Subject sessions

For each subject, there will be a theme for the week. You will explore this theme through different sessions and activities.

These sessions are a great way to find out what studying a subject at university is like. You will meet academic staff, explore a subject in depth and meet others with the same interests.

The following subjects have been confirmed:

• Business
• Criminology and Sociology
• English Literature and Creative Writing
• Geography
• Health
• Performance

If you have any questions about Discover YSJ, email our Widening Participation team at wp@yorksj.ac.uk.

Business

Theme: Pitching a Business in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses work, and the opportunities it creates. Working in teams, you’ll develop and pitch your own AI-powered business idea, finding out what it takes to turn an idea into a realistic and compelling business proposal.

Along the way, you’ll explore how AI is already being used across different industries and think about where it could go next. You will also consider important challenges that come with AI, including data privacy, job transformation, bias and public trust, and reflect on how your idea can respond to these issues.

You will hear from and work with experts in areas such as marketing, economics, tourism and business strategy, who will support you to shape your idea into something strong, clear and commercially realistic.

At the end of the strand, your team will present a business pitch, drawing on the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout the course of the programme. This experience is designed to give you a real sense of what studying at university is like, while supporting you to explore your interests in business, technology and entrepreneurship.

Criminology and Sociology

Theme: Crime, Deviance, and Inequalities

How does society define right and wrong, and what happens when those boundaries are crossed? Explore key questions linked to crime, deviance and social structures, such as what defines criminal behaviour and how society responds to it. You will examine the impact of crime on victims, family members and the wider community, and also reflect on the effectiveness of the different responses to criminal and/or deviant actions.

Through interactive discussion, you will explore social inequalities and investigate how they shape individuals’ experiences within society and their interactions with the criminal justice system. You will also have the opportunity to conduct a piece of independent research into a criminological and/or sociological topic of your choice, linked to the themes of the week.

English Literature and Creative Writing

Theme: Why Do Words Matter?

Are you passionate about the power, beauty and importance of words? A degree in English Literature, Creative Writing, or both, might be for you! Join us to explore, interrogate and play with literary language in different ways.  

Our Creative Writing workshops will introduce you to exciting writing techniques. Discover new ways to find stories and images, develop your unique style and produce writing that transforms your readers’ understanding of the world. Experiment with these techniques to begin writing your own poetry or prose.  

In Literature sessions you will read and discuss short pieces of compelling writing to hone your powers of close analysis and reveal the rich and multiple meanings of literary language.

The Creative Writing and Literature teaching teams would love to share their passion for the very related activities of reading and writing with you. Come along and let us convince you why words matter.

Geography

Theme: Spaces That Matter: Understanding Our World Through Everyday Places

Geography is all around us, part of how we live and make sense of our lives. During your time with us, you will have the opportunity to explore core geographical themes such as space, place and environment in the context of living, working and studying in the everyday surroundings of the city.    

This could include, for example:    

• Considering how we manage the relationship between cities and river processes and ecologies;     
• Investigating how places can both shape and reflect human relations with animals;
• Examining the politics of cultural identity in public spaces.     

These sessions will support you to develop new ways of seeing and interpreting the world around you.

Health

Theme: Exploring Healthcare Horizons 

Step into the vibrant world of healthcare education and medical research at York St John University, where you will delve into the diverse realms of Biomedical Science and Nursing. Gain hands-on exposure with these healthcare professions. Learn from experts in the field, explore our cutting-edge facilities, and envision your future as a health professional. Discover hidden talents, cultivate resilience, and ignite your passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

Through interactive activities and discussions, you will develop an understanding of the interconnectedness of healthcare disciplines and the paramount importance of patient-centred care. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a fulfilling career where your skills could truly change lives.

Performance

Theme: TBC

Experience an interactive and engaging introduction to studying Performance at York St John University. Drawing on a range of our Performance courses, this strand will include a mixture of practical workshops and course tasters designed to give you a feel for different approaches to performance and creative practice.

Whether you are interested in acting, theatre-making, or related disciplines, you will have the opportunity to explore new skills, build confidence and collaborate with others in a supportive and creative environment. Further details about the specific subject areas included in this strand will be confirmed soon.