Psychology and Sociology

The BA in Psychology and Sociology at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive exploration of human behavior and social structures, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for understanding individuals and societies. This interdisciplinary programme combines core principles from psychology and sociology, enabling students to analyze psychological processes, social interactions, cultural phenomena, and societal challenges. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse range of topics including developmental psychology, social psychology, research methods, social inequality, cultural diversity, and contemporary social issues. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, data analysis, and research competence, preparing graduates for careers in areas such as mental health, social research, community development, public policy, marketing, and education. The programme emphasizes experiential learning through workshops, group projects, and placements, offering real-world insights into professional practice. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and extensive library resources to support their academic journey. The duration of the programme is typically three years, with options for incorporating work placements or studying abroad to enhance practical experience and cultural understanding. Faculty members are internationally recognized experts dedicated to providing personalized supervision and mentorship. By completing this programme, graduates will develop a nuanced understanding of human behavior in individual and societal contexts, alongside vital research and communication skills that are highly valued across various sectors. The University of Kent's supportive academic environment, combined with its focus on employability and global perspectives, ensures that students are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to society and embark on diverse professional pathways.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

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:

• SO337 - Fundamentals of Sociology
• SO408 - Sociological Theory: The Classics
• SP300 - Psychology Statistics and Practical
• SP301 - Introduction to Biological and General Psychology
• SP302 - Introduction to Social Psychology

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• SP638 - Study Skills for Stage 2 Psychology
• SP500 - Psychology Statistics and Practical

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

• SP600 - Psychology Project (Joint Hons)
• SO727 - Contemporary Sociological Theory
• SP528 - Child Development
• SP529 - Personality
• SP604 - Biological Psychology
• SP605 - Cognitive Psychology
• SP619 - The Social Psychology of Groups
• SP620 - The Social Psychology of the Individual
• SA503 - A Future for the Welfare State? Social Change, Challenge and Crisis
• SA519 - The Social Politics of Food
• SA525 - Education,Training and Social Policy
• SA531 - The Care and Protection of Children and Families
• SO505 - Sociology of Crime and Deviance
• SO506 - Popular Culture, Media and Society
• SO509 - Health, Illness and Medicine
• SO532 - Mental Health
• SO533 - Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
• SO534 - Violence and Society
• SO535 - Youth and Crime
• SO536 - Criminal Justice in Modern Britain:Development, Issues and Politics
• SO537 - Race and Racism
• SO538 - Childhood, Society and Children's Rights
• SO575 - Poverty, Inequality and Social Security
• SO594 - Terrorism and Modern Society
• SO595 - Reproductive Health Policy in Britain
• SO601 - Welfare in Modern Britain
• SO602 - Social Research Methods
• SO603 - Health and Health Policy
• SO645 - The Third Sector: Charities and Social Enterprises in Modern Societies
• SO657 - Digital Culture
• SO659 - Risk and Society
• SO668 - The Sociology of Work
• SO676 - Cultures of Embodiment
• SO678 - Caring for Vulnerable Adults: Understanding Social Care
• SO679 - Research Dissertation
• SO684 - Globalization and Development
• SO689 - Drugs, Culture and Control
• SO702 - Sociology and Social Politics of the Family
• SO709 - Modern Chinese Societies
• SO710 - War, Atrocity and Genocide
• SO712 - Urban Sociology

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

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

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.

• A level: AAB excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking

• GCSE: Mathematics grade C

• 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 with Mathematics 4 at HL or SL

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.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2013 financial support package includes a fee waiver and cash bursary, as well as additional funds on your Kent account to help with accommodation, food, books and other living costs. Find out more on our fees and funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created a new scholarship, The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages.

The Psychology and Sociology programmes at the University of Kent offer a comprehensive curriculum that explores the scientific study of mind and behavior alongside the societal structures and processes that influence human life. The Psychology component covers key areas such as cognitive processes, developmental psychology, social psychology, neuroscience, and research methods, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through laboratory work, research projects, and internships. The Sociology component investigates social institutions, cultural norms, social change, inequality, and global issues, fostering critical thinking and analytical abilities. Students are encouraged to examine contemporary social challenges through qualitative and quantitative research techniques, preparing them for diverse careers in research, policy, social services, and related fields. The degree programmes at Kent are designed with flexibility, offering options for interdisciplinary study and opportunities for placements or study abroad, enhancing understanding of the global context of psychological and sociological phenomena. The university's vibrant academic community, modern facilities, and dedicated faculty members support students throughout their academic journey, providing mentorship and guidance to achieve their career ambitions. By combining these two disciplines, students gain a well-rounded perspective on individual behaviors within societal contexts, which is valuable in a wide range of professional settings. The programmes prioritize critical thinking, ethical research practices, and effective communication, ensuring graduates are prepared for the complexities of the modern world. Overall, the courses aim to develop informed, reflective, and socially responsible individuals capable of contributing positively to their communities and beyond.