Social Sciences with a Year in Professional Practice (subject to Approval)

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 9 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 12.5 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 15, 2026
StudyQA ranking:6230 Duration:48 months

Photos of university / #unikentlive

Social Sciences with a Year in Professional Practice (subject to Approval) at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience designed to prepare them for diverse careers in the modern world. This innovative programme combines rigorous academic study of social sciences with an optional professional placement year, providing students with valuable practical skills and real-world experience. Throughout the course, students explore key areas such as sociology, politics, human geography, philosophy, and anthropology, gaining a deep understanding of societal structures, political systems, cultural dynamics, and human behaviour. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and analytical abilities, enabling graduates to address complex social issues and contribute effectively to policy development, community work, or further academic research.

The Year in Professional Practice is a unique feature of this degree, allowing students to undertake a placement with organisations such as NGOs, government agencies, educational institutions, or private sector companies. This year not only enhances employability but also helps students develop professional networks, practical skills, and a clearer idea of their career aspirations. Students are supported throughout by dedicated placement coordinators who assist in identifying suitable opportunities and ensuring the placement complements their academic learning.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible, with options to tailor modules according to individual interests and career goals. Students benefit from the expertise of experienced academic staff who are active researchers and practitioners in their fields. The programme encourages active learning through seminars, workshops, and group projects, fostering a collaborative environment that simulates professional settings.

Upon graduation, students will be equipped with a broad set of skills including effective communication, problem-solving, data analysis, and cultural awareness. Many graduates go on to pursue careers in social research, public policy, community development, education, or further postgraduate study. The placement year provides a significant advantage in the competitive job market, demonstrating practical experience and a proactive approach to professional development. Overall, this programme offers a rigorous academic foundation coupled with experiential learning opportunities, ensuring students are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to society and to succeed in a wide range of professional contexts.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee
  • GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
  • GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)
Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 240 ECTS
Credits Total Kent credits: 480
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test
  • English
Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time 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:

CP311 - The Tale

CP325 - World Literature:An Introduction

CL315 - Classical Mythology:Themes and Approaches

CP305 - Freedom and Oppression in Modern Literature

CP306 - Guilt and Redemption in Modern Literature

CP317 - Childhood & Adolesence in Modern Fiction

CP318 - Introduction to Contemporary European and Hispanic Cinemas

CP319 - Post-War European Cinemas

CP323 - The Romantic Movement

CP324 - Classical Literature

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

CP510 - The Text: Approaches to Comparative Literature

CP518 - The Book and the Film: Adaptation and Interpretation

CP527 - Medieval Literature and Culture

CP530 - Marriage, Adultery and Divorce in 19th Century Fiction

CP531 - The Renaissance

CP609 - Modernism and the European Avant-Garde

CP611 - Postmodernism

CP624 - The Shoah in Literature, Film and Culture

CP627 - Science Fiction: History and Innovation

CP629 - Second Thoughts: Women Novelists from Bronte to Jelinek

CP632 - Reason and Passion in 18th Century European Fiction

CP636 - European Realism

CP642 - The Epic: From Homer to Walcott

CP644 - Creatures of the Night: Vampires in Literature and Film

CP646 - Prize Winners

CP650 - Decadence in Fin-de-Siecle Europe

CP656 - Shakespeare's Afterlives

Year abroad

You have the opportunity to spend a year studying in one of our partner universities in continental Europe, the USA or Hong Kong. Partner university locations include Berlin, Venice, Istanbul, Prague, Madrid and San Fransico. Module content will vary across institutions and you will be required to take modules relevant to your degree.

Modules will generally be taught in English, but if you have the necessary linguistic background you are also encouraged to attend modules taught in the language of the respective host country. Language tuition is provided at host European universities.

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

CP652 - Postcolonial Images of Africa and South Asia

CP513 - Comparative Literature Dissertation

CP531 - The Renaissance

CP530 - Marriage, Adultery and Divorce in 19th Century Fiction

CP527 - Medieval Literature and Culture

CP518 - The Book and the Film: Adaptation and Interpretation

CP642 - The Epic: From Homer to Walcott

CP636 - European Realism

CP641 - SWIPE Undergraduate Conference

CP632 - Reason and Passion in 18th Century European Fiction

CP629 - Second Thoughts: Women Novelists from Bronte to Jelinek

CP627 - Science Fiction: History and Innovation

CP624 - The Shoah in Literature, Film and Culture

CP611 - Postmodernism

CP609 - Modernism and the European Avant-Garde

CP653 - Comparative Literature and English & Linguistics in the Classroom

CP650 - Decadence in Fin-de-Siecle Europe

CP647 - Prize Winners

CP644 - Creatures of the Night: Vampires in Literature and Film

CP656 - Shakespeare's Afterlives

CP532 - Latin American Fiction

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 GCSE
  • English language at grade C
  • 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

Work Experience

No work experience is required.


Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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.

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences with a Year in Professional Practice (subject to Approval) at the University of Kent is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a broad understanding of various social science disciplines, including sociology, politics, anthropology, and economics. This program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, research skills, and practical experience, enabling graduates to engage effectively with social issues in diverse contexts. The inclusion of a Year in Professional Practice offers students valuable opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, fostering professional development and enhancing employability. Throughout the course, students will engage with a range of modules covering theories, methodologies, and contemporary debates within social sciences, equipping them with both theoretical insights and practical competencies. The program is structured to support students in gaining a nuanced understanding of societal structures, cultural dynamics, and policy environments, preparing them for careers in public service, research, consultancy, non-governmental organizations, or further academic study. The Year in Professional Practice typically involves placements, internships, or projects with partner organizations, providing hands-on experience and networking opportunities. Entry requirements generally include a good academic record and relevant personal statement detailing interest in social sciences. The program undergoes regular review to ensure alignment with current academic standards and industry needs, and approval from regulatory bodies is required prior to its commencement. Graduates of this program will leave with a versatile skill set applicable across a wide range of sectors, and with the practical experience gained during the professional placement, they will be well-prepared to contribute effectively to their chosen fields or pursue postgraduate education. This integrated approach to academic study and practical experience reflects the University of Kent’s commitment to producing socially conscious graduates equipped for complex contemporary challenges.

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