Sociology

Key facts
Location: Canterbury
Award: BA (Hons)
Type: Full-time and part-time
Options: A year studying in Europe
Further information
Download: Subject leaflet
Online: Department
Profile: Student profile

Sociology provides ways of making sense of a world undergoing unprecedented social change and uncertainty. It aims to explain the origins, formation and development of modern societies. Sociological research is devoted to understanding the conditions that govern our experience of everyday life as well as the structures that determine the overall character of a society.

The programme at Kent is designed to provide students with an understanding of core traditions and contemporary developments in sociological thinking and research. It also features a range of specialist areas such as race and ethnic identity, risk and society, sociological approaches to violence, terrorism and society, new media technologies, the sociology of health, sex, gender and socialisation, the sociology of work and the sociology of embodiment. We also offer the opportunity to study Sociology with a year in Europe.

Sociology teaching at Kent was described by national assessors during their most recent visit as ‘very impressive’. The School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research has the highest national research rating available. You are taught by some of the leading academics in the field.

Degree programmes

Single honours
Did you know?

Kent was ranked 9th in the UK for Social Policy in The Times Good University Guide 2010.

  • Sociology (L300)
European programmes
  • Sociology with a Year in Finland (L301)
  • Sociology with a Year in Spain (L303)
  • Sociology with Italian (L373)
Joint honours

Sociology and…

  • Criminology (LM39)
  • Economics (LL13)
  • English and American Literature (LQ33)
  • Law (LM31)
  • Philosophy (LVH5)
  • Politics (LL32)
  • Psychology (CL83)
  • Social Anthropology (LL36)
  • Social Policy (LL34)

For a full list of Sociology programmes, see the Honours Degree Quick Reference Guide (pdf).

Core modules

Stage 1

You take one core module, plus a language if relevant, and a choice of options.

Core modules
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Language module (for Italian programmes)
Options

A wide range of modules drawn from the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Stage 2/3

You take three core modules, a language, if relevant, and a choice of options.

Core modules
  • Concepts and Theories in Sociology
  • Social Research Methods
  • Sociology Dissertation
Options
  • Childhood, Society and Children’s Rights
  • Criminal Justice in Modern Britain
  • Cultures of Embodiment
  • Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
  • Globalisation and Social Change
  • Health, Illness and Medicine
  • The Information Society and Digital Culture
  • Mental Health
  • Politics and Sociology of the Environment
  • Popular Culture, Media and Society
  • Protest, Social Movements and Political Change
  • ‘Race’ and Ethnic Identity
  • Risk and Society
  • Sex Gender Socialisation
  • Sociological Perspectives on Violence
  • The Sociology of Belonging
  • Sociology of Deviance
  • Sociology of Disasters
  • ‘Terrorism’ in Modern Society
  • Urban Sociology
  • Youth and Crime

Please note: The programme is under review and may differ in certain details from the one outlined here.

Year abroad

On European programmes, you spend a year between Stages 2 and 3 studying at one of our partner universities in Italy or Finland..

Teaching and assessment

On average, you have four hours of lectures and up to four hours of seminars each week. Most modules also involve individual study using library resources and, where relevant, computerassisted learning packages. If you are taking modules involving computing or learning a language, you have additional workshop time.

Most Sociology modules are assessed by a variety of methods, including examination and coursework, which counts for 50% of the final mark. The dissertation, usually done at Stage 3, is assessed without examination.

Marks from Stages 2 and 3 and, where appropriate, the marks for your year abroad all count towards your final degree result. Stage 1 results do not count towards the final mark, but entry to Stage 2 depends on passing Stage 1 assessments.

Entry requirements

Passing the Kent Foundation Programme for International Students guarantees you entry onto the first year of these degree programmes.

Not sure? How about...
Offer levels

A/AS level 280/300 points (3.5 A level equivalents) inc BC/BB at A level or BC/BB in GCE double A level, IB Diploma 33 points or IB Diploma with 15 points at Higher.

The School is committed to widening participation and has a long and successful tradition of admitting mature students. We welcome applications from students on accredited Access courses.

Required subjects
  • L373: GCSE or AS level in a related modern language

Careers

Our graduates go into a variety of areas such as marketing, recruitment consultancy, the Prison Service, teaching, banking and financial services, and further study.