Are you interested in current affairs and politics? Do you wonder about how societies can promote the welfare of individuals and families? Our Social Policy and Politics joint honours programme offers you a comprehensive approach to exploring these important topics.

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 social policy 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.

Politics at Kent encourages you to think critically about political events, ideas and institutions while engaging with the key issues of today. 

Our degree programme

In your first year, you explore the nature of social challenges such as ageing, neglect, crime, health, education, employment and homelessness. You are also introduced to the fundamentals of political science. You learn about qualitative and quantitative research methods relevant for both disciplines.

During all stages of your studies, you have the opportunity to choose specialist modules that suit your interests and include topics like health policy; inequality and social security; political change; crime; race 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.

Study resources

You have access to a wide range of topical journals and books in hard copy and digital format through Kent’s Templeman Library. You can even access content from the European Documentation Centre, a useful resource for studying European politics and policy.

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.

Extra activities

There are a number of student-led societies which you may want to join such as:

• Socrates Society
• Feminist Society
• Kent Amnesty International
• Politics and International Relations Society.

There are also events available throughout the year for students from the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research. These may include:

• research seminars and webcasts
• career development workshops
• informal lectures by guest experts followed by group discussion.

You may also attend the School of Politics and International Relations programmes of events which focuses on bridging the gap between academic study and real-life politics.