Social Sciences

Description

Studying the social sciences will give you specific knowledge and understanding of society, tools to analyse key issues such as class, poverty, inequality, health, crime, and urban change, as well as concrete skills, for instance, in giving presentations, analysing information, and writing reports.

Perhaps most importantly, our BSc in Social Sciences equips you to better understand the world we live in and gives you the capacity to apply your knowledge and skills in new contexts at work and in everyday life.

Kent’s School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research is one of the most highly rated in the country. It is an international centre that has been consistently highly ranked in Government evaluations of university research. You are taught by leading academics in the field, lecturers who have specialist research interests that inform and illuminate their award-winning teaching.

Our Social Sciences students pursue careers in policymaking, teaching, research and management in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Careers

School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research graduates are adaptable and flexible in their thinking and approach tasks in a rigorous, ethical, yet creative and reflective fashion. They develop key transferable skills including: communication, organisational and research skills; the ability to analyse complex information and make it accessible to non-specialist readers, write reports and use data analysis computer programs, and can take on positions of leadership in addition to working effectively and considerately in teams. These skills and attributes are valued in a wide range of professions.

The School has excellent links with local outside agencies, such as the probation and youth justice services, the police and social services.

Social Sciences graduates go on to work in professions including teaching, research, local government, the Civil Service, management in the public, private or voluntary sectors, marketing, care and counselling, psychology and the police.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline You are advised to apply as early as possible Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 28 September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Credits Total Kent credits: 360
Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible More information Go To The Course Website

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:

• SA310 - Methods of Social Research
• SA311 - Social Problems and Social Policy (UKM)
• SO306 - Introduction to Sociology
• SO326 - Introduction to Contemporary Britain: Economic and Social History from
• SO329 - Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
• SP310 - Introduction to Psychology

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• SO646 - Psychology Research Methods and Data Analysis
• SO647 - Research Methods in Sociology
• SO648 - Historical Research Methods
• SO650 - Youth, Crime and Criminal Justice
• SO618 - Women, Crime and Justice
• SO619 - Prisons, Probation and Offender Rehabilitation
• SO628 - Drugs - Production and Use in their Cultural Context
• SO681 - Restorative Justice: Concepts, Issues, Debates
• SO685 - VisualSociology
• SO686 - Social Justice Practice
• SO556 - Social Ethics
• SO617 - Britain on Film 1930-1960
• SA550 - Principles and Practice of Social Policy
• SA551 - Key Welfare Issues
• SP621 - Applying Social Psychology to Work
• SP625 - Human Cognition
• SP626 - Psychology of Group Behaviour
• SP629 - Development Psychology
• SO687 - The Politics of Criminal Justice
• SO700 - Contested Cities
• SO703 - Health and Health Services Policy
• SO706 - Crime and Punishment in England, 1750-1900
• SP630 - Applied Cognitive Psychology
• SP631 - Psychology of Social Cognition

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

• SO551 - BSC Social Sciences Dissertation (UKM)
• SO617 - Britain on Film 1930-1960
• SO556 - Social Ethics
• SA551 - Key Welfare Issues
• SA550 - Principles and Practice of Social Policy
• SO686 - Social Justice Practice
• SO685 - VisualSociology
• SO681 - Restorative Justice: Concepts, Issues, Debates
• SO628 - Drugs - Production and Use in their Cultural Context
• SO619 - Prisons, Probation and Offender Rehabilitation
• SO618 - Women, Crime and Justice
• SO650 - Youth, Crime and Criminal Justice
• SP631 - Psychology of Social Cognition
• SP630 - Applied Cognitive Psychology
• SO706 - Crime and Punishment in England, 1750-1900
• SO703 - Health and Health Services Policy
• SO700 - Contested Cities
• SO687 - The Politics of Criminal Justice
• SP629 - Development Psychology
• SP626 - Psychology of Group Behaviour
• SP625 - Human Cognition
• SP621 - Applying Social Psychology to Work

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

BCC

• 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)

Distinction, Merit, Merit

• International Baccalaureate

34 points overall or 13 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. See our International Student website for further information about our country-specific requirements.

Please note that if you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes through Kent International Pathways.

Qualification / Typical offer/minimum requirement

• English Language Requirements

Please see our English language entry requirements web page.

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

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

The Social Sciences program at the University of Kent offers a comprehensive exploration of human society, focusing on understanding social processes, institutions, and relationships. The curriculum is designed to develop students’ critical thinking, analytical skills, and research abilities, providing a broad foundation in various social science disciplines such as sociology, political science, anthropology, and human geography. Students will engage with contemporary social issues, including inequality, globalization, governance, and cultural diversity, preparing them for careers in public service, policy analysis, research, and international organizations. The program combines theoretical perspectives with practical skills, offering opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and collaborative research projects. Students can tailor their degree by choosing from a range of optional modules that align with their interests, including modules on social justice, urban studies, international relations, and community development. The university’s strong links with industry and government agencies enable students to gain real-world experience through placements and projects. Additionally, the program emphasizes the development of communication skills, data analysis, and reporting, which are highly valued in many professional contexts. The faculty comprises experienced academics and researchers who are actively involved in social science topics, ensuring a rich learning environment with current and relevant content. The degree prepares graduates for postgraduate study or for entering the workforce with a robust understanding of social issues and the skills needed to analyze and influence social change. The university’s modern facilities, support services, and vibrant student community contribute to a dynamic learning experience. Overall, the Social Sciences program at the University of Kent aims to cultivate informed, thoughtful, and proactive graduates equipped to address complex societal challenges.