Overview

A PhD, also known as a doctorate, is a requirement for a career as an academic or researcher. In addition, it has become a qualification valued by many employers who recognise the skills and commitment a PhD requires. Employers also recognise that a PhD indicates excellent research capabilities, discipline and communication skills.

Over the duration of the Italian programme from University of Kent, you produce an original piece of research of up to 100,000 words, in English or Italian. Previous research theses have included ‘Elements of Magic(al) Realism: Deledda, Bontempelli, Banti’, ‘A Clinic of Lack: Franco Basaglia, Biopolitics and the Italian Psychiatric Reform’, ‘Italo Calvino and Pier Vittorio Tondelli: Love in Post World War Italy’ and ‘Anna Banti and the (Im)possibility of Love’.

The Department of Modern Languages offers supervision from world-class academics with expertise in a wide range of disciplines, able to support and guide you through your research. The main areas of research are early twentieth-century avant-garde literature, twentieth-century poetry, psychoanalytic literary criticism, the intersection of literature and photography, Italian biopolitical thought, and the cultural history of psychiatry and the Italian anti-psychiatric movement. Your progress is carefully monitored to ensure that you are on track to produce a thesis valued by the academic community. Throughout your programme, you are able to attend and contribute to research seminars, workshops, and research and transferable skills training courses.

Careers

A postgraduate degree in the area of Italian studies is a valuable and flexible qualification that can open the door to exciting careers. Our graduates have gone on to work as lecturers and language instructors at UK and overseas universities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Centre for Critical Thought has its origins in a commitment to critique that traverses the humanities and social sciences. Founded on the shared interest in continental philosophy of colleagues in Law, Politics and Modern Languages, the Centre for Critical Thought encompasses members from disciplines across the University with a shared interest in contemporary theoretical, social, juridical and political questions.
Members, including a vibrant postgraduate cohort, are drawn from fields such as modern European philosophy, critical legal theory, political and social thought, psychoanalytic theory, religious studies, theatre studies, film studies, art history, social anthropology, and sociology. Members also contribute to a wide range of Master's programmes across the University.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-06-03 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2026-01-15 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2026-05-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-02-06 00:00:00 , International

More details

Although there is no fixed closing deadline for applications to research degrees, we strongly recommend that you apply as soon as possible and no later than three months before your intended start date.

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

OTE

118

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Canterbury, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Italian studies View 12 other PhDs in Italian studies in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

OTE

118

Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Other requirements

General requirements

A first or upper-second class BA honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, and a distinction or merit in an MA programme or equivalent in a relevant subject.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Kent and/or in United Kingdom, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

19300 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 19300 GBP per year during 36 months.
National

4786 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 4786 GBP per year during 36 months.

Living costs for Canterbury

660 - 1140 GBP /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Italian.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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