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University of Kent

Narrative Non-Fiction: Practice as Research

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Award Attendance Study Duration Start Domestic fees International fees
PhD On-Campus Full-time 3 - 4 years September, January, April find out find out

About Narrative Non-Fiction: Practice as Research, PhD - at University of Kent

Your work will make an original contribution in the field of creative non-fiction and contribute new knowledge within, and occasionally beyond, the humanities. Alongside this you will produce a situating document that contextualises the text's ideas, placing it within its own practice, precursors and traditions (3,500-15,000 words plus full bibliography).

About the School of English

The School of English has a strong international reputation and global perspective, apparent both in the background of its staff and in the diversity of our teaching and research interests.

Our expertise ranges from the medieval to the postmodern, including British, American and Irish literature, postcolonial writing, 18th-century studies, Shakespeare, early modern literature and culture, Victorian studies, modern poetry, critical theory and cultural history. The international standing of the School ensures that we have a lively, confident research culture, sustained by a vibrant, ambitious intellectual community. We also count a number of distinguished creative writers among our staff, and we actively explore crossovers between critical and creative writing in all our areas of teaching and research.

The Research Excellence Framework 2021 has produced very strong results for the School of English at Kent. With 100% of its research environment and 100% of its research impact judged to be 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent'. The Times Higher Education has ranked English at Kent in the UK top 20 in its subject league table, out of 92 universities. As scholars and creative practitioners, academic staff in the School of English are national and international leaders in their fields. The expert panel judged 93% of its research overall and just under 90% of its research outputs, as 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent'.


Entry requirements

Contact University of Kent to find course entry requirements.


Why study at University of Kent

  • In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Kent has been ranked 387th in the world and 50th within the UK
  • Kent has been ranked a TOp 50 UK University in the Complete University Guide 2026 
  • 97% of research at Kent was found to be of international quality in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (an independant national survey of UK universities 
  • Over 250 clubs and societies including a range of sporting, performance, cultural and faith groups. Share your interests and make lifelong friends around the world.
  • Canterbury and Medway is 60 mins from London by high-speed train.
  • Multimillion-pound scholarship fund,stunning locations, first-class facilities, and a diverse, inclusive and supportive community
  • Dedicated postgraduate graduate and research college that provides extensive support in every part of your study experience – wellbeing, resources, workshops and career preparation.