure to keep you informed, and work with you to choose a different suitable module.

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Staff

Our People

You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for assessments and feedback (NSS 2023) meaning the comments you get back from your work will help you learn. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students us as Top 10 in the UK for Lecturers and Teaching Quality. Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses. 

Accommodation

Carmarthen Accommodation

Carmarthen Accommodation

Carmarthen has a variety of accommodation and we guarantee accommodation for 1st Years with availability for your 2nd and 3rd Years. Based on our Carmarthen campus you will be right in the middle of everything, with options to suit all budgets. 

Further information

  • All applicants will be required to provide a satisfactory enhanced disclosure document from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
    80 UCAS points.


    Non-traditional students will be considered on their experience and individual merit.


    Applicants with FE/Access qualifications welcomed.

  • There are no exams on this course as you will complete arrange of written assessments, presentations and other forms of assessment including blogs and portfolios of evidence.

    • DBS: All applicants will be required to provide a satisfactory enhanced disclosure document from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
    • Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks which they may need to produce essays, assignments and dissertations in fulfilment of the academic requirements of each programme of study.
    • There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the University:
      • Books
      • Clothing
      • Fieldwork
      • Printing and copying
      • Stationery
  • You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.

  • Opportunities to study in Europe and the USA for a semester in year 2.

  • Graduates go on to careers in a variety of fields including:

    • Advocate Support Worker – Children with learning difficulties
    • Advocate Support Worker – Residential Care for Adults
    • Business Support Officer
    • Children’s School Advocate
    • Community Engagement Advocate
    • Emerging roles within sport and film industry (responding to current events)
    • Family Liaison Officer
    • Healthcare Advocate NHS
    • Independent Advocate
    • Independent Domestic Violence Advocate
    • Independent Mental Capacity Advocate
    • Independent Mental Health Advocate
    • Independent Professional Advocate
    • Lecturer BA Advocacy (with further study)
    • Local Authority Childcare Advocate
    • Manager Third Sector Voluntary Organisations
    • Pupil Advocate/Support (Additional Learning Needs)
    • Pupil Support Advocate
    • Supervised Contact Worker – Social Services
    • Volunteer Manager: Third Sector

    Graduates may also choose to continue studying and complete postgraduate and postgraduate research qualifications through progression on to, either:

    • MA Equity and Diversity in Society
    • PhD in Social Justice and Inclusion

    These courses allow students to utilise postgraduate funding through the UK Government’s Student Loan Company.

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