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The Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Social Anthropology at the University of Kent offers students a unique interdisciplinary education that explores the complex relationship between legal systems and social structures across different cultures and societies. This programme is designed for individuals interested in understanding how laws shape social behavior, influence cultural identities, and are in turn molded by societal norms and values. Throughout the course, students will examine a wide range of topics, including human rights, criminal justice, legal pluralism, political institutions, kinship systems, and cultural practices. The curriculum combines theoretical perspectives with practical insights, enabling students to critically analyze legal issues through anthropological methods and vice versa.
The programme provides a robust foundation in legal principles, complemented by the social scientific approach of anthropology, fostering a comprehensive understanding of social dynamics. Students learn about the historical development of legal systems around the world, with particular attention to colonial legacies, indigenous law, and contemporary legal reforms. The course emphasizes research skills, critical thinking, and effective communication, preparing graduates for careers in legal practice, policy development, international organizations, NGOs, and further academic study.
Throughout their studies, students will benefit from access to diverse learning methods, including lectures, seminars, case studies, and fieldwork opportunities. The programme also encourages engagement with real-world issues through guest lectures, work placements, and collaborative projects. The university’s vibrant research community provides an intellectually stimulating environment where students can explore their interests in depth, supported by expert academics in both law and social anthropology.
Graduates of this programme will be equipped with a unique interdisciplinary perspective, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of how law interacts with social and cultural factors. This prepares them to contribute effectively to discussions on social justice, legal reform, and cross-cultural understanding in a variety of professional contexts. Whether pursuing further study or entering the workforce, students will leave with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and address complex social issues through the lens of both law and anthropology.
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 36 months Partnership Joint Languages Take an IELTS test
- English
Course Content
Currently there is no course structure information available for this programme.
Law
Kent has an excellent employment record, with Law School graduates demanding some of the highest starting salaries in the UK. Law graduates can go into a variety of careers, including working as: solicitors or barristers in private practice; lawyers in companies, local authorities, central government and its agencies, or in the institutions of the European Union; non-legal careers, such as banking, finance and management.
Kent Law School has an active careers programme that sees a number of leading law firms and prominent members of the legal profession (including Kent alumni) visit the University to meet and speak with students. The Law School also gives students the opportunity to develop legal skills while at Kent, through modules in mooting and negotiation, and through involvement in the Law Clinic. We also actively work with employers to create work placement opportunities for our students.
Social Anthropology
Studying social anthropology gives you an exciting range of career opportunities. We work with you to help direct your module choices to the career paths you are considering. Through your studies you learn how to work independently, to analyse complex data and to present your work with clarity and flair.
Our recent graduates have gone into areas such as overseas development and aid work, further research in social anthropology, social sciences research, media research or production (TV and radio), journalism, advertising, social work, education, international consultancy and work with community groups.
Professional recognition
This programme can lead to a Qualifying Law Degree, which exempts you from the first stage of professional examinations required for qualification as a solicitor or as a barrister by the English Law Society and Bar Council.
English Language Requirements
IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 75(Grade B)
To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to
take an IELTS test.Requirements
Home/EU students
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 requirementA level:AAA/AAB
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 17 points at HL
International students
The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.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 Law and Social Anthropology programme at the University of Kent offers students a unique interdisciplinary education that combines the study of legal systems, principles, and institutions with an in-depth exploration of social and cultural practices across different societies. This programme is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of how law functions within diverse social contexts and how cultural norms influence legal processes and vice versa. The programme integrates theoretical perspectives with practical applications, enabling students to analyze contemporary issues such as human rights, social justice, governance, and legal reform from multiple angles. Students will gain critical skills in researching, argumentation, and comparative analysis, preparing them for careers in legal practice, policy-making, international organizations, or further academic study. The curriculum includes modules covering aspects of criminal law, constitutional law, human rights law, as well as anthropological topics like kinship, religious beliefs, economic practices, and social change. The Faculty of Social Sciences at Kent provides excellent learning resources, including access to ethnographic archives, law clinics, and fieldwork opportunities, enhancing theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The programme encourages international perspectives and cross-cultural understanding, fostering an international outlook crucial in today’s globalized world. Graduates of this programme often pursue careers in law, social research, NGOs, governmental agencies, or academia. The University of Kent supports a vibrant student community, offering various extracurricular activities, guest lectures, conferences, and internships to enrich the learning experience. The combination of law and social anthropology provides flexible career pathways and the analytical skills necessary to understand and influence complex social and legal issues worldwide.