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Overview of the Social Sciences Degree Programme at the University of Kent
The Social Sciences program at the University of Kent is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary course designed to explore the complex and multifaceted nature of human society. This degree offers students the opportunity to engage with a broad range of disciplines, including sociology, politics, anthropology, human geography, and international relations, providing a well-rounded understanding of social structures, cultural dynamics, and global issues. The programme aims to develop students’ critical thinking, analytical skills, and research capabilities, preparing them for diverse careers in public policy, education, consultancy, international development, and beyond.
Throughout the course, students will study core modules that cover fundamental concepts in social sciences, alongside optional modules that allow for specialization in areas such as social policy, globalization, environmental sociology, or political ideologies. The programme emphasizes practical skills development through research projects, group work, and case studies, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. Additionally, the university provides various opportunities for experiential learning, including internships, field trips, and collaborative projects with community organizations or businesses.
The teaching methods incorporate lectures, seminars, workshops, and digital learning resources, all delivered by experienced academic staff who are active researchers in their respective fields. The programme also encourages critical engagement with contemporary social issues, fostering an awareness of ethical and cultural considerations. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, exams, and research dissertations, designed to evaluate students’ understanding and ability to synthesize complex ideas.
Students at the University of Kent benefit from a vibrant academic community situated in the historic city of Canterbury, with access to extensive library resources, research centers, and networking events. The programme is suitable for students interested in understanding societal challenges and seeking to make a positive impact through careers in social policy, advocacy, research, or public service. Graduates will gain a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that can be further developed through postgraduate studies or entry into a wide range of professional fields related to social sciences. The course aims to inspire inquisitive, critically-minded individuals committed to understanding and transforming society.
Detailed Course Facts
Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee- GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
- GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)
Credits 360
Duration full-time 36 months Partnership Joint Languages Take an IELTS test
- 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:
PO326 - Introduction to Political Science
PO327 - Introduction to Comparative Politics
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
SO336 - Sociology of Everyday Life
SO337 - Fundamentals of Sociology
You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage
Stage 2
Possible modules may include:
SO601 - Welfare in Modern Britain
PO657 - Political Research and Analysis
PO661 - Comparative Politics: Dictatorship and Democracy
Stage 3
Possible modules may include:
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
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
SO509 - Health, Illness and Medicine
SO525 - Environmental Politics
SO532 - Mental Health
SO538 - Childhood, Society and Children's Rights
SO539 - Environmental Policy and Practice
SO575 - Poverty, Inequality and Social Security
SO595 - Reproductive Health Policy in Britain
PO658 - The Rise of China
PO659 - Resistance, Suffering and Leadership
PO660 - International Conflict and Cooperation
PO662 - The International Politics of Global Climate Change
PO664 - Conflict Analysis and Northern Ireland: History, Politics & Culture
PO665 - Advanced Topics in Politics and International Relation
PO666 - Religion and International Politics
PO667 - War and Peace in International Society
PO668 - International Political Economy
PO669 - Conservatism: Politics and International Relations of the Right
PO671 - International Security
PO672 - Advanced Analysis of British Politics
PO555 - International Organisation: The UN System
PO557 - Japan in the World
PO558 - The Contemporary Politics of Japan
PO559 - Ethics in International Relations
PO563 - Foreign Policy Analysis and Management
PO566 - Europe and the World
PO579 - Post Communist Russia
PO590 - Specialist Dissertation (2 units)
PO592 - Rights, Freedoms and Individualism:Contemporary Liberalism in Question
PO593 - Engendering Politics:Feminist Contributions to Political Theory
PO597 - Governance & Politics of Contemporary China
PO599 - European Security Co-operation since 1945
PO607 - Comparative European Politics
PO611 - Politics of the European Union
PO612 - Policy-making in the EU
PO616 - The Politics of Trust (in the USA)
PO617 - Contemporary Politics and Government in the United States
PO618 - East European Politics
PO623 - Modern Political Thought
PO629 - Terrorism and Political Violence
PO630 - Politics of The Middle East
PO634 - Understanding US Foreign Policy: War, Trans- formation and Terror
PO636 - Conflict and Security in Africa
PO638 - Political Behaviour in Britain
PO639 - Humanitarian Communication
PO645 - Market States and Post Democracy
PO646 - Presidents, Parliaments and Democracy
PO652 - Politics in the Classroom
PO653 - Marxism
PO654 - Politics of Deeply Divided Societies
PO656 - Humans at War
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
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 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 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.
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 Social Sciences undergraduate program at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding society, human behavior, and social structures. The program encompasses a wide range of disciplines including sociology, politics, human geography, anthropology, and related fields, allowing students to explore complex social phenomena from multiple perspectives. It aims to develop critical thinking, analytical abilities, and research skills that are essential for careers in public policy, social research, community development, and various other sectors. The curriculum typically combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, encouraging students to engage with contemporary social issues such as inequality, globalization, environmental challenges, and political processes. Students benefit from a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, group work, and independent research projects. The program emphasizes the development of academic writing and communication skills, preparing graduates for further study or entry into the workforce. The University of Kent faculty involved in delivering this program are experts in their fields, often engaged in current research that informs their teaching. Opportunities for fieldwork, placements, and collaborative projects are integrated into the course structure, providing valuable real-world experience. Students may also have access to excellent resources such as specialized libraries, research centers, and online databases. The program typically spans three years for an undergraduate degree, with options for specialization or pathway choices depending on the student's interests. Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in government, non-governmental organizations, media, education, and international agencies, equipped with a thorough understanding of societal issues and the analytical tools to address them. Overall, the Social Sciences program at the University of Kent offers an engaging and rigorous academic experience that prepares students to make meaningful contributions to society.
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