Taught Master's programmes at Kent consist of taught modules (with a national credit rating of 120 credits), plus a dissertation or project of 10,000 to 15,000 words (60 credits). This leads to a total of 180 credits (90 ECTS credits) for a full degree.
Modules run over the first nine months of the programme and are taught mostly by seminar and/or lecture. You are assessed by written coursework, examinations and seminar presentations.
You need to pass all your modules before proceeding to your project or dissertation. If you do not complete the dissertation, you may be eligible for the award of a postgraduate diploma. Dissertations must be completed by the end of your period of registration. Projects may be assessed by dissertation and a presentation.
Our broad range also includes the International Master's in Applied Actuarial Science. The two-year International Master's programmes are equivalent to a GDip followed by an MSc.
Postgraduate diplomas (PDip) are similar to a taught Master's degree, but you are only required to attend the taught modules. You do not undertake a dissertation or project. A typical postgraduate diploma takes two terms to complete, equivalent to 30 weeks of full-time study. You are assessed by written coursework and assignments for each module and may also include practical work.
Some courses can register you for the PDip and then transfer your registration to the Master's degree once you have successfully completed the modules.
Kent offers postgraduate diplomas in a range of academic and vocational subjects. We also have professional practice diplomas that are designed specifically to allow you to enter regulated professions such as law, health care and higher education.
Postgraduate certificates (PCert) are similar to postgraduate diplomas but take half the time to complete. It gives you the experience of postgraduate level teaching without the longer term commitment of studying a Master's.
A typical postgraduate certificate comprises three modules and can be completed in just 15 weeks of full-time study. You are assessed by written coursework and assignments for each module and this may also include practical work.
Our postgraduate certificates are available in a range of academic and vocational subjects. We also have professional practice certificates that are designed specifically to allow you to enter regulated professions such as law, health care and higher education.
Short courses can be studied for personal interest, continued professional development or as a pathway to postgraduate study. Our offering includes short courses and taster courses at the Centre for Professional Practice (CPP), as well as courses in other academic schools.
Short courses and taster courses are designed for anyone with a passion and motivation to develop their knowledge at an advanced level. They are non-accredited, have no formal entry requirements and offer a perfect opportunity to try out postgraduate study.
The 10-week standalone modules at CPP provide a route to Master's level study and can be completed online. You participate in online forums and have access to journal articles and specialist materials.
