Equity and Diversity in Society (MA, PGDip, PGCert)

The Master's in Equity and Diversity in Society is grounded in the quest to ‘provide an understanding of the long-term and underlying causes of disadvantage that need to be addressed by public policy’ (Equalities Review, 2007: 13). 

To this end, the principle of equality and inclusion is embedded within and throughout the programme. The programme recognises that philosophers, economists, and political and social theorists debate the concepts of equality and diversity from a range of different perspectives; allowing the student to explore competing interpretations of what ‘equality’ and ‘diversity’ might mean in our society.

Through engaging with ‘the intellectual traditions and perspectives of the social science, students will be encouraged to explore social processes and the links between theory, policy and practice. 

It allows students to debate societal issues, and promote engagement with ‘new ideas …. Relating to issues such as the impact of globalisation on … advocacy, diversity, gender, age social justice, sustainable development, poverty and inclusion.’

PART I: Taught Modules

The Philosophy and Practice of Social Research (30 credits; compulsory)

This module gives students the skills to critically evaluate academic texts and research and also to plan their own research projects.

By focusing on the concepts in qualitative research and how they differ from concepts of quantitative research the student will be able to develop their own research projects and interrogate academic papers in the field of Equality and Diversity.

Through exploring the data collection methods within the social sciences students will be able to explore some of the practical, theoretical and ethical issues which surround research in this field of study.

The Social (Re)Production of Inequality (30 credits; optional)

An exploration of the main sociological perspectives and theories which impact upon equality and inclusion will allow students to develop a firm foundation for their dissertation and allows for a critical analysis of current policy and practice.

An understanding of how inequality is socially (re)produced throughout society will give students an awareness of the complexity and competing forces within this field of study. This module will make reference to how individual, societal and political attitudes and values influence equality and diversity in practice.

Ultimately an understanding of such concepts allows the student to consider the impact of power and control upon the delivery of a ‘fair society’.

Sustainable Communities (30 credits; optional)

It is essential that interventions developed within the framework of equality and inclusion are sustainable and fit for purpose. To this end this module is innovative and forward-looking as current thinking on reflective practice is at the forefront of ‘best practice’ within social contexts.

There will be an evaluation of the role of the reflective practitioner in relation to the development of effective inclusive practice within a variety of contexts. The roles, principles and purpose of management for inclusion will be outlined and consideration of what constitutes community and how to develop sustainable innovations will be considered.

Managing Professional Practice in Advocacy (30 credits; optional)

Consider how the professionalisation of advocacy services supports the voice of the service user in society through a complex examination of a range of scenarios.

Critically analyse the levels of service demand and provision whilst working in an advocacy context. Critically evaluate innovations in advocacy services which respond to the professionalization of advocates. Critically evaluate proposed management plans which aim to deliver services within an advocacy framework.

Dismantling Barriers to Equality: Gender, Ethnicity and Race, Youth and Age, Health and Disability and Vulnerable Groups (30 credits; optional)

Critically explore what constitutes equality, equity, social justice and liberation in society through exploration of a range of theoretical positions.

Critically evaluate how intersectionality allows for a deeper understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of disadvantage, exclusion and inequity and how this impacts upon Gender, Ethnicity and Race, Youth and Age, Health and Disability and Vulnerable Groups.

Through examining the complexity of the social, cultural and political landscape, review the barriers and challenges experienced by individuals and groups in society.

Critically reflect upon the potential opportunities to dismantle the barriers to equality and plan for positive change in the future.

Political: Influences on Inequality and Diversity (30 credits; optional)

This module critically explores the social and the political landscape and how this influences social policy in relation to inequality and diversity in society.

Students engage in in-depth study of the contexts which impact upon the development and implementation of social policy, social justice, equity, equality, diversity and inclusion within EU, UK and Wales.

Students will gain a critical understanding of how society might change to become more equal, inclusive and sustainable, as well as critically evaluate the role of practitioners in a multi-disciplinary field, in relation to the development of policy with the consideration of ethical issues.

PART II: Dissertation

Dissertation (60 credits; compulsory)

A 15,000-word extended research project, linked to the student’s interest and the programmes outcomes.

This will comprise either a literature review or a small piece of research. There will, usually, be one-to-one supervision either face-to-face, through Skype or by telephone or online.

Please note, modules alter a little from year to year, owing to staff changes, curriculum development and recommendations following validation.

There are NO EXAMINATIONS in Equity and Diversity in Society (MA). The assessments within this programme aim to not only allow a student to demonstrate their academic understanding but also ‘upskill’ them through the use of assessments directly related to the needs of employers in this field, and may include:

• Assignments
• Case studies
• Community profile
• Designing a leaflet and supporting academic paper
• Dissertation
• Extended essays
• Questionnaire design
• Reflective diaries
• Seminar presentations.

• Dr Caroline Lohmann-Hancock
• Dr Nichola Welton
• Phillip Morgan

The School has its own Admissions Policy which adheres to the requirements of the University Admission Policy and the University’s Policy on Equality and Diversity. A robust planning system is undertaken with Support Services for those students with identified disabilities.

Traditional entry route requirement for students is normally a 2:1 or 1st class honours first degree or the vocational qualification equivalent and relevant experience. The School encourages students with a range of vocational qualifications and relevant experiences to apply.

General Requirements

• an initial degree of the University of Wales;
• an initial degree awarded by another approved degree awarding body;
• a non-graduate qualification which has been deemed to be of a satisfactory standard for the purpose of admission;
• a non-graduate may also be admitted to candidature provided that he/she has held, for a minimum of two years, a responsible position which is relevant to the scheme to be pursued.

This programme aims to develop students’ intellectual independence and critical engagement with evidence. Although it is not primarily a vocational programme, it does prepare students to move in a vocational direction. Graduates exiting from this degree will be well placed to enter a range of careers, including, for example:

• Child Care Officer
• Education Officer
• Equality Agenda
• Family Aide
• Fostering Service Project Worker
• Health care professional
• Language and Numeracy Assistant
• Learning Coach
• Probation Officer
• Social Worker/Social Services
• Support Assistant for disabled people
• Teacher
• Voluntary youth organisation worker

 Graduates may also choose to go on to complete postgraduate consider gaining professional endorsement via the Youth and Community Work (MA) or progressing to a PhD in Social Justice and Inclusion.

• Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.
• If students wish to undertake data collection as part of their dissertation they will require a DBS prior to data collection.
• There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the University:
  • Books
  • Clothing
  • Fieldwork
  • Printing and copying
  • Stationery

Related Postgraduate Research Degrees:

• Social Justice and Inclusion (MPhil/ PhD)
   - Contact: Dr Caroline Lohmann-Hancock c.lohmann-hancock@uwtsd.ac.uk

Related Postgraduate Taught Degrees:

• Equity and Diversity in Society (Postgraduate Certificate)
• Equity and Diversity in Society (Postgraduate Diploma)

Related Undergraduate Programmes

• Advocacy (BA) (6X7S)
• Sociology (BA) (SOC1)
• Social Studies (CertHE) (SLS1)
• Sociology (DipHE) (SOC5)

Peter Davies reflects on his academic journey from foundation degree at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to the award of a doctorate at Cardiff University.

‘In 2004, I began my foundation degree for teaching assistants, graduating after three years. I then did a further year to upgrade the degree to honours level, graduating with first class honours. I then completed a one-year postgraduate teaching certificate in primary education. Two years later I returned to UWTSD to do a master’s degree in equality and diversity in society and in the middle of that course I also completed a postgraduate certificate in heritage tourism. After graduating with distinction, I then applied for PhD studentships at Cardiff University and was accepted onto a research programme entitled ‘The social significance of artistic representations of former coal and steel communities’ which I have now successfully completed. The research involved working with groups to create representations such as poetry and photographs to counter stereotypical constructions of post-industrial communities.

‘It seems like a huge progression but it’s really a question of taking one step at a time and I shall always be grateful for the help and encouragement from staff at UWTSD who had faith in me from the beginning. They made me realise that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Thank you.’

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 Scholarships and Bursaries section.

The chance to study in Europe and US for a semester.

Please visit our Accommodation pages for more information.

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions related to the University or to this course in particular.