Sociology BA
You’ll have the opportunity to excel.
I’ve always been attracted to studying social interactions and how communities live together in our society. Doing Sociology at A-level made me realise how much I enjoy the subject. I researched my options and decided that a TEF Gold university such as Kent with wide ranges of modules was the best choice and place to continue my studies.
I was nervous and overwhelmed at first by the size of the campus and the opportunities on offer but I quickly found my place by joining societies such Kent Sing and Pakistani Society, and attending most of the Welcome Week events such as Freshers’ Fair and Freshers’ Ball. I was in Parkwood flats and, although it wasn’t my first-choice accommodation, I settled in well and really enjoyed living in a student village on campus. It has its own sense of community, with a shop, its own study hub and communal areas to wind down in.
There is a huge range of modules available for Sociology at Kent and for me personally my favourite modules are the ones relating to media and digital culture because I’m passionate about such topics. Seminars provide the opportunity to get your opinions across as well as interacting with other students. I’ve chosen modules with fewer exams because I prefer coursework due to less pressure in one sitting, so that’s another factor to consider when you are choosing your options.
The lectures are varied and detailed, and the lecturers make it easier to absorb and understand the wide range of information on the subject matter. Lecture recordings and the presentation slides are available on Moodle [an online learning platform] and there are online forums where you can ask questions or raise any issues. Personally, I think there is a huge range of support available because, as well as the online forums, you can meet the lecturers face to face or email them with any questions.
I was part of the Kent Sing Society. I loved it as I made new friends and took part in competitions. I also belong to Pakistani Society – as well as making new friends there, I feel a sense of belonging and in touch with my cultural roots, through being able to interact with other people of the same background.
I would say the central plaza, for multiple reasons. I’ve never seen it empty and it’s always so vibrant and packed with people. There are food stalls and promotional stalls, especially during Welcome Week and big events. Walking through it every day, you get to see university life at its peak in my opinion.
No, I haven’t but I intend to when I am looking for a part-time job or advice or support when it comes to employment. From what I know, it is a very helpful and beneficial service.
I wish to follow a career that combines my interest in digital culture and my Asian heritage. I want to raise awareness and help the Asian community in the UK to successfully become part of the global media sector and help bring the attention of the media to the vast talent and potential in the Asian community. I would like to emulate Riz Ahmed, who has been a huge influence in helping British Asians to be recognised in the media, and in five years’ time I hope to be well known in this field.
Be prepared to live in a small city but a huge campus, with an active social life alongside many deadlines and exams. You’ll have the opportunity to excel while being supported and guided not only by the lecturers but by the new people and friends you will make at Kent.
