University of Kent at Paris welcomes World University Rankings report

The announcement that Paris has been named the world’s best city in which to study (QS World University Rankings 2012) has been welcomed by representatives of the University of Kent at Paris (UKP).

Based on a set of measures taken from public information, population sizes, number of educational establishments and their quality, the Rankings are the first ever independent measure of the best cities to study across the world.

UKP was launched in 2008. Located at Reid Hall in Montparnasse, it offers students a unique opportunity to obtain a valuable postgraduate (MA) qualification in one of a range of innovative cross-disciplinary programmes while studying at two of Europe’s most historic cities: Canterbury and Paris. The Paris modules, which are taught during the University’s spring term, are designed to be specifically relevant to the experience of living and working there, and students are encouraged to integrate the city's cultural resources into their studies.

Professor Alex Hughes, Pro-Vice-Chancellor External at Kent, said: ‘The QS survey confirms what we have known for many years – that Paris is not only one of the most beautiful environments in which to live, study and learn but also offers an abundance of invaluable resources and other opportunities through its major libraries, galleries, museums and academic facilities.’

Professor Peter Read, Academic Director of UKP, added: ‘Students who enrol on a Paris programme spend the Autumn Term at the University’s Canterbury campus and the Spring Term at our academic centre in Montparnasse. They then write a dissertation on a topic of their choice, established in consultation with a tutor, so as to achieve overall, in one year of study, an internationally recognised Master's-level qualification. To date, all of our students, who come from all round the world, have thoroughly enjoyed and benefitted from the experience. It's great to be studying the history and culture of Paris from a base right in the heart of the city. Students don't need to speak any French to study with us, but employers appreciate the international experience, credentials and communication skills that come with a Kent at Paris MA.’

UKP offers MA programmes in Comparative Literature, Creative Writing, English and American Literature, Film Studies, French and Comparative Literature, Modern French Studies, Modern History and Postcolonial Studies, with other new programmes soon to be available. All teaching at UKP is in English, except for the MA in Modern French Studies, but students are offered free, optional French classes before they leave for Paris.

Further information on UKP can be found here.

Contact: pressoffice@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 10:41am 16 February 2012