School of Sociology and Social Policy
Welcome to the School of Sociology and Social Policy. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about starting or returning to your studies.
Find the section that applies to you – ‘new student’ or ‘returning student’. We’ve also included some helpful links at the bottom of the page to direct you to anything else you might need.
If you’re a postgraduate researcher, find your faculty welcome and induction information to help you get started
I’m a new student
What do I need to do before I arrive?
Undergraduate students
You will need to complete student registration, and enrol on any Discovery Modules you wish to study. Find out more about Discovery modules online. You may wish to take part in the activity ‘Skills to Succeed at University’ (FutureLearn course) prior to the commencement of your programme in September. This course is not compulsory but might be useful for your studies. It aims to support students with the transition to Higher Education and focuses on academic skills, but also developing a connection to the University of Leeds. You will explore the new and exciting opportunities that you can get involved with so that you can make the most of your time as a student.
Taught Postgraduate students
You will need to complete student registration, and enrol on to the Optional Modules listed as part of your programme. You can find further information in the School’s Taught Postgraduate Induction Newsletter. Taught Postgraduate students may also wish to look at the ‘Step Up to Masters’ online resource to help you to transition to studying at Masters level with us.
What does my induction timetable look like?
Your induction will take place in person on campus in Leeds during the week commencing 25th September 2022. Please make sure you are in Leeds and available throughout the week.
For Undergraduate students
The Induction Week timetables are available to download from the UG Induction Week Newsletter. Please refer to the schedule for your individual programme. A copy of your schedule has also been sent to your University email address along with other welcome information. Please check your University email address.
For Taught Postgraduate students
The Induction Week timetables are available to download from the TPG Induction Week Newsletter. Please refer to the schedule for your individual programme. A copy of your schedule has also been sent to your University email address along with other welcome information. Please check your University email address.
Will I be required to attend face to face sessions?
In line with the University’s approach to teaching, your lectures and seminars/workshops will take place in person on campus. Some modules have online lectures due to the content being taught and positive feedback from students in previous years. In addition, you may find some modules have a high content of online additional material (that could be online articles and books, video clips etc.) This additional material has been provided to help you with your studies. Your tutors will go through the module structure in your first week outlining their expectations and the assessment for the module. Please check your teaching timetable so you know where you need to be and when. Attendance at lectures and seminars is crucially important.
How will I meet my academic personal tutor? How will academic personal tutoring work?
For Undergraduate students
You will be invited to a Personal Tutor meeting during Induction Week. Your academic personal tutor is there to support your general academic and personal development and will plan one-to-one meetings with you throughout the academic year. These may be in person or online, via Microsoft Teams, which you can download as an app on your phone or tablet and can also be accessed on a web browser.
For Taught Postgraduate students
During induction week your Personal Tutor will be your Programme Manager. You will then be allocated a new Personal Tutor who will also act as your Dissertation Supervisor. We expect this re-allocation to take place mid-term during Semester 1. Your academic personal tutor is there to support your general academic and personal development and will plan one-to-one meetings with you throughout the academic year. These may be in person or online, via Microsoft Teams, which you can download as an app on your phone or tablet and can also be accessed on a web browser.
Where can I go for support?
General enquiries
You can email the School Student Education Service team via SSPEnquiries@leeds.ac.uk regarding any aspect of Induction Week or your studies at the University. You will also have a meeting with the Student Education Service team during Induction week where you can meet the team and ask questions.
Student Support
Wherever you’re from and, whatever your circumstances and support needs, our expert team can work with you during your time in Leeds. Email the School’s Student Support Officer at SSPStudentSupport@leeds.ac.uk, if your studies are being affected. Further information can also be found on the University’s website.
Director of Student Education, Dr Adegbola Ojo
You can expect staff to reply from Dr Adegbola Ojo within 72 hours during busy times. Please remember that office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm so you won’t receive a response outside of these times.
Programme leaders
You can find your programme leaders listed under the relevant programme on the Programme Catalogue:
Where do I turn if I need extra academic support?
Your Academic Personal Tutor will be your first point of contact regarding extra academic support.
You can also find academic support via Skills@Library. They offer additional skills workshops to help you learn about and improve your academic writing.
How will I find out more about my programme?
You can find out more about your programme in the Programme Catalogue.
We are also holding welcome events during induction week so you can meet your Programme Manager and learn more about your programme structure and content.
How will I get to know other students?
You’ll be able to meet other new students during the induction week events.
We recommend that you join the Sociology and Criminology Society (SocCrimSoc) as this is a great way to meet students in other years within the School. This is for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
For Taught Postgraduate Students you can use the Postgraduate Student Hub to meet other postgraduates from across the university.
The Leeds University Union (LUU) also offers a wide range of clubs and societies which over every interest imaginable! Clubs and societies are the ultimate way to meet new friends and find your people, whilst finding new interests and building new skills. Join the Student Activities at LUU.
What welcome activities do you have planned to welcome me to the School of Sociology and Social Policy?
We have a range of activities planned for you during induction week as per your Induction Week timetable. These sessions will ensure that you are fully informed about studying with the School and the degree programme you have chosen. For both Undergraduate and Postgraduate students you will have the opportunity to:
- Be welcomed to the School by our Head of School and the Director of Student Education.
- Meet your Programme Manager and other students on your programme.
- Meet the Student Education Service Team and learn more about administrative processes within the School.
- Meet the Student Support Officer and learn more about support resources available at the University.
- Meet your Academic Personal Tutor.
- Join in social events with other students.
Are there any specialist software or systems that I need for my programme and where do I find out information about it?
While you do not need any specialist software, it’s really useful for you to have your own PC or laptop so you can access all of the University’s resources and online learning programmes.
These include:
- Minerva : A virtual learning environment where individual programme modules can be found by name or code number
- Office 365: Where you can access your email account and Microsoft Teams, as well as other MS Office programs. Teams is particularly useful to have, as it may be used during induction, teaching and personal tutor meetings. It can be downloaded as an app on your phone or tablet and can also be accessed on a web browser.
- Library: Use online resources for your research and borrow books/e-books.
Where can I access resources for my degree?
You will be able to access a range of resources and learning materials for your degree via Minerva – the university’s Virtual Learning Environment. This is the main hub of your learning and you will be able to access everything from your weekly lecture recordings to guided study tasks, seminar briefings and specific readings. You will also be able to access a range of materials to support your learning through the university’s extensive library collections, which can be accessed on campus and through our online library. More information on the library services can be found online.
Do I need to provide my core reading texts?
You might not need to buy your own books as the library often has books/e-books/resources available. Individual module reading lists can be found on the library website. The Module Managers can also provide further information on any reading and books that are relevant to your studies. They will let you know about these at the first module lectures.
For Undergraduate students we have provided a suggested reading list which can be downloaded from the UG Student Induction Newsletter. We are not expecting that you have read these by the time you arrive but feel free to “dip in” to get a flavour of what you will be studying.
What facilities are available for my course, and how can I take advantage of them?
The School of Sociology and Social Policy has a student common room with three private workspace ‘pods’ which are available to students on a first-come-first-served basis.
There are also a number of study spaces available across the University. The University Library offers bookable study spaces.
The University has Computer Clusters available for students to access as study space.
What is the role of course representatives and how do I volunteer?
Course Reps work with staff in the school and the School Rep, and usually do the following:
- Collect feedback from students on their course through surveys or discussions.
- Attend meetings with staff and the School Rep to pass on the feedback and negotiate changes for students.
- Communicate the changes back to the students.
- Sit on other meetings to replace the School Rep when unavailable.
- Support the School Rep with campaigns, projects and events for the school.
Becoming a Course Rep is a brilliant opportunity to develop both your skills and your CV, and to make substantial change to the things that matter to you and your peers. If you are interested in volunteering as your Course Rep, you can find out more during first few weeks of teaching.
Are there any societies I can join for the school/programme?
We recommend that you join the Sociology and Criminology Society (SocCrimSoc) as this is a great way to meet students in other years within the School. This is for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
For Taught Postgraduate Students you can use the Postgraduate Student Hub to meet other postgraduates from across the university.
Are there any peer mentoring schemes operating in my school?
The School does not currently offer a peer mentoring programme.
How does assessment work on my programme?
Each of your modules are assessed in a variety of different ways – essays, presentations, report writing, online quizzes etc.
In order to help you with the different types of assessment you’ll learn about academic skills throughout your first year modules. You can also find out more or attend workshops on academic skills through Skills@Library which can help with information on academic integrity, referencing styles and many more study and research skills, such as note taking, group work and presentations.
You can find out the assessment type for your modules by looking at the module catalogue online.
- Undergraduate students module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate students module catalogue
The Module Managers will also provide you with more information at your first lecture.
Where can I find relevant career information for students?
The Careers Centre can provide you with relevant career information whether you are an undergraduate or taught postgraduate student. You can log in to the My Careers website using your University username and password.
Where can I find opportunities for work to develop my career?
The Careers Centre can help you find opportunities such as finding a job or work experience.The Leeds University Student Union (LUU) can also help with applying for volunteering opportunities.
I’m a returning student
What do I need to do before I arrive?
Before you arrive, you’ll need to register for the academic year.
You should have already enrolled on your optional and discovery modules during the summer. If you haven’t done so then please read about how to enrol on your modules.
You may also want to learn more about the School’s history as we recently celebrated our Diamond Jubilee! 75 years of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Leeds.
What does my induction timetable look like?
Returning students do not have an induction timetable. Instead you will be invited to a ‘Welcome Back’ meeting with the Director of Student Education and other academic leads. These sessions appear on your personal online timetable and will be conducted face-to-face on campus.
Will I be required to attend face to face sessions?
Yes, students will be returning to face-to-face sessions for tutorials, seminars and workshops etc.
How will I meet my academic personal tutor? How will academic personal tutoring work?
For Level 2 students
Your Personal Tutor will remain the same as last academic year (unless there have been staff changes which you will be informed about by email). Your academic personal tutor is there to support your general academic and personal development and will plan one-to-one meetings with you throughout the academic year. These may be in person or online, via Microsoft Teams.
Final Year students
Your Dissertation Tutor will also become your Personal Tutor. You will find out your new Personal Tutor prior to the start of the new term. You will have been sent an email outlining the details so please check your University email account.
Where can I go for support?
General enquiries
You can contact the School Student Education Service team via email SSPEnquiries@leeds.ac.uk regarding any aspect of Induction Week or your studies at the University.
Student Support
Wherever you’re from and whatever your circumstances and support needs, our expert team can work with you during your time in Leeds. Speak to the School’s Student Support Officer (email: SSPStudentSupport@leeds.ac.uk), if your studies are being affected. Further information can also be found on the University’s website.
Director of Student Education Dr Adegbola Ojo
You can expect staff to reply within 72 hours during busy times. Please remember that office hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm so you won’t receive a response outside of these times.
You can find your programme leaders listed under the relevant programme on the Programme Catalogue:
Where do I turn if I need extra academic support?
Your Academic Personal Tutor should be your first point of contact regarding extra academic support.
You can also find academic support via Skills@Library. They offer additional skills workshops to help you learn about and improve your academic writing.
How will I find out more about my programme?
You can find out more about your programme in the online Programme Catalogue
We are also holding a ‘Welcome Back’ event during Week 0 so you can speak to the Director of Student Education and other academic leads and find out more about the next level of your programme.
How will I get to know other students?
We hope that the School will be holding some ‘in person’ welcome back sessions throughout the term. Please check your emails for any updates on these events. If you haven’t already done so, we recommend that you join the Sociology and Criminology Society (CrimSoc) and take part in its events and activities throughout the academic year.
The Leeds University Union (LUU) also offers a wide range of clubs and societies which over every interest imaginable! Clubs and societies are the ultimate way to meet new friends and find your people, whilst finding new interests and building new skills. Join the Student Activities at LUU.
What welcome activities do you have planned to welcome me to?
You will be invited to a ‘Welcome Back’ meeting during Week 0 with the Director of Student Education and other academic leads. These sessions appear on your personal online timetable and will be conducted face-to-face on campus. You will also receive an email about this so please check your University email account for instructions.
We also hope that the School will be holding some further ‘in person’ welcome back sessions throughout the term. Please check your emails for any updates on these events.
Are there any specialist software or systems that I need for my programme and where do I find out information about it?
While you do not need any specialist software, it’s really useful for you to have your own PC or laptop so you can access all of the University’s resources and online learning programmes*.
These include:
- Minerva : A virtual learning environment where individual programme modules can be found by name or code number .
- Office 365 : Where you can access your email account and Microsoft Teams, as well as other MS Office programs. Teams is particularly useful to have, as it may be used during induction, teaching and personal tutor meetings. It can be downloaded as an app on your phone or tablet and can also be accessed on a web browser.
Where can I access resources for my degree?
You will be able to access a range of resources and learning materials for your degree via the university’s Virtual Learning Environment – Minerva. This is the main hub of your learning and you will be able to access everything from your weekly lecture recordings to guided study tasks, seminar briefings and specific readings. You will also be able to access a range of materials to support your learning through the university’s extensive library collections, which can be accessed on campus and through our online library. More information on the library services can be found online.
Do I need to provide my core reading texts?
You might not need to buy your own books as the library often has books/e-books/resources available.
Individual module reading lists can be found on the library website.
The Module Managers can also provide further information on any reading and books that are relevant to your studies. They will let you know about these at the first module lectures.
What facilities are available for my course, and how can I take advantage of them?
The School of Sociology and Social Policy has a student common room with 3 private workspace ‘pods’ which are available to students on a first-come-first-served basis.
There are also a number of study spaces available across the University. The University Library offers bookable study spaces which can be booked online.
The University has Computer Clusters available for students to access as study space.
What is the role of course representatives and how do I volunteer?
Course Reps work with staff in the school and the School Rep, and usually do the following:
- Collect feedback from students on their course through surveys or discussions.
- Attend meetings with staff and the School Rep to pass on the feedback and negotiate changes for students.
- Communicate the changes back to the students.
- Sit on other meetings to replace the School Rep when unavailable.
- Support the School Rep with campaigns, projects and events for the school.
Becoming a Course Rep is a brilliant opportunity to develop both your skills and your CV, and to make substantial change to the things that matter to you and your peers. If you are interested in volunteering as your Course Rep, you can find out more during first few weeks of teaching.
Are there any societies I can join for the School/programme?
Yes! We recommend that you join the Sociology and Criminology Society (CrimSoc) and take part in its events and activities throughout the academic year.
How does assessment work on my programme?
Each of your modules are assessed in a variety of different ways – essays, presentations, report writing, online quizzes etc.
In order to help you with the different types of assessment you’ll learn about academic skills throughout your first year modules. You can also find out more or attend workshops on academic skills through Skills@Library which can help with information on academic integrity, referencing styles and many more study and research skills, such as note taking, group work and presentations.
You can find out the assessment type for your modules by looking at the module catalogue online.
The Module Managers will also provide you with more information at your first lecture.
Where can I find relevant career information for students?
The Careers Centre can provide you with relevant career information whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student. You can log in to the My Careers website using your University username and password.
Where can I find opportunities for work to develop my career?
The Careers Centre can help you find opportunities such as finding a job or work experience. The Leeds University Student Union (LUU) can also help with applying for volunteering opportunities.