Social Policy and Politics

Social Policy and Politics at the University of Kent is a dynamic and comprehensive undergraduate programme designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the social issues that shape contemporary society and the political processes that influence policy development. This programme combines interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from sociology, political science, and public policy to equip students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical knowledge necessary for tackling complex social challenges. Throughout the course, students will explore topics such as welfare systems, social justice, inequality, governance, and policy-making at local, national, and international levels. The curriculum features a mix of core modules and optional subjects, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests such as human rights, social work, public administration, or global development. Additionally, students will engage in research projects, case studies, and policy analysis, fostering their ability to critically evaluate existing policies and suggest innovative solutions. The programme also emphasizes employability and real-world experience, often providing opportunities for work placements, internships, and collaborative projects with external organizations. Studying Social Policy and Politics at Kent prepares graduates for diverse careers within government agencies, non-governmental organizations, international agencies, research institutions, and policy consultancies. The university’s vibrant academic community and excellent facilities support a stimulating learning environment, encouraging debates and discussions that challenge perspectives and promote active engagement with current social and political issues. With a focus on both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, this degree aims to empower students to become informed and effective policymakers, advocates, and social leaders committed to improving society. The programme is ideally suited for individuals passionate about making a positive impact on social justice and policy development, providing a solid foundation for further postgraduate study or professional careers in the social sciences.

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
Credits Total Kent credits: 360
Duration full-time 48 months Partnership Joint Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity 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:

EN333 - Romanticism

GE301 - Learning German 3 (Post A Level)

GE329 - Intensive Beginners German

GE331 - Learning German 2 (Post-GCSE German)

EN302 - Early Drama

EN331 - Readings in the Twentieth Century

EN332 - Writing America

GE330 - Beginners' Danish: Language & Culture

GE311 - Varieties of German Writing

GE312 - Images of Germany, 1945-1990

GE326 - Introduction to German Literature (in translation)

GE327 - German Pronunciation and Phonetics

GE328 - Post-1989 German Cinema

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

GE507 - Learning German 4

GE516 - German Post 'A' Level

EN694 - Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama

EN697 - Chaucer and Late Medieval English Literature

EN681 - Novelty, Enlightenment and Emancipation: 18th Century Literature

EN692 - Early Modern Literature 1500-1700

EN689 - Modernism

EN672 - Reading Victorian Literature

EN675 - Declaring Independence: 19th Century US Literature

EN677 - The Contemporary

EN695 - Empire, New Nations and Migration

GE566 - German Modernism

GE564 - Looking into German 2

GE580 - German Extended Essay

GE581 - Romanticism to Realism: Literature and Visual Culture

GE583 - Writing German - Applied Language Skills 1

GE584 - Order and Madness: Classical German Literature

GE586 - Medien und Öffentlichkeit

GE587 - Life After Modernism? An Introduction to Postmodernist Literature in Ge

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

You can spend a year studying in Europe, America, Canada or Hong Kong.

Possible modules may include:

LA514 - Year Abroad Module

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

GE503 - Learning German 5

EN696 - Empire, New Nations and Migration

EN678 - The Contemporary

EN673 - Reading Victorian Literature

EN682 - Novelty, Enlightenment and Emancipation: 18th Century Literature

EN690 - Modernism

EN684 - Clouds, Waves & Crows: Writing the Natural, 1800 to the Present

EN687 - Poetry and Crisis, from the First World War to Occupy

EN676 - Cross-Cultural Coming-of-Age Narratives

EN580 - Charles Dickens and Victorian England

EN583 - Postcolonial Writing

EN586 - Language and Place in Colonial and Postcolonial Poetry

EN588 - Innovation and Experiment in New York, 1945- 1995

EN604 - The Unknown: Reading and Writing

EN633 - Bodies of Evidence: Reading The Body In Eighteenth Century Literature

EN637 - Unruly Women and Other Insubordinates: the dramatic repertoire of the Q

EN655 - Places and Journeys

EN656 - Heroes and Exiles: An Introduction to Old English Poetry

EN657 - The Brontes in Context

EN658 - American Crime Fiction

EN660 - Writing Lives in Early Modern England: Diaries, Letters and Secret Selv

EN661 - The Stranger

EN666 - From Book to Blog: Geoffrey Chaucer and his Afterlives

EN668 - Discovery Space: New Theatres in Early Modern England

EN670 - Lyric, Ballad and Popular Song

EN700 - Metropolis: Writing and Spectacle in Early Modern London

GE588 - Life After Modernism? An Introduction to Postmodernist Literature in Ge

GE585 - Order and Madness: Classical German Literature

GE583 - Writing German - Applied Language Skills 1

GE582 - Romanticism to Realism: Literature and Visual Culture

GE564 - Looking into German 2

GE567 - German Modernism

GE506 - German Dissertation

GE500 - Advanced German Translation

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

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

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level: ABB including B in English Literature or English Language and Literature

• GCSE: C in a modern European language other than English

• Access to HE Diploma: The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma): The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• International Baccalaureate: 34 points overall or 16 points at HL including 4 at HL or 5 at SL in a modern European language other than English and HL English A1/A2/B at 5/6/6 OR English Literature A/English Language and Literature A (or Literature A/Language and Literature A of another country) at HL 5 or SL 6

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 Social Policy and Politics programme at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive understanding of the key issues, theories, and practices related to social policy and political processes. The course is designed to equip students with critical analysis skills and a broad knowledge base to understand the complexities of social services, welfare systems, and governmental structures both within the UK and internationally. It combines academic rigor with practical insights, preparing students for careers in policy analysis, public administration, advocacy, or further research.

Students will explore areas such as the development of social policies, the role of government and non-governmental organizations, issues related to inequality, social justice, and welfare provision. The programme emphasizes the relationship between politics and social policy, examining how political ideologies, political institutions, and public opinion influence policy decisions. Coursework typically includes lectures, seminars, and independent research, encouraging students to develop their critical thinking and research skills.

The curriculum includes modules on contemporary social issues, policy evaluation, political theory, and comparative politics, among others. Throughout the course, students will engage with real-world case studies, participate in debates, and undertake research projects to analyze and propose policy solutions. The University of Kent provides excellent resources, including access to research libraries and opportunities for internships or placements, to enhance learning and career prospects.

Graduates of the programme often pursue careers in the civil service, local government, NGOs, international organizations, or continue their studies with postgraduate research. The course is taught by experienced academics and practitioners who are experts in their respective fields, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education grounded in current academic research and practical application. Overall, the Social Policy and Politics programme prepares students to understand and influence the social and political landscapes of the contemporary world effectively.