Psychology
| Award | Attendance | Study | Duration | Start | Domestic fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | On-Campus | Full-time, Part-time | 3 - 6 years | September | find out | find out |
About Psychology, PhD - at University of Kent
A Master's by research degree focuses on research expertise and prepares you for professional work or PhD study. A PhD is a doctorate of philosophy based on mostly independent study.
Both research degrees are assessed formally on the basis of one piece of work, a dissertation (or thesis), that reports your original thought and research. You must also successfully complete all required training.
Choosing a topic
Although sometimes we have specific PhD research projects related to funding awards, most of our research students choose their own research topics. Once you have decided on the nature of your project, it is important to contact a staff member whose expertise matches your area of interest with a CV and research proposal to discuss your proposed project and potential supervisory arrangements. Master's by Research applicants should also follow this procedure.
You then work with your proposed supervisor on refining your research proposal which provides the starting point for your subsequent research.
Supervision
During your research, you are supported by your supervisory team, normally comprising one main supervisor and a secondary supervisor. Your will have agreed your main supervisor, based on their compatibility with your research interests, prior to registration. Typically, you have one formal meeting per month with your main supervisor to discuss your work and progress (bi-monthly for part-time students).
Training
Through the Graduate School, you have access to training in research-specific and broader transferable skills, including academic writing, career management and presentation skills.
PhD students in receipt of a teaching studentship (GTA), must also complete the Associate Fellowship Scheme (AFS). The AFS registration period is one year.
The Statistics and Methodology module from our taught MSc programme is available for doctoral students who have not already completed an advanced statistics and methods course. Master's by Research students are usually required to undertake this module.
The School of Psychology
Kent's School of Psychology conducts both basic and applied research in several areas, and we are highly regarded as a leading European centre for postgraduate research. We have a strong international reputation in cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, forensic psychology and social psychology. This is complemented by our strengths in organisational psychology and political psychology.
PhD funding
The School attracts excellent visiting scholars and postgraduate students from both within the UK and overseas. Some of our PhD students are self-funded, and others are funded by grants or awards either from the School, the University, UK research councils or their countries of origin.
The School has a strong track record of attracting ESRC research studentship funding, which involves partnerships with external organisations such as the Anne Frank Trust.
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.