The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) can be used for many purposes, and in some cases, effectively provides an additional major. It requires you to do at least seven papers, of which at least four are at 300-level or above. The programme is designed for graduates and may be completed by full-time candidates in one year or by part-time candidates over more than one year. A DipGrad is a great way to retrain or to update existing qualifications. Many students also find it a convenient way to continue learning and that it is a useful bridge to postgraduate study. Sociology is the study of people, societies and social groups. The aim of sociology is to understand and explain aspects of social behaviour and relationships. Sociology encourages the critical analysis of people's participation in social processes and focuses attention on the dynamics of power, inequality, social divisions, and personal and cultural identity. There is an emphasis on the way in which these dynamics and social structures change over time. The subject matter of sociology traverses a broad range of topics including class, gender, and ethnicity; health, education and welfare; the media; politics; environmental issues; religion; social movements work; sport and leisure; and social policy. Papers Required Approved papers from those prescribed at 300-level for the major subject or endorsement requirements for the subject concerned and/or from those available at a higher level in the subject concerned. Of the 72 points required above 200-level for the programme, a minimum of 54 points shall be from papers for the subject concerned, but papers worth up to 72 points may be required for certain subjects. Other papers at 100- and/or 200-level in the subject concerned may also be required in some cases as a condition of endorsement. Structure of the Programme Every programme of study for the diploma shall consist of papers worth at least 120 points; include at least 72 points for papers at or above 300-level; include such other work as may be prescribed in particular cases. Students who have been granted credit for study elsewhere that has not been counted towards any other qualification may include up to 60 points for such credit in a programme. The credit may be at 100- or 200-level only, except in the case of students participating in the Student Exchange Programme, who may be credited with papers at 300-level or above.