Welcome to the Faculty of Social Sciences Postgraduate Taught Induction 2018/19 2018/19 Dr Fragkiskos Filippaios Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) V1.0 To change the footer on every slide: 1. On the menu go to Insert > Header and Footer… 2. Select the Footer checkbox and enter the footer text in the accompanying text box 3. Click “Apply to All”

The Faculty of Social Sciences and You Community and Diversity in the Faculty of Social Sciences Broadening your horizons Your contribution Life beyond the Masters degree

Community and diversity Faculty of Social Sciences is the largest in the University, with more postgraduate students than the other two faculties combined Comprises of 7 Schools and 2 Centres: Anthropology & Conservation; Economics; KBS; KLS; Politics & IR; Psychology; SSPSSR; Centre for Journalism; Centre for Professional Practice Incredibly diverse; at first sight you might wonder what these divergent Schools could possibly have in common But what unites this community is the shared interest of its members in social relations

Community and diversity What is social science? “Social science is, in its broadest sense, the study of society and the manner in which people behave and influence the world around us. Social science tells us about the world beyond our immediate experience, and can help explain how our own society works - from the causes of unemployment or what helps economic growth, to how and why people vote, or what makes people happy. It provides vital information for governments and policymakers, local authorities, non-governmental organisations and others”. (ESRC, 2017) Often research is conducted collectively by colleagues from different Schools in the Faculty

Community and diversity Highlights from our activity: DICE PhD student discovers new frog species Automation does not lead to fewer jobs… Kent Business Leaders Summit Kent Alumni have big impact on society Our research is funded Interdisciplinary research that goes beyond the Faculty’s boundaries Research with an impact on society Kent on TV Working with external partners

Community and Diversity Projects are diverse, so are the methods Develop theories of the social world Consider Metaphysical and philosophical questions Applied studies Experiments or mass data collection Philosophy – ethics Commitment to better understanding social relations

Broadening your horizons Broad range of research & and diversity of methods Competing perspectives on methods But we would encourage you to seek out more Why? Employers Wider appreciation Contribution

Broadening your horizons Engage with a rich research community right on your doorstep Research seminars and guest lectures Inaugural and open lectures Conferences, workshops & reading groups

Broadening your horizons Unique opportunity Sports clubs or Societies Travel Meeting people Careers service http://www.kent.ac.uk/ces/index.html

Broadening your horizons

Life beyond the Masters degree Advanced research & analytical skills Transferable skills Non-academic career Academic career

Funding for PhD Research Economic and Social Research Council (SeNSS) University Scholarships (VC Research Scholarships) and School Scholarships Deadlines for applications is late January Highly competitive Begin work on a proposal and application in the Autumn term Identify prospective original research question and prospective PhD supervisor, and work closely with them as soon as you can.

Finally Inclusive research community Independent study Feedback Make the most of your time here Good luck!

This presentation was produced in September 2018 This presentation was produced in September 2018. The University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in its publicity materials is fair and accurate and 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/pg Full details of our terms and conditions can be found at www.kent.ac.uk/termsandconditions