LIBERAL ARTSCanterbury

The UK’s European university

Undergraduatestudy

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LIBERAL ARTS AT KENTDo you want to understand the world from a range of perspectives – political, cultural,historical and economic? Study Liberal Arts, and you’ll learn about how differentdisciplines interact, examine the forces andevents shaping contemporary society, andlearn two new languages or improve yourexisting language skills.

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FlexibleprogrammeAlongside your core modules,you select optional modulesfrom a wide range on offeracross the University. Thismeans you can tailor yourprogramme to suit yourinterests and career plans.

World-leadingresearchYou learn from leading experts.Our staff undertake researchof international quality; writeand contribute to journalarticles and books; and provideexpert comment to the media.They put you in touch with thelatest ideas.

Lively campusKent is a campus university, soeverything you need is withinwalking distance. You canwatch a play or film at theGulbenkian arts centre; danceat The Venue nightclub; keep fitat our sports centre and meetfriends at one of many campuscafés and restaurants.

InspirationalteachingGreat teachers inspireenthusiasm and provokedebate. Whether they’relecturing on contemporaryculture or helping you to learn anew language, our academicsare skilled at bringing theirsubject to life and drawing youinto the conversation.

Academic supportUniversity is different to school.You need to be self-motivatedand well organized to succeed.We help you make the leap byassigning you an academicadviser and running a peermentoring programme. You can also get help with studyskills, such as essay writing.

Your year abroadYou can choose to spend ayear, between Stages 2 and 3,studying at one of Kent’spartner universities, or on awork placement.You experience different waysof learning, and expand yourcultural horizons. For moreinformation, see p9.

LanguagelearningThis is a programme for peoplewho love languages. You learntwo at Stages 1 and 2. Whetheryou want to learn Spanish, tryMandarin Chinese, or tackleArabic, there’ll be options thatappeal to you.

ExcellentresourcesAccess more than 1 millionbooks, ebooks, databases and journals at the University’sTempleman Library. Browse our special collections in areassuch as history and politics.Work at one of hundreds ofnetworked PCs across campus.

Career successEmployability is a priority atKent. By studying, you sharpenskills that are useful in workinglife, such as time managementand developing an argument.You have access to careersadvice and opportunities togain work experience, boostingyour CV and your confidence.

WHY STUDY LIBERAL ARTS AT KENT?

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Learn across disciplinesOur programme is truly interdisciplinary. While the programme is runby the School of Politics and International Relations, you are taught byacademics from across all three faculties at Kent. You develop yourunderstanding of humanities subjects, such as culture, history andpolitics, and you gain skills in science, enabling you to discuss keyscientific controversies. This broad knowledge helps you to succeedprofessionally in the 21st century.

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Research ExcellenceFramework• In the most recent survey,63% of the researchsubmitted by the Schoolof Politics and InternationalRelations was found to beinternationally excellent orworld leading.

Teaching ExcellenceFramework• Kent was awarded gold, the highest rating, in the UK government’s TeachingExcellence Framework*

Destinations of Leavers fromHigher Education• Of Kent undergraduatestudents who graduated in2017 and responded to thisnational survey, over 95%were in work or further studywithin six months

Independent rankings

*The University of Kent’s Statement of Findings can be found at www.kent.ac.uk/tef-statement

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What clubs and societies haveyou been involved with?In my first year I joined the hockeyclub and it’s one of the bestdecisions I’ve made here. I’ve foundmost of my friends through hockey.Joining a sports club is a good wayto combine sports and social eventsand something I’d recommend,even if you haven’t played before.

What do you like most aboutCanterbury and the surroundingarea?Canterbury’s a compact city, whichmeans that you run into people thatyou know from your course. It’s sopretty, with the cathedral and shops.I love England and think thatCanterbury is one of the mostEnglish cities. I enjoy hiking andcycling, and there are lots ofopportunities to do both here.

What are your future plans?Next year, I want to do a Master’s inInternational Relations in France. I’m looking at Strasbourg, becausethat’s famous for politics. After that,I’d like to work for the UnitedNations.

What advice would you give to a new student?Put yourself out there, go to thefreshers fair and join as many clubsand societies as you want. It’s agreat way to meet people to studywith and go out with.

Judith Sponselee is in herfinal year studying LiberalArts.

Why did you decide to studyLiberal Arts?Liberal Arts offers lots of subjectswithin one programme of study, so you can do a bit of law, somesociology, politics and psychology,for example. I feel like I’ve had abroader education this way.

Why did you choose to study itat Kent?I went to an international studyabroad fair. There was a guy therefrom the University of Kent – he toldme about the programme and soldit so well that I decided to come tothe open day. I met the coursedirector that day and thought thecourse sounded great, the campuswas amazing and the city beautiful.

What are the benefits ofstudying in the UK?I’m from the Netherlands and whenI was growing up we had lots ofholidays to England and I love thepeople and language. I wanted toperfect my English as my dream isto work for an internationalorganisation.

Tell me about a piece of workthat you found particularlyinteresting?In my first year, we had to do aresearch project. I did mine on the decline of the church in theNetherlands and interviewed acouple of priests over there. It wasvery challenging, because I had todo the research and write up thereport myself.

What are the other studentslike?We were the first intake on to theprogramme, so we’re a very tightgroup. It’s a small group but veryinternational – we have six or sevennationalities represented, whichkeeps things interesting. Everyonebrings their own country’s cultureand perspective with them toseminars and discussions.

Where did you spend your yearabroad?In Madrid, at UniversidadComplutense, studying politics andsociology. My year abroad was oneof the best years of my life.

The modules were very interesting –they were all in Spanish, which wastough to follow, especially at thebeginning. But it was such a goodway to meet new people and get intouch with other cultures. I spent alot of time in cafés, dancing salsaand travelling around Spain. It wasan amazing year.

STUDENT VIEW

A fully liberal educationprepares you to live aproductive and creativelife in a dramaticallychanging world.

It fosters well-grounded intellectualresilience, a disposition to lifelonglearning and an acceptance ofresponsibility for your ideas andactions.

Our Liberal Arts programmeteaches you to see the world froma range of perspectives – political,cultural, historical and economic –and develops your understandingof how each impacts on the other.

The programme will suit you ifyou’re a high-achieving student whowants to study in an interdisciplinaryway. Developing your understandingin a range of subject areas in thehumanities and social sciences,you also gain skills in science,enabling you to discuss keyscientific controversies. LiberalArts gives you the critical andbroad knowledge you need toprepare you for the professionalworld of the 21st century.

If you are academically ambitiousand intellectually curious, aware ofthe importance of quantitative andqualitative skills, and care about thesignificance of your study andcareer for the global good, you willenjoy the challenge of Kent’s LiberalArts degree.

Teaching and assessment Modules are taught through acombination of lectures, seminarsand tutorials.

You usually have 10 to 12 hours ofcontact time with staff each week.Assessment on compulsorymodules is 100% coursework;optional modules may haveexaminations. For assessmentdetails for individual modules, seewww.kent.ac.uk/ug

Programme contentAt the heart of the programme is acore set of modules that studentsfollow through the duration of thedegree; these provideinterdisciplinary means of analysingand understanding how and why wethink, and act, the way we do today.

Through collective discussion anddebate around seminal readings,you get a grasp of the full field ofsocial sciences, physical sciences,arts and humanities.

You develop a high standard ofcapability in another language and choose optional modules fromacross the University to suit yourinterests and career plans. Theknowledge gathered in thesemodules is brought into seminardiscussions in the compulsorymodules, making interdisciplinarycommunication an ongoing andengaged collective project.

Language modulesYou take two language modules atStage 1 and two in Stage 2 from aselection. Language teaching isprovided by both the School ofEuropean Culture and Languagesand the Centre for English andWorld Languages. There is norequired language training inStage 3.

DissertationYour final year of study includes adissertation module, enabling you tofocus on a topic related to your yearabroad or on a research question ofyour choosing. You work under theguidance of at least one supervisor,developing the ability to carry outand communicate a sustainedpiece of research.

Programme structurePlease note: the modules listedbelow are not fixed as new modulesare always in development andchoices are updated yearly. Pleasesee www.kent.ac.uk/ug and searchfor ‘Liberal Arts’ for the most up-to-date information.

To read a full description of themodules listed, go to:www.kent.ac.uk/courses/modulesand search by the module code.

Stage 1You take the following compulsorymodules: • Modes of Reasoning (SE310)• Roots of Transformation (SE312)• Understanding theContemporary (SE311)

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YOUR STUDY PROGRAMME

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• two language modules atbeginner or intermediate level.

You also take two optional modules,with the approval of your tutors,from across the University.

Stage 2 You take the following compulsorymodules: • Connections (SE606)• two language modules atintermediate or advanced level.

You also take four optional modules,with the approval of your tutors,from across the University.

Year abroadYou can spend the third year of your programme studying orworking abroad (see box for moredetails).

Stage 3You take the following compulsorymodules:• Dissertation (PO679)• Landscapes of the Future(PO681)

You complete your dissertation,focusing on a research questionaddressing issues that concern you.You also take four optional modules,with the approval of your tutors,from across the University.

Your year abroad You have the option of spendingthe third year of your Liberal Artsprogramme studying or workingabroad.

Going abroad as part of yourdegree is an amazing opportunityand a chance for you to developacademically, personally andprofessionally.

For more information, see:https://www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad/opportunities/az.html

Transferable skillsYou gain confidence andindependence and further developmany of the transferable skillsemployers are looking for, such as the ability to communicate

effectively, the ability to speakmore than one language, andbeing able to plan and organiseyour time.

You also demonstrate that you are flexible in your outlook andhave the enthusiasm and drive tosucceed in a new environment.

Strong linksKent has strong links with top-ranking academic institutions incontinental Europe as well as withinstitutions in non-Europeancountries. Alternatively, you mayfind an internship with a non-governmental organisation (NGO),research centre, business orindustry.

Assessment and supportYour year abroad is a rewardingaddition to your programme and isassessed by the Kent Liberal Artsteam. While abroad, you havecontact by Skype and/or email withan assigned supervisor and will,when appropriate, be visited onsite.

“My year abroad was one ofthe best years of my life. It wassuch a good way to get to knowother people and get in touchwith other cultures.”

Judith SponseleeBA Liberal Arts

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• arranging note-takers, signersand other support workers foryou

• discussing exam accessarrangements

• helping you with emotional,psychological or mental healthissues

• applying for relevant funding tosupport you.

Find out more at:www.kent.ac.uk/studentsupport

SUPERB STUDY SUPPORT

We’ll support youthroughout your time atKent, from helping youadjust to university studyto discussing modulechoices and essay topicswith you.

You are assigned an academicadviser in your first year, and theyhelp you get the most from yourdegree programme. They meet with you regularly to discuss general academic issues or specificassignments. They will assist you indeveloping academic skills andrefer you to other sources of help if you need it.

Peer supportThe best advice often comes from people who’ve been in yoursituation. On our Academic PeerMentoring scheme, first-yearstudents can request to be matchedwith second- or third-year studentson a similar degree programme.

Peer mentors will help you settle into university life and find your feet.They can help you to discuss ideasand improve your study skills as youprogress through your first year.

Study skills adviceSuccessful students take control oftheir own learning. Kent’s StudentLearning Advisory Service (SLAS)can help you increase yourcompetence and confidence andfulfil your potential. You can requesta one-to-one appointment or attend

workshops on a diverse range oftopics from making the most oflectures to writing well and avoidingplagiarism.

Student support andwellbeingYou might need extra help to getthe most from university. If you have a medical condition, specificlearning difficulty, mental healthcondition or disability, the StudentSupport and Wellbeing team isthere to support you.

They are committed to improvingaccess to learning for all studentsat Kent and can assist with manythings, including:• talking to your lecturers aboutany help you need in lecturesor seminars

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A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

What do you hope to do once you have yourdegree? Whether you have a specific careerpath in mind or haven’tyet thought much beyonduniversity, we can helpyou to plan for successin the future.

Build your CVYour degree studies help you todevelop skills such as thinkingcritically, expressing yourself clearly,solving problems and workingindependently and as part of ateam. These transferable skills arevalued by employers and will alsobe vital if you go on to further study.

At Kent, you have lots of other greatopportunities to enhance your skills.For instance, you could:• join a society or sports club (evenbetter – get involved in running it)

• volunteer within the community• work in a part-time job or take upa summer internship

• represent your fellow students asa student rep, or become astudent ambassador

• learn a new language or skill withStudy Plus.

Getting involved like this means thatyou can earn Employability Points,which you can exchange foremployability rewards. The morepoints you earn, the more valuablethe rewards: we work with local,national and international employersto offer internships, work experienceand a range of other activities thatprepare you for the world of work.

Experience workYou have the option of workingabroad and gaining valuable skillsbetween Stages 2 and 3 of yourprogramme.

Find a great jobYour degree can lead to a widerange of fascinating careers.Graduates from the School havegone on to work in fields such as diplomacy, the civil service,European and internationalorganisations, NGOs, the media,banking and teaching.

The School has a comprehensiveinternship, placements and workexperience portfolio. Our dedicatedmember of staff runs anEmployability Programme, whichprovides you with skills and insightsto help you plan your future career.

You can book one-to-one sessionsfor help with employability, skillsdevelopment and applying foropportunities.

You can also access the University’saward-winning Careers andEmployability Service for one-to-oneadvice, workshops and placementopportunities. And there’s an annualcareers fair for students of alldisciplines.

Kent’s track record speaks for itself:of our students who graduated in2017 and responded to a nationalsurvey, more than 95% were in workor further study within six months(Destinations of Leavers fromHigher Education).

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COME AND FIND OUT MORE

Choosing a universityis a big step, so it’simportant to find out asmuch as you can beforeyou make your decision.Come and visit us to seewhat we can offer you.

Open DaysOpen Days are a great way to findout what life as a student at Kent islike. For instance, you can:• learn more about the course youare interested in at a subjectpresentation

• ask questions – talk to theacademic teams at theinformation stands

• experience our teaching at ataster lecture*

• find out about student finance,opportunities to study abroadand extracurricular activitiessuch as Kent Sport.

Explore the campus at your ownpace on the self-guided walkingtour. You will be able to visit differenttypes of accommodation, chat tocurrent students and enjoy thestunning views over the city ofCanterbury.

Open Days are held in the summerand autumn. Book your place atwww.kent.ac.uk/opendays

Applicant DaysIf you apply to Kent and we offeryou a place (or ask you to come foran interview), you will usually beinvited to an Applicant Day.Applicant Days run in the autumnand spring terms and are anopportunity to find out about thecourse in more detail. You spendtime with your academic schoolmeeting staff and current students,and take part in activities that giveyou a flavour of your prospectivecourse and university life.

Informal visitsIf you can’t make it to an Open Dayor Applicant Day, you can still visitus. We run tours of the campusthroughout the year.

If you live outside Europe, weappreciate that you might find itdifficult to attend our scheduledevents, so we can arrange apersonal campus tour for you and your family.

Let us know you’re comingScheduled tours and personalcampus tours (for internationalstudents) need to be booked inadvance – you can do this viawww.kent.ac.uk/informal

Meet us in your countryOur staff regularly travel overseasto meet with students who areinterested in coming to Kent.We also have strong links withagents in your home country who

* Programme of events variesaccording to subject.

LocationCanterbury

AwardBA (Hons)

Programme type4 years full-timeUCAS code: LV99

Single honours programmeLiberal Arts BA (Hons)

Offer levelsABB at A level, IB 34 points or IBDiploma with 15 points at Higherincluding Mathematics 4 at HL orSL (Mathematics Studies 5 at SL).

Required subjectsGCSE Grade B/6 in Maths and ina modern foreign language otherthan English.

Other qualificationsAccess and BTEC Level 3Extended Diploma applicants areassessed on an individual basis,please contact us for furtherinformation.

Year abroad/placement yearFor more information, see p9.

Scholarships and bursariesFor details of scholarships andbursaries, please see:www.kent.ac.uk/ugfunding

Offer levels and entryrequirements are subject tochange. For the latest courseinformation, see:www.kent.ac.uk/ug

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can offer guidance and informationon studying at Kent. Find out moreat www.kent.ac.uk/courses/international

Self-guided toursIf you prefer to explore on your own,you can download a self-guidedwalking tour at:www.kent.ac.uk/informal or pick up a copy from us.

A self-guided audio tour is availabletoo, which allows you to learn aboutKent without even leaving home.See www.kent.ac.uk/courses/visit/informal/audio-tour.html

Explore onlineIf you can’t come and see us,you can find out more about theacademic team, the course andevents in the School online at:www.kent.ac.uk/politics

Keep in touch with us viasocial media:Twitter@UniKentPolitics

Instagram:@kentpolir

Facebook:facebook.com/UniKentPoliticsIR

This brochure was produced in June 2018. The University of Kent makes every effortto ensure that the information contained in its publicity materials is fair and accurateand to provide educational services as described. However, the courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information,see www.kent.ac.uk/ug and for full details of our terms and conditions, seewww.kent.ac.uk/termsandconditions

For the University to operate efficiently, it needs to process information about youfor administrative, academic and health and safety reasons. Any offer we make toyou is subject to your consent to process such information and is a requirement in order for you to be registered as a student. All students must agree to abide by theUniversity rules and regulations at: www.kent.ac.uk/regulations

FIND OUT MORE (CONT)

School of Politics andInternational RelationsFor more information about ourSchool, please contact us on:T: +44 (0)1227 827122E: polirugadmissions@kent.ac.uk

More informationIf you would like more informationon Kent’s courses, facilities orservices, please contact us on:T: +44 (0)1227 768896www.kent.ac.uk

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DPC 12657206/18PUB1061

University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 764000 www.kent.ac.uk/ug

COME ANDVISIT USTo find out more about visitingthe University, see our website:

www.kent.ac.uk/visit