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The BA Sociology and Politics programme at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive overview of the major social and political issues shaping contemporary society. Designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of social structures and political systems, this interdisciplinary degree provides students with the tools needed to interpret complex social phenomena and engage actively in civic and political life. Throughout the course, students explore a diverse range of topics, including social inequality, political theory, governance, globalization, human rights, and public policy. The programme combines theoretical frameworks with empirical research methods, enabling students to conduct independent investigations and contribute to academic debates. With its flexible curriculum, students can tailor their studies to individual interests, choosing modules from sociology and politics to deepen their expertise in specific areas such as political philosophy, international relations, social justice, or public opinion. The programme emphasizes practical skills, including data analysis, research design, and critical writing, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in public sector organizations, NGOs, journalism, research institutes, or further postgraduate study. The University of Kent provides a vibrant academic environment, supported by dedicated faculty members and access to extensive resources, including libraries and research facilities. Students benefit from a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and engagement with real-world issues through guest lectures and fieldwork opportunities. The programme also encourages international perspectives and offers opportunities for overseas field trips and exchanges, broadening students’ understanding of global social and political contexts. Graduates of this programme typically leave with a well-rounded knowledge of sociology and politics, equipped with the critical, analytical, and communication skills necessary to thrive in dynamic and challenging professional environments. The combination of theory and practice ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also socially engaged, capable of making meaningful contributions to society and understanding the complexities of social and political change in the modern world.
Detailed Course Facts
Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee- GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
- GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)
Credits Total Kent 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
SO336 - Sociology of Everyday Life
SO337 - Fundamentals of Sociology
SO408 - Sociological Theory: The Classics
SO305 - Introduction to Criminology
SO334 - Modern Culture
PO314 - Introduction to Political Thought
SA300 - Social Problems and Social Policy I: Youth,The family and the State
You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage
Stage 2
Possible modules may include:
PO661 - Comparative Politics: Dictatorship and Democracy
PO657 - Political Research and Analysis
SO727 - Contemporary Sociological Theory
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
SO505 - Sociology of Crime and Deviance
SO506 - Popular Culture, Media and Society
SO509 - Health, Illness and Medicine
SO525 - Environmental Politics
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
SO539 - Environmental Policy and Practice
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
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
PO658 - The Rise of China
PO659 - Resistance, Suffering and Leadership: The Political Lives of DGandhi, M
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
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: We welcome applications from students on accredited Access courses.
- 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.
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 Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Politics at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive understanding of the social and political dimensions shaping modern society. This interdisciplinary program combines core principles of sociology and political science to provide students with analytical skills, theoretical insights, and empirical research techniques essential for academic, policy, and professional careers. Students will explore a wide range of topics, including social inequalities, political behavior, governance, public policy, and international relations, fostering a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness between social structures and political processes. The program emphasizes comparative analysis, critical thinking, and the development of independent research projects. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated research centers and extensive digital resources, enabling them to engage actively in both theoretical debates and applied research. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, with options for specialization or broad exploration of topics, allowing students to tailor their studies according to personal interests and career aspirations. Throughout the course, students benefit from opportunities for work placements, volunteering, and engagement with local, national, and international organizations, which enhances employability and practical experience. Graduates of the program often pursue careers in politics, journalism, public administration, NGO work, research, or further academic study. The University of Kent's vibrant campus life, combined with its strong links to government agencies, think tanks, and community organizations, provides a dynamic environment conducive to academic growth and professional development. The program also prepares students for postgraduate study, including master's and doctoral research, with dedicated academic support and research training offered by experienced faculty members. Overall, the Sociology and Politics program at the University of Kent aims to produce well-rounded, critically engaged graduates capable of analyzing complex social and political issues and contributing meaningfully to societal development.
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