Social Anthropology with a Year in Japan

Social Anthropology with a Year in Japan at the University of Kent offers students an immersive educational experience that combines a comprehensive study of human societies, cultures, and social behaviors with the unique opportunity to spend a year studying in Japan. This innovative program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of social structures, cultural diversity, and global issues, fostering critical thinking and intercultural competence. Throughout the course, students explore topics such as kinship, religion, politics, economic systems, and identity, using a range of qualitative and ethnographic research methods. The inclusion of a year abroad in Japan allows students to gain firsthand experience of Japanese society, language, and traditions, enhancing their intercultural awareness and employability in an increasingly interconnected world. The program emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage with local communities through projects, internships, and cultural activities. Students will develop analytical skills to compare and contrast different social paradigms, as well as practical skills in research, communication, and problem-solving. The Year in Japan component typically involves living and studying in a Japanese city, participating in language courses, and undertaking research or placement work tailored to individual interests. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in international development, government, NGOs, cultural consultancy, journalism, or further academic study. The University of Kent provides excellent support services, including dedicated academic advisers and language tutors, to ensure students maximize their learning and cultural experience. Whether you are passionate about understanding human societies or eager to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, this program offers a unique and rewarding pathway to a global career and lifelong perspective.

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:

LA304 - Learning Japanese 1A: An Introduction to Elementary Japanese

LA305 - Learning Japanese 1B: An Introduction to Upper Elementary Japanese

SE301 - Social Anthropology

SE302 - Foundations of Biological Anthropology

SE307 - Thinkers and Theories: An Introduction to theHistory and Development of

SE308 - Skills for Anthropology and Conservation

SE309 - Violence and Conflict in the Contemporary World

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

SE586 - Ethnographies 1

SE587 - Ethnographies 2

SE588 - Advanced Social Anthropology I

SE589 - Advanced Social Anthropology II

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

Spend a year between Stages 2 and 3 taking courses in Social Anthropology at a university in Japan (where the courses are taught in English). Students are required to have obtained a Stage 2 average of 60% or above, before commencing their year abroad.

Possible modules may include:

SE571 - Anthroplogy Year Abroad Mark One

SE572 - Anthropology Year Abroad Mark Two

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

SE596 - Theoretical Perspectives in Social Anthropology

SE597 - Theoretical Topics in Social Anthropology

SE547 - South East Asian Societies

SE591 - Southern Mediterranean Societies: Mashriq andMaghreb

SE592 - The Ethnography of Central Asian Societies

SE579 - The Anthropology of Amazonia

SE601 - European Societies

SE752 - Anthropology of Creativity

SE584 - The Anthropology of Business

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

SE573 - Ethnicity and Nationalism

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

SE593 - Evolution of Human Diversity

SE594 - Anthropology and Development

SE595 - Social Computing

SE549 - The Anthropology of Health, Illness and Medicine

SE550 - The Anthropology of Gender

SE551 - Anthropology and Language

SE552 - Culture and Cognition

SE554 - Visual Anthropology Theory

SE555 - Project in Visual Anthropology

SE556 - Social Sciences in the Classroom

SE565 - Sex Evolution and Human Nature

SE534 - Special Project in Social Anthropology

SE542 - Human Ecology

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

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: 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.

Social Anthropology with a Year in Japan at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive understanding of human societies, cultures, and behaviors through an internationally focused curriculum. The program combines core anthropological concepts with opportunities for immersive cultural experience in Japan, a country known for its rich traditions and modern innovations. Students engage in rigorous academic coursework covering topics such as kinship, religion, politics, economic systems, language, and identity, which provide a solid foundation for understanding social structures both locally and globally.

The year abroad in Japan is a distinctive feature of this program, allowing students to enhance their linguistic skills and cultural awareness by studying at a partner university in Japan. During this year, students experience everyday life and attend lectures that deepen their understanding of Japanese society, customs, and social issues. This international dimension fosters cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and global competence, which are highly valued in many careers worldwide.

Throughout the degree, students develop vital skills including ethnographic research, critical analysis, and effective communication. They participate in fieldwork projects, group discussions, and presentations, all designed to promote practical understanding and academic excellence. The program is supported by experienced faculty with expertise in social anthropology and Japanese studies, ensuring academic rigor and personalized guidance.

Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in international development, cultural consultancy, public policy, social research, or further academic study. The inclusion of a Year in Japan enhances employability by demonstrating bilingual proficiency, cross-cultural adaptability, and firsthand international experience. Overall, the program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world with cultural awareness and anthropological insight.