Research degrees and doctoral training partnerships at Kent – funded opportunities available

What could your research change?

Postgraduate research at Kent allows you to investigate questions that matter, whether you want to influence policy, improve lives, protect the environment, develop new technologies or deepen understanding in your field.

Work alongside expert academics in a supportive, interdisciplinary community spanning the arts and humanities, sciences and social sciences. By connecting disciplines and perspectives, Kent creates space for ideas to develop into research that makes a difference beyond the University.

Kent is ranked 38th in the UK for overall research quality in the Times Higher Education tables based on the Research Excellence Framework 2021. The quality of Kent’s research was also ranked in the UK top 8 in eight subjects.

• Discover research and PhD study at Kent
• See how our research makes a difference

Find the research route that works for you

Choose from Master’s by Research or PhD, with opportunities across a wide range of disciplines. Depending on your programme, you may be able to study full-time, part-time or by distance learning, with September, January or April entry available on some programmes.

• Find your research degree
• Compare your study options

Find the right expertise for your idea

The right academic partnership can take your research further. A potential supervisor can help test your thinking, refine your proposal and assess whether Kent offers the expertise, training and facilities your project needs.

Contacting a potential supervisor before applying is a normal and important part of the process. Introduce your academic or professional background, summarise the question you want to investigate and explain why their expertise aligns with your idea.

• Find a potential supervisor
• Watch how to apply for a PhD at Kent

Funding your research

Funding can offer more than help with fees. Depending on the scheme, a doctoral studentship may include a maintenance stipend, research-cost support, specialist training, placements and access to wider expertise and research networks.

Kent offers scholarships, studentships and other funding for postgraduate taught and research students, including UKRI-funded studentships, subject- and location-specific scholarships, philanthropic awards and support for Kent graduates.

Current doctoral funding opportunities include:

• SEDarc studentships : Fully funded social science PhD and selected Master’s plus PhD routes, including tuition fees, an annual stipend, research training and placement opportunities. Apply by 23:59 GMT on 22 November 2026.
• ARIES Doctoral Training Partnership: Two fully funded environmental science PhDs for October 2027, covering tuition fees, a maintenance stipend and research costs. Projects focus on conservation in Borneo and using technology to understand pressures on migratory fish. Submit an expression of interest by 23:59 GMT on 16 December 2026.
• AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards: Three funded arts and humanities PhD awards, including full fees, a monthly stipend, research support and professional development through Landscape South. Apply by 23:59 GMT on 15 February 2027.

Eligibility, international availability and the support provided differ between schemes.

• Search postgraduate funding and scholarships
• View UKRI-funded doctoral studentships

Develop skills that go beyond your thesis

At Kent, our postgraduate research programmes aim to develop advanced skills in analytical thinking, project management, communication, independent decision-making and problem-solving.

Through the Graduate and Researcher College and its Researcher Development Programme, you can access workshops and training designed to strengthen your research, professional and transferable skills.

You will also find opportunities to present your work, exchange ideas and build research networks. Kent’s Annual Postgraduate Research Conference brings researchers together from across the University to share their work and celebrate postgraduate research.

Whether you are considering academia, another sector or are still deciding, Kent offers careers support tailored to research students. Professional advisers can help you identify your strengths, explore your options and prepare for applications, interviews and assessment centres. Careers support remains available for up to three years after graduation.

• Build your research and transferable skills
• Discover opportunities for postgraduate researchers
• View careers support for research students

Explore your options at a postgraduate event

Get answers about our research degrees, funding and finding a supervisor.

• Book your place at the Postgraduate Open Event
• View upcoming postgraduate events and other ways to meet us
• Meet our international team at in-person and virtual events around the world

To continue exploring your options, sign up for postgraduate updates to receive the latest information about research degrees, funding opportunities, future Open Events and postgraduate life at Kent.

Ready to take your research idea further? Review the postgraduate research application guidance and start preparing your application.

Questions about studying at Kent?

For general questions about choosing a course or applying to Kent, email [email protected] or call +44 (0)1227 768896.

For international pre-application advice, email [email protected], call +44 1227 207636 or contact the International Recruitment team on WhatsApp at +44 7700 103785.