Are you curious about the origins, formation and development of modern societies? Do you wonder about how societies work, develop and transform? Our Sociology and Social Anthropology joint honours programme provides a comprehensive approach to addressing these questions.

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.

Student view

Kent student Selina talks about her course at the University of Kent.

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.

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.

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
• Anthropology Society.

There are 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.

The School of Anthropology and Conservation also puts on many events that you are welcome to attend. We host two public lectures a year for which we have been able to attract leading anthropological figures from around the world. In 2017 we hosted paleoanthropologist Professor Lee Berger, one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people.