Sociology and Social Anthropology

The School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research offers a large choice of specialist modules on race, social change, criminal justice, disability and the arts. Our academics are internationally recognised for their expertise in sociological theory and their varied research gives you the opportunity to study diverse areas ranging from street culture to terrorism.

Our modules and creative forms of assessment are designed to stimulate your thinking and prepare you for a job market looking for versatile and innovative individuals.

Kent's School of Anthropology and Conservation has a range of experts working on social anthropology in regions as diverse as the Middle East, Europe, China and Amazonia.

Our degree programme

In your first year, you study the fundamentals of sociology and anthropology. You then learn how to conduct and apply qualitative and quantitative sociological research with a particular focus on ethnographic research practices popular in social anthropology.

During all stages of your studies, you have the opportunity to choose specialist modules that suit your interests and include topics like the anthropology of business, environmentalism, gender, political change, crime, race, violence and work.

In your final year of study, there is an option to take a dissertation module on a subject of your choice. This allows you to focus in detail on an area you are particularly passionate about.

You have access to a wide range of topical journals and books in hard copy and digital format through Kent's Templeman Library.

At Kent, we also have a number of excellent subject-specific facilities to help your learning in social anthropology. These include:

• a state-of-the-art visual anthropology room with a suite of computers equipped for editing film and cameras made available for student use
• an ethnobiology lab for studying human-related plant material
• a teaching laboratory with first-rate equipment

Your designated academic advisor provides guidance for your studies and academic development. Our Student Learning Advisory Service also offers useful workshops on topics like essay writing and academic referencing.

To be considered for entry to Year 1 of a Kent undergraduate degree programme, Jordanian students typically need to have completed one of the following:

• A foundation course, either at a UK based college, or a college in Jordan. All applicants with a foundation qualification will be considered on an individual basis – please contact the International Recruitment team at [email protected] to check if your qualification is acceptable
• One year of a Bachelor degree at a recognised university with an average grade of Very good/76%/B or a GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Associate Degree/Al-Shamel Intermediate Diploma from a recognised Community College with a final grade of at least Good/75%

Graduate destinations

As part of your degree, you develop critical thinking, transferable knowledge and skills that enable you to work in a variety of professions.

Our graduates have gone on to work in:

• national and local government
• social and cultural policy
• international institutions and NGOs
• the organisation of social and community projects
• media, journalism, broadcasting
• social work
• overseas development and aid work
• social services.

Help finding a job

The School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research has its own employability team who work with businesses to maximise opportunities for our students. We also hold an Employability Month every February and run networking events throughout the year to help you develop your skills and contacts.

We have excellent links with local outside agencies, such as the probation and youth justice services, the police and social services.

The University also has a friendly Careers and Employability Service which can give you advice on how to:

• apply for jobs
• write a good CV
• perform well in interviews. 

Career-enhancing skills

As well as gaining skills and knowledge in your subject area, you acquire key transferable skills that are essential for all graduates.

These skills include:

• analysing complex information and making it accessible to non-specialist readers
• writing reports
• using data analysis software
• working effectively and considerately in teams
• an understanding of, and sensitivity to, the values and interests of others.

You can also gain additional skills by signing up for our Kent Extra activities, such as learning a language or volunteering.