Sociology with a Year in Finland

The Sociology with a Year in Finland undergraduate degree programme at the University of Kent offers students an immersive experience into the study of society, social behavior, and social change. This programme is designed for individuals interested in understanding how societies function, the factors that influence social development, and the ways in which social institutions impact everyday life. Throughout the course, students will explore various sociological theories and apply them to contemporary social issues, gaining valuable insights into topics such as culture, inequality, social policy, and globalization. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to analyze complex social phenomena from diverse perspectives.

The inclusion of a Year in Finland provides students with a unique opportunity to study in an innovative Scandinavian context, renowned for its progressive social policies and high quality of life. During this year abroad, students will engage with Finnish society through coursework, research projects, and cultural exchanges. This experience enriches their understanding of different social models and enhances their intercultural competencies, making graduates more competitive in the global job market.

Students will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that combines lectures, seminars, and practical research modules. The programme is taught by experienced academics who are experts in various sociological fields, and there is strong support for independent study and scholarly inquiry. Additionally, students can participate in a range of extracurricular activities, including research conferences, student societies, and community projects, which promote active engagement with social issues.

Graduates of the Sociology with a Year in Finland programme will be well-equipped for careers in social research, policy analysis, community development, journalism, and further academic study. The programme’s multidisciplinary approach prepares students to critically evaluate social data, develop effective communication skills, and understand complex social dynamics. Upon completing the degree, students will have a broad global perspective on societal challenges and the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to social change initiatives.

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:

• SO336 - Sociology of Everyday Life
• SO337 - Fundamentals of Sociology
• SO408 - Sociological Theory: The Classics
• SA300 - Social Problems and Social Policy I: Youth,The family and the State
• SO305 - Introduction to Criminology
• SO334 - Modern Culture

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• SO602 - Social Research Methods
• SO500 - Concepts and Theories in Sociology

Year abroad

In our Sociology with a year abroad programmes, you spend the third year of a four-year programme studying at one of our partner universities in Finland.

Possible modules may include:

• SO606 - Year Abroad Mark One
• SO607 - Year Abroad Mark Two

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

• SO603 - Health and Health Policy
• 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
• 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
• SO575 - Poverty, Inequality and Social Security
• SO594 - Terrorism and Modern Society
• SO595 - Reproductive Health Policy in Britain
• SO601 - Welfare in Modern Britain
• 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
• SO702 - Sociology and Social Politics of the Family
• SO709 - Modern Chinese Societies
• SO710 - War, Atrocity and Genocide
• SO712 - Urban Sociology

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: 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.

Sociology with a Year in Finland at the University of Kent offers students an in-depth understanding of social behavior, societal structures, and cultural dynamics across different contexts. This undergraduate program is designed to develop critical thinking, research skills, and a comprehensive knowledge of social theories and methodologies. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing students for careers in social research, policy development, community work, or further academic pursuits.

A distinctive feature of this program is the Year Abroad, which takes place in Finland. Students spend a full academic year studying at a partner university in Finland, immersing themselves in Finnish society, language, and culture. This international experience enhances students' intercultural communication skills and expands their global perspective, which is increasingly valuable in today’s interconnected world. The Finnish environment provides a unique context for comparative analysis of social issues such as welfare systems, education, and urban development, enriching students' academic understanding and cultural awareness.

The program curriculum covers core sociological topics including social theory, research methods, social stratification, gender studies, globalization, and social change. In addition, students have opportunities to specialize in areas such as ethnicity and race, class, inequality, or environmental sociology. The program combines lectures, seminars, group projects, and independent research, fostering analytical skills and academic independence.

Students are encouraged to engage in empirical research, using qualitative and quantitative methods, to investigate contemporary social issues. The program also offers modules on political sociology, media, and cultural studies, providing a well-rounded education. Throughout their studies, students benefit from the expertise of academic staff who are active researchers and practitioners in the field of sociology.

Upon completing the program, graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze complex social phenomena critically. They will be prepared for a variety of careers such as social researcher, policy analyst, community development worker, or further postgraduate study. The international component, particularly the experience in Finland, adds significant value by providing a comparative framework and enhancing employability in a globalized job market.