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Short Guides

The Short Guides are an exciting series from Policy Press that provide high quality, concise introductions to key subjects in the social sciences.

They provide an essential overview for students at all levels and professionals new to the field in practice oriented subjects. Covering basic themes and concepts, and up-to-date key issues in each subject that are common modules on allied courses but not the main focus of study, they are ideal for courses at further education level and for continuing professional development.

The Short Guides appeal to students directly, particularly those that need a quick overview for one module or a pre-course introduction. They are also suitable for foundation or further education students who are thinking of studying the subject at degree level. Despite the books’ brevity, the coverage of each subject is comprehensive and reliable and provides a solid grounding for further study.

Key points

  • Concise introductions providing a broad overview of key concepts and topics
  • Accessibly written and jargon-free
  • Focused on subjects of study and practice in social sciences
  • Great authors with well-rounded knowledge of their subject area and proven teaching ability
  • Content based on general principles and therefore applicable internationally
  • Include illustrative tables, figures, highlighted key words, boxed text or case examples
  • Small in length and size – accessible and approachable
  • Competitively priced to appeal to individual purchase

 

Showing 1-12 of 15 items.

The Short Guide to Mental Health

This is a concise introduction to important concepts and debates in the field of mental health. Deirdre Heenan brings together different stakeholders’ perspectives to explore contemporary issues around the prevalence, cost and determinants of mental illness, and the responding attitudes and services, for a comprehensive and accessible primer.

Policy Press

The Short Guide to Town and Country Planning 2e

This fully updated short guide discusses the planning system, processes, legal constructs and approaches, taking into account the recent regulatory changes within the UK nations. It explores the interactions of government and society with the planning system, encouraging the reader to adopt a reflective and inquisitive outlook.

Policy Press

The Short Guide to International Development

By providing a succinct evaluation of competing approaches to, and perspectives on, the idea and practice of international development, this book offers students across the social sciences a distinct and invaluable introduction to the field.

Policy Press

The Short Guide to Community Development

The third edition of this long-established guide offers an invaluable, authoritative and concise introduction to community development. Fully updated to reflect changes in policy, practice, economics and culture it will equip readers with an understanding of the history and theory of community development, as well as practical guidance.

Policy Press

The Short Guide to Sociology

This illuminating book offers a fresh and contemporary guide to the field of sociology. By demonstrating the versatility of the sociological imagination, the authors reveal the ways in which thinking sociologically can help us understand the personal, social and structural changes going on in the world around us.

Policy Press

The Short Guide to Health and Social Care

This clear and succinct text offers a valuable introductory guide to health and social care, helping people who want to study or work in the field understand why these services matter, how they have developed and how they work.

Policy Press

The Short Guide to Town and Country Planning

This fully updated short guide discusses the planning system, processes, legal constructs and approaches, taking into account the recent regulatory changes within the UK nations. It explores the interactions of government and society with the planning system, encouraging the reader to adopt a reflective and inquisitive outlook.

Policy Press

The Short Guide to Criminal Justice

The Short Guide to Criminal Justice provides a comprehensive, yet concise, introduction to the criminal justice system in the United Kingdom. It includes many student-friendly features such as case study boxes, tables showing key facts and figures and links to data sources and further reading.

Policy Press

The Short Guide to Aging and Gerontology

This compact, focused guide is perfect for students and others new to the field of gerontology. Features include further reading for each chapter, a glossary of key terms, and tables that provide easy reference points.

Policy Press

The Short Guide to Social Policy

This fully updated edition of an essential introductory text offers a concise guide to the key structures and concepts in social policy and is designed to work in partnership with unique, innovative digital content that adds depth and provides a truly integrated way of learning.

Policy Press

The Short Guide to Urban Policy

This text makes sense of the multiple ways in which urban issues and problems have been addressed in different places at different times. From initiatives that focus on social tensions within the urban realm, to those which seek to develop cities as economic entities, it provides an accessible discussion and critique of some key approaches.

Policy Press

The Short Guide to Environmental Policy

An essential introduction for all those interested in how policies can address environmental problems, bringing together economic, sociological and social policy perspectives.

Policy Press