Sociology

Sociology at Kent gives you the tools to understand how societies, communities and organisations work, and how they can change. You explore some of the most pressing issues of our time - from inequality and discrimination to the impacts of digital technologies and global migration - through a contemporary and critical lens.

You will learn to think differently, question assumptions, and make sense of the social structures shaping everyday life. You’re taught by sociologists with international reputations, including leaders in political sociology, environmental activism, digital society and sociological theory.

You also develop hands-on research skills that are valued by employers. You’ll tackle statistical analysis, data collection, and digital research methods. This course offers exciting opportunities including international study, an optional year in industry, and a unique choice in your final year: complete an academic dissertation, a creative project, or a real-world research brief for an external organisation.

Kent Sociology is ranked 3rd in the UK for research quality (REF 2021), and we’ve created a course designed to be critical, rigorous and ready for the world beyond university.

Year In Industry

Year in Industry

You have the option to add a year in industry to this course. We already know you have the confidence and commitment to thrive in the workplace and kick-start your career. This is your chance to prove it, to yourself and to employers.

Any questions? We have the answers.

When should I start looking? Companies will recruit at different times of the year based on their size. It's good to be application ready by the summer of your first year.

Where can I get help finding a placement? Book an appointment with a placement adviser via the careers service.

Will I get paid? Most of our placements are paid.

Do I have to pay tuition fees? Yes, you’ll pay a substantially reduced fee. Fees for the current year (subject to changes) can be found on our tuition fees website.

Where can I get visa advice if I’m an international student? Kent Students' Union can help with any visa queries.

Does the University keep in touch? You receive four-weekly check-in emails, a visit from the team every three months and you can reach out to us any time by email or phone.

Do I work for a full year? The minimum requirement for an industrial placement is 44 weeks.

Year Abroad

Go Abroad

Taking a year abroad – whether you study at one of our prestigious partner universities or do an internship – is an amazing opportunity.

Any questions? We have the answers.

Is there any additional funding for the year abroad? You may be able to apply for funding; check with our Go abroad team.

Do I have to pay tuition fees for the year abroad? Yes, you’ll pay a substantially reduced fee. Fees for the current year (subject to changes) can be found on our tuition fees website. You don’t pay anything to the host uni.

Will I still get my maintenance loan? Yes.

When does the year abroad take place? Between your second and final year.

Do I have to learn a foreign language? You’re taught in English in many destinations, but you’ll get more out of your year if you learn the local language.

Does the University keep in touch? You have full access to all Kent’s support services as well as our dedicated Go abroad team.

Year 3

Compulsory modules currently include the following:

• Applying Social Research

Optional modules may include the following

• Analysing Data in the Real World

• Philanthropy in Action

• Social and Criminal Justice Practice

• Drugs and Crime

• Offender Rehabilitation in Prisons and Probation

• Technology and Cybercrime

• Violence and Society

• Multispecies Sociology: Animals and Society

• Protest, Activism, and Social Change

• Environmental Sociology: Politics and Protest

• Money and Power: Sociology of Economic Life

• Science and Society

• The Sociology of Urban Life

• Researching Bodies and Gender

• Sociology in the Global South

• Research Project

• Time, Memory and Society

Year 1

Compulsory modules currently include the following:

• Fundamentals of Sociology

• Sociological Theory: The Classics

• Making Sense of Society

• Society, Culture, Power

• Contemporary Society, Culture and Media

• Sociology of Everyday Life

Year 2

Compulsory modules currently include the following:

• Investigating Social Issues

• Inequalities

• Researching Digital Society and Culture

• Contemporary Sociological Theory