Social Anthropology and Social Policy

The BSc Social Anthropology and Social Policy at the University of Kent offers students an engaging and comprehensive exploration of human societies, cultures, and the policies that shape social life. This interdisciplinary programme provides a unique opportunity to understand the complexities of social behavior, cultural diversity, and the development of social policies across different contexts. Throughout the course, students will examine topics such as kinship, religion, migration, identity, inequality, and social justice, gaining a rich understanding of the diverse ways societies operate and evolve. The programme integrates theoretical frameworks with practical research skills, enabling students to critically analyse social issues and contribute to meaningful change. Students will benefit from a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and fieldwork, fostering analytical thinking, ethnographic research methods, and policy analysis skills. The curriculum is designed to promote critical engagement with contemporary social challenges, preparing graduates for careers in policy-making, research, NGOs, international organizations, and community development. The programme emphasizes a global perspective, encouraging students to compare and contrast social phenomena across different regions and cultures. With access to excellent research facilities and expert faculty members, students are supported throughout their academic journey to develop academically rigorous and socially informed perspectives. The interdisciplinary approach ensures that graduates will leave equipped with a deep understanding of social structures and the skills necessary to influence policy and practice in a variety of sectors. Whether students are interested in pursuing further academic study or entering the workforce, this programme provides a solid foundation in understanding human societies from both an anthropological and policy-oriented viewpoint.

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

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

SA300 - Social Problems and Social Policy I: Youth,The family and the State

SA301 - Social Problems and Social Policy II: The Market, The Family and the St

SE301 - Social Anthropology

SE302 - Foundations of Biological Anthropology

SO336 - Sociology of Everyday Life

SO337 - Fundamentals of Sociology

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

SE586 - Ethnographies 1

SE587 - Ethnographies 2

SE588 - Advanced Social Anthropology I

SE589 - Advanced Social Anthropology II

SO601 - Welfare in Modern Britain

SO602 - Social Research Methods

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

SE591 - Southern Mediterranean Societies: Mashriq andMaghreb

SE592 - The Ethnography of Central Asian Societies

SE601 - European Societies

SE547 - South East Asian Societies

SE579 - The Anthropology of Amazonia

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

SO509 - Health, Illness and Medicine

SO532 - Mental Health

SO538 - Childhood, Society and Children's Rights

SO575 - Poverty, Inequality and Social Security

SO595 - Reproductive Health Policy in Britain

SO602 - Social Research Methods

SO603 - Health and Health Policy

SO645 - The Third Sector: Charities and Social Enterprises in Modern Societies

SO668 - The Sociology of Work

SO670 - Kent Student Certificate for Volunteering, Platinum Award

SO678 - Caring for Vulnerable Adults: Understanding Social Care

SO679 - Research Dissertation

SO702 - Sociology and Social Politics of the Family

SO712 - Urban Sociology

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

• 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

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 Anthropology and Social Policy programme at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive understanding of human societies, cultural practices, social institutions, and policy issues affecting contemporary communities. This interdisciplinary course combines theoretical approaches from social anthropology with practical insights into social policy, enabling students to critically analyse social issues and develop informed solutions. Throughout the programme, students explore topics such as identity, kinship, religion, economic systems, health, and welfare policies, gaining a broad perspective on how societal factors influence individual and collective wellbeing.

The course is designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and practical application, preparing graduates for careers in areas including social work, public policy, community development, international development, and research. Students have opportunities to undertake fieldwork, engage with community projects, and participate in various workshops and seminars led by experts in the field. The programme emphasizes current social challenges, including inequality, migration, and social justice, equipping students with the knowledge to participate actively in policy debates and societal reforms.

Offered at the University of Kent's Canterbury campus, the programme benefits from strong links with local and national organizations, providing students with valuable networking and placement opportunities. The teaching team comprises experienced academics and practitioners dedicated to delivering a supportive learning environment. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect developments in social anthropology and policy research, ensuring students receive relevant and up-to-date education.

Graduates of the programme are well-equipped with analytical, research, and communication skills that are highly valued by employers in the public, private, and third sectors. The programme typically includes modules such as Introduction to Social Anthropology, Social Policy Analysis, Research Methods, Globalisation and Society, Health and Social Care, and Human Rights. Students can customize their learning experience through optional modules aligned with their interests. Overall, the programme aims to produce graduates who are culturally sensitive, socially aware, and capable of contributing positively to society through informed policy and social practice.