Cardiff School of Social Sciences is a large School with over 160 staff and a thousand undergraduate and postgraduate students. The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise rated almost all of its research to be of an international standard with 55% of it either "world leading" or "internationally excellent". This rating, together with the size of the School, places it amongst the top five centres in the UK.
Postgraduate study
The School offers long established (over 30 years) University-based Teacher Training courses in Post-Compulsory Education & Training. The courses cover and provide for teaching in further, adult and nursing education, as well as vocational training in industry, commerce and other professions, where the demand for qualified teachers continues to be high. The PGCE (PCET) Programmes address a range of teaching subjects and vocations areas.
The PGCE (PCET) scheme provides students with an opportunity to review educational debates, investigate issues about learning and teaching and develop the higher level analytic and empirical skills. Each course programme provides substantive learning and practical opportunities for professional practice and training for those wishing to become teachers/trainers and for those who are already in service.
Research
The School is one of the largest centres of social science research in the UK, with over half of all its research activity rated as either "world leading" or "internationally excellent" in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. The School was ranked by the RAE at the top of UK universities for ‘Research Power'. This is a measure which combines research excellence and research capacity.
This is a remarkable achievement, indicating a critical mass of active world class scholars across our large inter-disciplinary School.
Since its creation in 2000, the School has attracted over £18 million of research funds for projects that range across questions of genetics and society; ethics and public health; science and expertise; culture and the human subject; childhood and intimacy; educational change and policy reform; the learning society; employability and the labour market; the global economy; state, labour and corporate change; local regeneration; international crime; and local police practice.
Facilities
Information Services
The Information Services Division is responsible for all computing and library facilities provided for Cardiff University. These facilities, including a dozen libraries and various open-access computer rooms, are available to all staff and students.
Libraries
The Arts and Social Studies Library (ASSL) is the principal library providing materials and services for the School of Social Sciences but other libraries are also important for collections of interest to particular threads in the School's activities. It provides an interlibrary loan service for material not held in the Cardiff area. It is open every day during semester and provides Saturday and late evening opening for much of the recess periods, with a staffed information desk and full access to borrowing and other facilities.
At the beginning of each academic year students receive a library induction and information skills sessions by their dedicated Subject Librarian to enable them to use fully and effectively the facilities and resources provided. Students are also encouraged to contact the Subject Librarian with individual queries. The Subject Librarian's contact details can be found online at: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/insrv/libraries/contacts/haerkoenen-overview_new.html.
A full list of all Cardiff University's databases can be found at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/insrv/eresources/databases/index.html.
Computing Facilities
The Cardiff University network provides a wide range of networked applications and resources, such as Microsoft Office. All staff and students are provided with a personal computing account for access to these computing facilities, including email and the internet. Computer work-stations are provided in all libraries and in dedicated computer rooms throughout the campus, some with 24-hour availability. The School of Social Sciences also has its own computer room. ASSL has an IT support assistant on duty throughout opening hours. A full-staffed Graphics Services Section provides, in addition to basic photocopying, facilities for bulk and colour copying and image scanning, we well as a stationery and fax service.
Careers Advice & Options
The Careers Service is available to help all students, postgraduates and graduates of Cardiff University. You can have:
- absolutely no idea what you want to do
- a fair idea what you want to do, but no idea how to do it
- help devising a strategy
- help with CVs, and application forms or interview technique
- any other careers related needs
We can offer a range of services to cater for all career needs.
Student Support
Our two purpose designed Centres are conveniently located at 50 Park Place and Cardigan House on the Heath Park site. Our services are confidential, impartial and non-judgemental. We are open from 9.30 - 4.30 weekdays. You can find out more about what we do through the link below:
