Cultural Studies and Social Anthropology

The BA in Cultural Studies and Social Anthropology at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive understanding of human societies, cultures, and social structures from both contemporary and historical perspectives. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to explore the rich diversity of cultural expressions across the globe, examining how communities interpret their worlds, create identities, and interact within complex social environments. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and empirical research methods, students delve into topics such as identity politics, globalization, migration, ethnicity, religion, and social change. The programme encourages critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to assess cultural dynamics and their impact on social development. Students will engage with a variety of ethnographic case studies, participate in fieldwork opportunities, and develop their own research projects, fostering practical skills in data collection and analysis. The curriculum includes modules on anthropological theories, cultural history, media and communication, and contemporary social issues, providing a well-rounded academic experience that bridges theory and practice. The programme also emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse cultural contexts and promotes cross-cultural sensitivity, preparing graduates for careers in international organizations, policy development, NGOs, education, media, and research. With access to a vibrant academic community and extensive resources, students benefit from expert teaching staff, innovative teaching methods, and opportunities for international exchange. The University of Kent’s strong emphasis on employability ensures that graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and intercultural competence necessary for successful careers in a globalized world. Overall, the BA in Cultural Studies and Social Anthropology offers an engaging, in-depth exploration of human diversity and social processes, fostering critical awareness and cultural intelligence that are essential in today’s interconnected world.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Duration full-time 36 months Partnership Joint Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible Part-time variant Flexible More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

SE301 - Social Anthropology

SE302 - Foundations of Biological Anthropology

SO334 - Modern Culture

SO335 - Contemporary Culture

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

SE586 - Ethnographies 1

SO506 - Popular Culture, Media and Society

SE587 - Ethnographies 2

SE588 - Advanced Social Anthropology I

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

SE554 - Visual Anthropology Theory

SE555 - Project in Visual Anthropology

SO657 - Digital Culture

SO676 - Cultures of Embodiment

SE556 - Social Sciences in the Classroom

SE565 - Sex Evolution and Human Nature

SE573 - Ethnicity and Nationalism

SE575 - Medicinal Plants: Home Remedy, Pharmaceutical, Illicit Drug

SE584 - The Anthropology of Business

SE585 - From the Raw to the Cooked: The Anthropology of Eating

SE534 - Special Project in Social Anthropology

SE542 - Human Ecology

SE549 - The Anthropology of Health, Illness and Medicine

SE550 - The Anthropology of Gender

SE551 - Anthropology and Language

SE552 - Culture and Cognition

SE593 - Evolution of Human Diversity

SE594 - Anthropology and Development

SE595 - Social Computing

SE752 - Anthropology of Creativity

SO505 - Sociology of Crime and Deviance

SO659 - Risk and Society

SO668 - The Sociology of Work

SO525 - Environmental Politics

SO533 - Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice

SO534 - Violence and Society

SO535 - Youth and Crime

SO537 - Race and Racism

SO539 - Environmental Policy and Practice

SO594 - Terrorism and Modern Society

SO605 - Crime , Media and Culture

CP518 - The Book and the Film: Adaptation and Interpretation

CP527 - Medieval Literature and Culture

CP530 - Marriage, Adultery and Divorce in 19th Century Fiction

CP609 - Modernism and the European Avant-Garde

CP611 - Postmodernism

CP624 - The Shoah in Literature, Film and Culture

CP627 - Science Fiction: History and Innovation

CP629 - Second Thoughts: Women Novelists from Bronte to Jelinek

CP636 - European Realism

CP642 - The Epic: From Homer to Walcott

CP644 - Creatures of the Night: Vampires in Literature and Film

CP646 - Prize Winners

CP647 - Prize Winners

CP650 - Decadence in Fin-de-Siecle Europe

CP652 - Postcolonial Images of Africa and South Asia

CP653 - Comparative Literature and English & Linguistics in the Classroom

CP656 - Shakespeare's Afterlives

CP658 - Nordic Literature and Film

FR593 - Paris: Myth and Reality in the 19th century

FR594 - Paris: Myth and Reality in the 20th century

HA573 - Print Collecting and Curating

HA587 - Against Realism: Varieties of Photograhic Pictorialism

HA591 - Dialogues: Art History in a Global Context

HA595 - Visual Arts Writing

HA649 - Exposed: The Aesthetics of the Body, Sexuality and Erotic Art

HA653 - Exposed: The Aesthetics of The Body, Sexuality and Erotic Art

HA660 - Dialogues; Art History in a Global Context

HA669 - Study of a Single Artist

HA670 - Study of a Single Artist

HA681 - Pixelated World: The Digital Revolution

HA682 - Pixelated World: The Digital Revolution

HA683 - Against Realism: Varieties of Photographic Pictorialism

HA684 - Genius: Perspectives on Artistic Creation

HA685 - Genius: Perspectives on Artistic Creation

HA686 - Thinking about the Arts

HA687 - Thinking about the Arts

HA688 - Painting in Central Italy 1440 - 1520

HA689 - Painting in Central Italy 1440 - 1520

PL526 - Aesthetics

PL610 - Aesthetics

SA503 - A Future for the Welfare State? Social Change, Challenge and Crisis

SA519 - The Social Politics of Food

SO683 - Cultural Studies Research Dissertation

SO684 - Globalization and Development

SO689 - Drugs, Culture and Control

SO709 - Modern Chinese Societies

SO710 - War, Atrocity and Genocide

SO712 - Urban Sociology

TH570 - I:Religion and Film

TH574 - H:Religion and Film

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 75(Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test : 85

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Offer levels

A level ABB, IB Diploma 33 points or IB Diploma with 16 points at Higher.

For joint honours with Modern Languages and VV59: A/AS level 320 points (3 A level equivalents) inc BB at A level, IB diploma 33 points or IB Diploma with 16 points at Higher.

The Department is committed to widening participation and has a successful tradition of admitting mature students. We welcome applications from students on accredited Access courses.

Tariffs

• A-level: ABB / pts
• IB Higher: 15
• IB Overall: 33

English language entry requirements

In order to enter directly onto a degree course. you also need to prove your proficiency in English, and we ask for one of the following:

• average 6.5 in IELTS test, minimum 6.0 in reading and writing
• a TOEFL score of at least 580 including 4.0 reading and writing (paper-based test) or 85 including 19 reading and writing (internet-based test)
• grade C in Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
• grade B in Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English
• international GCSE English as a first language grade C; as a second language grade B.

We also accept some school English certificates.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

The Cultural Studies and Social Anthropology program at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive exploration of human societies, cultures, and social behaviors. This interdisciplinary course combines critical approaches from sociology, anthropology, media studies, and cultural theory to provide students with a nuanced understanding of contemporary and historical cultural phenomena. The program is designed to develop analytical skills, cultural awareness, and a deep understanding of social structures and practices across different regions and communities.

Students engage with a diverse curriculum that covers topics such as identity, power, globalization, migration, ethnicity, and media representations. The program emphasizes qualitative research methods, encouraging students to undertake fieldwork, interviews, and ethnographies to gain practical experience in social research. The degree aims to prepare graduates for careers in cultural consultancy, social research, community development, media, education, and international organizations.

The program is delivered by experienced academics who are active researchers in their fields, ensuring that teaching reflects current debates and latest research findings. Students benefit from the university’s strong links with cultural institutions, NGOs, and international organizations, which often leads to internships and collaborative projects. The program includes a variety of assessment methods, such as essays, presentations, group projects, and a dissertation, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding and research skills effectively.

Facilities at the University of Kent support learning through dedicated social science labs, a well-stocked library, and access to digital resources. The university fosters a global perspective, encouraging students to consider cultural issues in a cross-cultural context. Graduates from the program are well-equipped with critical thinking, research skills, and cultural awareness, allowing them to thrive in diverse professional environments related to social and cultural analysis.

Entry requirements typically include a good high school diploma or equivalent, with an emphasis on humanities or social sciences subjects. The program often welcomes students from diverse educational backgrounds, and there are support services to assist international students with language and cultural adaptation. Overall, the Cultural Studies and Social Anthropology program offers a rich, engaging, and interdisciplinarily rigorous education designed to produce insightful, socially conscious graduates ready to address cultural and social challenges globally.