Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Drugs: Society, Politics and Policy
School	School of Social Policy
Department	Soc Policy, Sociology & Crimin
Module Code	08 31739
Module Lead	Samantha Weston
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module requires students to closely analyse key themes, concepts and theories relating to the control of illicit substances over space and time. It covers a range of overlapping topics, but has various general themes that tie them together. Particular reference is given to the nature of drug prohibition and the impact this has on society. Consequently, the module aims to: Consider in detail the historical and contemporary nature of domestic and international drug control and its impact on society from the local to the global Illustrate the extent and nature of drug use, availability and the harms caused by both drugs and drugs policy responses and to consider whether the latter are evidence-based and how, if at all, they can be improved Document how knowledge about illicit drugs is generated and how this impacts on the responses to this public issue and private problem.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module, students should be able to: Explain the main theoretical and policy perspectives relating to drug use and control Demonstrate an understanding from independent scholarship on the issues surrounding drug use and control through written and verbal means. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of UK and global policy responses to these issues Synthesise a range of evidence and data on the topic to relevant pieces of information from a body of knowledge and use these to address an issue in a novel way or to create something new
Assessment	31739-05 : Summative essay : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Reassessed via 4000 word coursework
Other
Reading List