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The BA in Social Policy at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive understanding of the complex social issues facing modern societies and explores the policies and practices designed to address them. This degree combines rigorous academic study with practical insights into how social policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated, preparing graduates for careers in government, non-profit organizations, research institutes, and policy analysis. Throughout the course, students examine a wide range of topics including welfare systems, social justice, inequality, healthcare, education, housing, and employment policies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, empirical research skills, and an awareness of the political and ethical contexts underpinning social policy decisions. Delivered by experienced academics with expertise in various fields related to social policy, the curriculum incorporates lectures, seminars, case studies, and project work to facilitate active learning and real-world application. In addition, students have opportunities for work placements and internships, enabling them to gain valuable practical experience and professional contacts. The university’s strong links with policy organizations, government agencies, and community groups enrich the learning experience and provide pathways for future employment. Graduates of the Social Policy degree are equipped to analyze and influence policy debates, contribute to social change, and pursue further academic research. With a supportive learning environment and a focus on both theoretical foundations and practical skills, the program prepares students for a variety of roles dedicated to improving society and promoting social justice.
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:
SO336 - Sociology of Everyday Life
SO337 - Fundamentals of Sociology
SO408 - Sociological Theory: The Classics
SE301 - Social Anthropology
SE302 - Foundations of Biological Anthropology
SO305 - Introduction to Criminology
SO334 - Modern Culture
SA300 - Social Problems and Social Policy I: Youth,The family and the State
Stage 2
Possible modules may include:
SE586 - Ethnographies 1
SE587 - Ethnographies 2
SE588 - Advanced Social Anthropology I
SE589 - Advanced Social Anthropology II
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
SE593 - Evolution of Human Diversity
SE594 - Anthropology and Development
SE595 - Social Computing
SE752 - Anthropology of Creativity
SE534 - Special Project in Social Anthropology
SE542 - Human Ecology
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
SE573 - Ethnicity and Nationalism
SE575 - Medicinal Plants: Home Remedy, Pharmaceutical, Illicit Drug
SE584 - The Anthropology of Business
SE585 - From the Raw to the Cooked: The Anthropology of Eating
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.
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 Policy programme at the University of Kent offers students an in-depth understanding of the key issues affecting society and how public policies are formulated and implemented to address social challenges. This interdisciplinary degree combines elements from sociology, politics, economics, and law, providing a comprehensive perspective on social welfare, equality, human rights, and public services. Students exploring this course will engage with contemporary debates on topics such as social justice, wellbeing, poverty, unemployment, healthcare, education, and social inclusion. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and practical application, equipping graduates to pursue careers in government, non-governmental organizations, policy analysis, advocacy, and research institutes. Numerous modules focus on both theoretical foundations and real-world case studies, encouraging students to analyze existing policies and propose innovative solutions to social problems. The course structure often includes opportunities for work placements, internships, or fieldwork, providing valuable practical experience and enhancing employability. Furthermore, the programme benefits from the university's strong links with local government bodies, charities, and international organizations, allowing students to network and gain insights into the practical realities of social policy work. Faculty members are experts in their respective fields, ensuring research-led teaching and up-to-date curriculum content. The programme is designed to develop students' analytical skills, ethical judgment, and awareness of cultural diversity, preparing them to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to society. Graduates from the Social Policy course at Kent have successful career trajectories in policy-making, social research, community development, and beyond. The university’s vibrant campus life, alongside flexible learning options such as part-time study and online modules, makes this programme accessible to a diverse student body. Overall, the Social Policy programme aims to foster informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens capable of making meaningful contributions to social improvement worldwide.
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