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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Cradle to the Grave A (8700F)

Cradle to the Grave A: welfare and wellbeing across the lifecourse

Module 8700F

Module details for 2025/26.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 3 (sub-degree)

Module Outline

This module introduces students to key personal and academic development skills necessary for effective, active and independent study at undergraduate level in the social sciences, arts and humanities. It will particularly appeal to students who have an interest in childhood and youth studies, education, social work, wellbeing and social care but has broad relevance across the disciplines.

This module introduces students to social policy and welfare with a focus on how politically led objectives and agendas shape the everyday experiences and opportunities of people at each stage of the life course. Cradle to the Grave A focusses specifically on ways in which the development, safety and wellbeing of children, young people, individuals and families are shaped by historical, political, economic, and cultural forces. The module provides a background of social welfare provision and explores some of the implications of universal welfare and cradle to grave support in the UK towards a mixed economy of welfare. It asks students to consider the impact of such a change on societal values and wellbeing, taking different identity locations into account.

Academic study will be brought to life via students making life-history narrative based links between their lived experiences and the social policy contexts which shape those experiences. By exploring their experiences and those of previous and future generations, students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking in relation to the socio-economic and political landscape and the opportunities and limitations which arise.

Through reading texts and analysing media, students will enhance their reading skills, extend their vocabulary, critical and analytical skills. Through independent study, students will take personal responsibility for their learning. Through reflective writing and responding to directed tasks, students will develop their writing, reflection, discussion, group-work and presentation skills.

Full Module Description

This module introduces students to key personal and academic development skills necessary for effective, active and independent study at undergraduate level in the social sciences, arts and humanities. It will particularly appeal to students who have an interest in childhood and youth studies, education, social work, wellbeing and social care but has broad relevance across the disciplines.

This module introduces students to social policy and welfare with a focus on how politically led objectives and agendas shape the everyday experiences and opportunities of people at each stage of the life course. Cradle to the Grave A focusses specifically on ways in which the development, safety and wellbeing of children, young people, individuals and families are shaped by historical, political, economic, and cultural forces. The module provides a background of social welfare provision and explores some of the implications of universal welfare and cradle to grave support in the UK towards a mixed economy of welfare. It asks students to consider the impact of such a change on societal values and wellbeing, taking different identity locations into account.

Academic study will be brought to life via students making life-history narrative based links between their lived experiences and the social policy contexts which shape those experiences. By exploring their experiences and those of previous and future generations, students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking in relation to the socio-economic and political landscape and the opportunities and limitations which arise.

Through reading texts and analysing media, students will enhance their reading skills, extend their vocabulary, critical and analytical skills. Through independent study, students will take personal responsibility for their learning. Through reflective writing and responding to directed tasks, students will develop their writing, reflection, discussion, group-work and presentation skills.

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ways in which policy contexts shape the lives, education and wellbeing of children, young people, individuals and families.

Reflect on, discuss and write about their own experiences of childhood, education and family life, which have informed or challenged their opinions.

Construct informed positions and arguments and communicate these effectively through written and oral communication.

Work effectively in a team, taking account of different perspectives.

TypeTimingWeighting
Coursework100.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
LogT1 Week 8 25.00%
ReportA1 Week 2 75.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterSeminar2 hours11111111111
Autumn SemesterLecture1 hour11111111111

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Mr Chris Stocking

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Dr Polona Osojnik

Assess convenor
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Ms Laurie Owen

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Dr Emily Baker

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Dr May Nasrawy

Convenor, Assess convenor
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Dr Jill Kirby

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Prof Graeme Pedlingham

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Dr Katherine Kruger

Assess convenor
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Dr Chris Griffin

Assess convenor
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The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

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