Overview

There is no better time to begin a PhD in Philanthropic Studies, and no better place to do it than with the Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Kent.

The academic field of Philanthropic Studies has grown rapidly in recent years, with demand for qualified PhD graduates outstripping current supply.

Whether you hope to embark on a research career, a teaching career, or wish to remain in practice as a philanthropy professional after completing a doctoral thesis, we can help you achieve your goals.

Our qualified PhD supervisors at Kent have a background in practice before moving into academia. All of our completed doctoral students have secured jobs that make use of their doctoral qualification.

Whilst we have a preference for those able to commit to full-time doctoral study, we can supervise people based anywhere in the world, and are open to exploring proposals from part-time candidates.

The team at Kent is led by Dr Beth Breeze - author of the annual ‘Million Pound Donor Report’, co-author of Richer Lives: Why Rich People Give, and frequent contributor to charity sector and media debates.

If you are interested in joining a thriving doctoral community, and being supervised by leading names in the field, then please get in touch: studyLSSJ@kent.ac.uk

Programme Structure

The Centre's research projects include:

Million Pound Donors Report
The New Fundraisers
Giving Circles in the UK
Beacon Project - 50 Years of Philanthropy at the University of Kent
Rising to the Challenge - a study of philanthropic support for unpopular causes
Social Justice Philanthropy
Richer Lives: Why Rich People Give

Key information

Duration

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

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-05 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

More details

No fixed deadline for applications for research students, but we recommend to apply as soon as possible; no later than three months before your start date.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

90

Schedule TOEFL®

OTE

126

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Canterbury, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Sociology View 117 other PhDs in Sociology in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

90

Schedule TOEFL®

OTE

126

Other requirements

General requirements

Entry requirements:

A good honours degree or MA, with a significant emphasis placed on understanding the relevance of this previous study and any relevant professional experience in the reasons for study provided by the applicant when submitting their application.
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.

Tuition Fees

Additional Details

fees tbc

Living costs

Canterbury

United Kingdom

660 - 1140 GBP / month

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 Philanthropic Studies.

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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