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Sociology provides ways of making sense of a world undergoing unprecedented social change and uncertainty. This programme provides you 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, sociological approaches to violence, terrorism and society, new media technologies, the sociology of health, sex and gender and the sociology of science and technology.
Overview
Kent's School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research (SSPSSR) has consistently achieved the highest ratings for the quality of its teaching and research. Within the School, students are encouraged to explore diverse areas such as social theory, terrorism, globalisation, the sociology of work, drugs, street culture and popular culture.
Think Kent video series
In this talk, Dr Chris Shilling from the University of Kent highlights how 'body matters' are key to contemporary social trends and problems, explores the potential of classical sociology to aid our understanding of embodiment, and identifies some of the multiple reasons why the body has become a source of conflict in the contemporary era.
Independent rankings
In the National Student Survey 2015, Sociology was ranked 10th in the UK for student satisfaction. In addition, The Times Good University Guide 2016 ranked Sociology 1st for research quality and 11th for graduate prospects.
Course structure
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.
Year abroad
The Year Abroad option available with this degree programme is an excellent opportunity to experience learning in a different cultural context and educational setting; providing the opportunity to develop your skills, confidence and networks internationally.
The Year Abroad is subject to availability and you must also meet the academic and attendance requirements, usually achieving an average mark of 60% at Stage 2, plus satisfactory attendance and coursework submission records.
See our A-Z course list for more details or contact our Go Abroad team. Subject to availability, work placements can be undertaken anywhere in the world.
Teaching and assessment
We use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, case study analysis, group projects and presentations, and individual and group tutorials. Many module convenors also offer additional ‘clinic’ hours to help with the preparation of coursework and for exams.
Assessment is by a mixture of coursework and examinations; to view details for individual modules click the 'read more' link within each module listed in the course structure.
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- be compatible with widening participation in higher education by offering a wide variety of entry routes
- produce graduates with analytical and knowledge based skills relevant to employment in the professions, public service and private sector
- provide a broad knowledge of the key concepts, debates and theoretical approaches that inform the discipline of sociology
- promote an understanding of contemporary social issues and the impact of diversity and inequality on local and national communities
- provide an understanding of the social processes that influence the relationship between individuals, groups and institutions
- develop problem-solving skills and an understanding of the nature and appropriate use of research methods used in sociological research
- teach students key writing, research and communications skills.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- a range of key sociological concepts and empirically based arguments and data
- the social processes that shape contemporary society and the relationships between individuals, group and social institutions
- patterns of social diversity and inequality and their origins and consequences
- the nature and appropriate use of diverse social research strategies and methods
- how sociological knowledge can be used to evaluate social and public policy
- the similarities and differences between the British and Finnish versions of modern society.
Intellectual skills
You develop the following intellectual abilities:
- the application of knowledge in analysing complex social issues
- research skills, including the ability to identify a research question and to collect, manipulate and interpret data
- an understanding and appreciation of different theoretical positions and schools of thought within sociology
- the ability to formulate and sustain a complex argument which is supported with appropriate evidence
- appreciation of a variety of normative and cultural positions.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in the following:
- the ability to communicate information and argument
- the ability to plan research
- the ability to use and apply sociological theories and concepts in an argument
- the ability to express and evaluate the value and ethical dimensions of sociological practice
- the ability to reformulate social issues from the standpoint of sociological analysis.
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in the following:
- problem-solving in a variety of situations
- the ability to effectively communicate theoretical and empirical material and arguments through written and oral modes, including use of illustrative and supportive material such as overheads and computer-aided presentations
- learning and study, information retrieval, communication and information technology, group work, and time planning and management.
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.
Our sociology graduates are highly sought after and have gone on to enjoy careers as diverse as working in banking and financial services, teaching and research, advertising, corporate relations, human resources, in addition to further study at Master’s and doctoral level.
If you choose to take the Year Abroad option you will further increase your portfolio of skills by gaining experience of living and studying in a different culture. You will learn to appreciate and assess different sociological approaches to social challenges and interventions giving you a uniquely global perspective.
Entry 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 | BBB |
| 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, Distinction, Merit. Health and Social Care or Public Services preferred. |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall or 15 points 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.
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.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2016/17 annual tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | ||
| Part-time |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
The Government has announced changes to allow undergraduate tuition fees to rise in line with inflation from 2017/18.
The University of Kent is currently considering whether to increase its regulated full-time tuition fees for all returning Home and EU undergraduates from £9,000 to £9,250 in September 2017. This would be subject to us satisfying the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework and the access regulator's requirements. The equivalent part-time fees for these courses might also rise by 2.8%.
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk
UK/EU/International students on an approved Year Abroad for the full 2016/17 academic year pay an annual fee of £1,350 to Kent for that year. Those on an approved Year in Industry pay an annual fee of £865 to Kent for that year. Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
Funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Details of our proposed funding opportunities for 2016 entry can be found on our 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 the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. For 2016 entry, the scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our scholarships pages. Please review the eligibility criteria on that page.