University of Kent

University of Kent

The University of Kent was awarded Gold, the highest rating, in the UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework. Kent is outward looking and forward-thinking, with academic staff who are leaders in their field, outstanding facilities and award-winning student support. The programmes are designed to help you sharpen your focus and take a step up in your career. Join Kent's world!

Top reasons to study here

  • Stunning locations, first-class facilities, a diverse, inclusive and supportive community and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical excellence.
  • Awarded GOLD in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
  • The Careers and Employability Service helps you to develop transferable skills, which combined with academic knowledge, make you stand out in the job market.

PhD Programmes

Social Sciences (27)
Humanities (17)
Business & Management (11)
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (9)
Medicine & Health (7)
Arts, Design & Architecture (5)
Applied Sciences & Professions (4)
Education & Training (4)
Engineering & Technology (3)
Law (3)
Computer Science & IT (2)
Hospitality, Leisure & Sports (2)
Agriculture & Forestry (1)
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (1)

About

History

The University of Kent welcomed the first 500 students to the Canterbury campus in 1965. Since then the University has grown in size, we now have more than 19,000 students, two campuses in the UK and European centres in Brussels and Paris. We have also grown in stature, and are known for the quality of teaching and research. 

Education

Kent is known for the quality of teaching, gold-rated in the government’s Teaching Excellence Framework, with a teaching style that brings your subject to life and encourages you to think independently. Some degrees offer the possibility of taking a year in industry where you can gain valuable workplace experience, or a year abroad - work or study in another country. Kent offers flexibility for our postgraduate students, many of our taught and research degrees offer September or January starts. Kent also offers distance-learning options and short courses. 

The focus is on helping you to discover your path by gaining a broad range of skills, experience and knowledge to ensure you excel in your future career. 

Research

Following the most recent Research Excellence Framework, Kent was ranked in the top 20 for research output and research intensity in the Times Higher Education. The academics are involved in research that could lead to new approaches to cancer treatment; end plastic pollution; improve UK productivity; and create original forms of poetry and creative writing. Join a community that’s already shaping tomorrow’s world and discover where it could take you.

University of Kent also have doctoral training partnerships with several bodies, which give you access to a range of funding, including from the UK Research Councils.

Career

Kent has an excellent record for employment. In a competitive market, a qualification from Kent can help you to make an impact in your chosen profession, move on in your career or change direction. Alongside the support you receive from academic staff, the Careers and Employability Service provides expert advice and can help you prepare for interviews and assessment days. 

There are annual Careers Fair where you can meet potential employers, as well as workshops throughout the year to help you develop your skills and confidence. For graduates, Kent offer training sessions that not only ensure you get the most out of your studies, but also to prepare you to take your place in the professional world.

University Ranking

World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2021
301 50
2020
351
2019
351
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2021
380 -12
2020
368 -13
2019
355
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2020
501
2019
501 -100
2018
401
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2021
591 -7
2020
584 6
2019
590
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world.

Services

Student services

Going away to university is an exciting time, a time of transition and personal development. Kent offers lots of support to make sure you get the most out of university life. The Student Learning Advisory Service offers help with study skills, time management and lots more. There are online resources which you can access any time or you can arrange a 1:1 appointment. The wellbeing team can help if you have a disability or need support with emotional or mental health issues, there is also a free and confidential counselling service. 

There are support teams in our schools and advice services run by our student unions. 

Housing services

New first-year and postgraduate students who select Kent as their first choice are guaranteed a place in University accommodation. 

At the Canterbury campus, most rooms are en suite and many offer catering options. Rooms are available as flats, studio apartments or shared houses in the nearby student village and are generally arranged in a collegiate system. 

Rooms at Medway are all en suite and arranged in flats of five to eight people. They are managed by Unite Students, separate from the University, and shared with students from two other local universities.

In general, there is good supply of off-campus accommodation, we’re happy to advise students further on student accommodation off campus if needed.

Library services

The two excellent libraries, the Templeman at Canterbury and the Drill Hall at Medway house extensive print and online collections. 

There are hundreds of study spaces and specific zones for different types of study. You can get advice from subject-specific librarians and IT support if you need it, and it’s also possible to borrow a laptop. There are library induction sessions for new students.

ICT services

Kent offers support and training to help you develop your IT skills, you can even earn a qualification to add to your CV. The University provides free antivirus protection for computers and laptops and offer a range of free and discounted software. It’s easy to work on or off campus by using the VPN network. Wi-Fi is available across our campuses and even on the campus buses.

Medical services

The Medical Centre is a specialist GP practice on the Canterbury campus, providing care to students at the University. The University Nursing Service provides care for in-patients, a minor casualty service, and supports students in term-time. There is a pharmacy on campus.

The Medway students can register at the local practice in Gillingham. 

Student Life

Campus life

Kent has two campuses in the UK, in Canterbury and Medway, as well as European centres in Brussels and Paris. 

The Canterbury campus, just a 25-minute walk from the historic city of Canterbury, has lots of green and tranquil open spaces. You’ll also find: the Gulbenkian arts centre which includes a cinema and theatre; the Colyer-Fergusson music building; a sports centre; two convenience stores and a bookshop. 

The Medway campus is a bus ride from both Rochester and Chatham. On campus events are held at the Deep End, part of our student hub. 

Both campuses house a number of cafés that offer a range of food at reasonable prices.During term-time you can travel for free between our campuses on the Campus Shuttle bus.

Sports facilities

Sport at Kent is for everyone. Whether you are a member of one of the varsity teams or taking part just for fun, Kent will support you. 

The sports centre is based on the Canterbury campus and has a fitness suite, fitness and dance studio, three multi-purpose courts, an indoor tennis centre, cycle hub, a range of sports pitches including 3GX, astroturf and grass pitches. 

As well as traditional sports, there is a wide range of fitness and dance classes available. There are different membership options which offer great value for money and some great benefits.

All the facilities are open to staff, students, alumni and the public.

Student clubs

Societies are a great way to meet people. Most subjects have a student-run society and there are societies that celebrate national cultures where you can meet people from other countries, or with people from home. There are around 40 sports societies as well as societies for investment, quidditch, dance, circus skills and a gospel choir, to name a few. 

If your favourite pastime isn’t covered, you can start your own society.

Societies are supported by student unions, Kent Union and GKSU (Greenwich and Kent), which also provide facilities, represent student interests and offer help when needed.

The Kent Graduate Student Association also runs events and offers support to all postgraduate students.

Accreditation

Many of our degrees are accredited by the relevant professional bodies or institutions, including: 

  • the Institution of Engineering and Technology; 
  • Engineering Council; 
  • National Council for the Training of Journalists; 
  • the Royal Society of Biology; 
  • The Chartered Society of Forensic Scientists; 
  • British Psychological Society; 
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AASCB), professional accountancy bodies; 
  • Chartered Management Institute (CMI); 
  • Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA), 
  • Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM); 
  • the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM);
  • British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT). 
Postgraduate Programmes
  • Kent Business School is a member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)
  • Kent Business School is a member of the European Foundation for Management Development (EMFD)
  • Kent Business School has joined forces with Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) to give students the opportunity to gain professional qualifications through CIM Graduate Gateway
  • The Kent MBA programme is accredited by the Association of MBAs
  • Our MSc Human Resource Management is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
  • Our MSc in Forensic Psychology at Kent is accredited by The British Psychological Society
  • The Centre of Journalism is professionally accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ)

Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

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