Social Anthropology with Italian

Program description:

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology with Italian at the University of Kent offers students a unique opportunity to explore the diverse cultures, societies, and social practices across the globe, with a special focus on Italian language, history, and culture. This interdisciplinary program combines rigorous anthropological training with comprehensive language instruction, enabling students to develop a deep understanding of social systems, belief structures, and human behavior within Italian and broader European contexts.

Throughout the course, students will engage with core anthropological theories and methods, acquiring skills in ethnographic research, critical analysis, and comparative perspectives. The Italian component enhances linguistic proficiency and cultural competence, allowing students to communicate effectively in Italian and access primary sources, literature, and media in their original language. The program is designed to foster intercultural awareness, analytical thinking, and practical research skills, preparing graduates for careers in international development, diplomacy, cultural consultancy, academia, and more.

Students will benefit from the university’s vibrant academic community, expert faculty, and access to extensive resources, including archives and fieldwork opportunities both within the UK and abroad. The program emphasizes active learning through seminars, workshops, field trips, and dissertation projects, encouraging students to apply anthropological and linguistic knowledge to real-world issues.

In a globalized world, understanding social dynamics and linguistic diversity is increasingly vital. This program not only offers a solid foundation in social anthropology and Italian studies but also promotes cross-cultural understanding and critical engagement with contemporary social challenges. Graduates will be equipped with the analytical tools and cultural competencies to thrive in diverse international environments, making a meaningful contribution to society and their chosen careers.

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:

SE301 - Social Anthropology

SE302 - Foundations of Biological Anthropology

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

IT301 - Learning Italian - Beginners

IT308 - Learning Italian 3 (Post A Level)

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

IT508 - Learning Italian 2 (Intermediate)

IT563 - Learning Italian 4 *Advanced)

Year abroad

You spend a year between Stages 2 and 3 taking courses in Social Anthropology at a university in Italy (where the courses are taught in Italian).

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

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 including Italian grade B, excluding General Studies/Critical Thinking

• 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 Italian A1/A2/B at 4/5/5 HL or 5/6/6 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.

Social Anthropology with Italian at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive and immersive educational experience that combines the study of human societies, cultures, and social norms with the learning of the Italian language and culture. This program is designed for students who are interested in understanding the diversity of human social life and wish to gain linguistic proficiency in Italian, one of the world's most widely spoken languages and a language of significant cultural, political, and economic importance.

Throughout the course, students explore key themes such as kinship, religion, politics, migration, identity, and globalization through a variety of anthropological theories and ethnographic case studies. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethnographic research skills, and cross-cultural understanding, enabling students to analyze complex social phenomena from multiple perspectives. Simultaneously, students develop their Italian language skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, aiming for high proficiency by the end of the program.

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical language classes. It encourages experiential learning, including opportunities for fieldwork, which allow students to apply anthropological and linguistic skills in real-world contexts. Students are also encouraged to participate in study abroad exchanges or placements in Italy, further enhancing their intercultural competence and language proficiency.

Graduate prospects for students completing this joint degree include careers in diplomatic service, international NGOs, cultural consultancy, journalism, academic research, and other fields requiring cross-cultural communication skills and linguistic expertise. The program benefits from the university’s strong links with cultural and linguistic institutions and its location in Canterbury, which provides a vibrant environment for language learning and cultural engagement.

Admissions requirements typically include a good academic record, and proficiency in English is necessary. No prior knowledge of Italian is required to begin the program, as language study is integrated into the curriculum. The program is suitable for students who are passionate about anthropology, languages, and intercultural dialogue, and who wish to pursue careers that require a nuanced understanding of global social issues and effective communication across cultures.

In summary, the Social Anthropology with Italian program at the University of Kent offers an interdisciplinary approach combining social sciences and language studies, preparing students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a globalized world. The program’s diverse modules, practical focus, and international opportunities make it an attractive choice for students interested in exploring human diversity through both an anthropological and linguistic lens.