Postgraduate Open Event
Join us on Wednesday 18 November 2026, 17:00 - 19:00
Key information
Start
September, January
Location
Canterbury
Study mode
3 to 4 years full-time, 6 to 7 years part-time
Typical offer
2.1 or above
Overview
Our alumni, who form an international network, have used this programme as a spring board into foreign offices and diplomatic services, international organisations such as the UN, EU and OECD, and NGOs including IRC and Amnesty International.
A PhD is a doctorate of philosophy or Master’s by Research is based on mostly independent study, whether your passion is international peace-keeping, crisis diplomacy, post-conflict reconstruction, sustainable development or more. It is assessed formally on the basis of one piece of work, a dissertation (or thesis), that reports your original thought and research. You must also successfully complete all required training including methods and research design.
Choosing a topic
Although sometimes we have specific PhD research projects related to funding awards, most of our research students choose their own research topics. Once you have decided on the nature of your project, it is important to?contact a staff member whose expertise matches your area of interest?with a CV and research proposal to discuss your proposed project and potential supervisory arrangements.
You then work with your proposed supervisor on refining your research proposal which provides the starting point for your subsequent research.
Supervision
During your research, you are supported by your supervisory team, normally comprising one main supervisor and a secondary supervisor. You will have agreed your main supervisor, based on their compatibility with your research interests, prior to registration. Typically, you have one formal meeting per month with your main supervisor to discuss your work and progress (bi-monthly for part-time students).
Training
Through the Graduate and Researcher College, you have access to training in research-specific and broader transferable skills, including academic writing, career management and presentation skills.
PhD students in receipt of a teaching studentship (GTA), must also complete the Associate Fellowship Scheme (AFS). The AFS registration period is one year.
The course
How you'll study
Our postgraduate research programmes give you the freedom to explore your interests in depth, with support from expert supervisors along the way. You’ll build advanced research skills, deepen your knowledge, and make a meaningful contribution to your field.
Entry requirements
2.1 or above
Before making your application, you are required to contact and confirm supervision with a staff member within the School of Politics and International Relations. Please note, if this is not completed and noted on your application, our admissions team will not be able to process your application until supervision is confirmed.
A first or upper-second class honours degree in a relevant subject or equivalent. If applying for the PhD programme, a Master's degree in a relevant subject is preferable.
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.
Fees and funding
The 2027/28 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy.
The 2027/28 annual tuition fees for UK postgraduate research courses have not yet been set by the Research Councils UK. This is ordinarily announced in March. As a guide only, the full-time tuition fee for new and returning UK postgraduate research courses for 2026/27 is £5,238.
Your fee status
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Funding
Postgraduate research is a fantastic opportunity and significant investment in your future, enabling you to expand your knowledge, skills and career options – all while making a meaningful impact and contribution to an area you are passionate about.
At Kent, we also recognise the significant financial investment that comes with postgraduate study, and we offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate researchers, to help keep your mind on your studies, and off your finances.
Scholarships can be broad, or specific to your situation, background or even country – so please do use our scholarships finder to discover the options available to you.
We also have research partnership funding with research councils and government schemes in specific areas of interest that can help you take your research to the next level with additional financial support.
Find out more on our fees and funding page and discover what option is right for you.
You'll need regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. We've listed some guidelines for the technology and software you'll need for your studies.
General additional costs
Find out more about student accommodation and living costs, as well as general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:
- University and external funds
- Scholarships specific to the academic school delivering this programme.
Research
Kent is a leading research university, meaning that you will be informed about new discussions and developments by the people making them. This means your work will have real potential to make a difference.
Staff research interests
Kent’s world-class academics provide research students with excellent supervision. The academic staff in this school and their research interests are shown below. Please note, it is possible for students to be supervised by a member of academic staff from any of Kent’s schools, providing their expertise matches your research interests. Use our ‘find a supervisor’ search to search by staff member or keyword.
Full details of staff research interests can be found on the School's website.
Your future
The School of Politics and International Relations has a dedicated Employability Coordinator who organises employability events within the School as well as providing students with assistance in securing graduate opportunities. Centrally, the Careers and Employability Service can help you plan for your future by providing one-to-one advice at any stage of your postgraduate studies.
Politics at Kent was ranked 6th in the UK for graduate prospects in The Guardian University Guide 2017. Our graduates have gone on to careers in academia, local and national government and public relations.
Postgraduates earn
£5,000
more per year than graduates (Graduate Labour Market Statistics, 2024).
A degree can boost average lifetime earnings by over
£300,000
Graduate employment outcomes - Universities UK
Ready to apply?
Learn more about the application process or begin your application by clicking on a link below.
You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.