Overview
In current technology, communications, computing and entertainment have converged to create completely new media possibilities and experiences. These creative industries need people who can combine digital technology skills with creative ability to meet design challenges.
Our multidisciplinary course in Multimedia Technology and Design offers the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge in areas such as web development and design of interactive applications, as well as a broad grounding in digital photography, digital film-making, 3D modelling and special effects.
Teaching in the School of Engineering and Digital Arts has been rated as excellent. The course is taught by a team of experts in design, animation, film-making, photography, web technology and programming. We have a team of senior industrialists who meet regularly with staff to review our courses, and there is an option to spend a year working in industry.
Kent graduates in this field have gone on to work for organisations such as Disney, BBC and Framestore.
Student profiles
We are sure you will find your time at Kent enjoyable and rewarding.
See what our students have to say.
Independent rankings
In the National Student Survey 2015, the School of Engineering and Digital Arts was ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction.
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.
Stage 1
Possible modules may include:
EL313 - Introduction to Programming (15 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING IN
An introduction to the use computers and the process of programming them.
Variable declaration. Executable statements.
Data Types, Expressions.
Operators, precedence and associativity.
Logical Expressions and the if statement.
Decision steps in algorithms.
Nested-if statements.
Switch statements.
CORE C
Repetition and loops in Programs. Conditional loops. Nested control structures.
Top-down design with functions.
Modular programming.
Arrays. Multi-dimensional arrays. Strings.
Using indexed for loops to process arrays.
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING WITH C
Programming in the large. Program life-cycle.
Pseudo code.
File input and output.
Recursion.
Binary files.
Case studies
Coursework
LABORATORIES - PROGRAMMING EXERCISES
This will take the form of six 2-hour exercises occurring during weeks 2 to 8 of the Michaelmas term. They will generally offer the opportunity for the student to explore concepts introduced in the previous week's lectures. The classes will be supervised by demonstrators. Evidence of well thought out solutions produced in advance of program writing will be encouraged.
Students work individually
PROJECT - PROGRAMMING
There will also be an assessed mini-project. This will be set in week 8 Michaelmas. The project will involve the design and implementation of a significant piece of software and offer the student the opportunity to explore programming features and techniques within the concept of a large software system. The mini-project is organised into three parts, with supporting workshops of 2-hour duration in weeks 10 and 11.
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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EL331 - Website Design (15 credits)
This module is concerned with the design, development and publication of Websites. You learn how to integrate text and graphics in creating a Web page using the latest HTML5 and CSS3 technologies. Web site creation is enhanced by developing skills in JavaScript programming. No previous Web design experience is required.
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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EL334 - Internet Programming with Java (15 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
THE JAVA PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE
Java applications and applets.
Primitive data types. Operators and precedence.
Object Oriented Programming. Design Notation. UML. Classes, objects and methods.
Control structures. Strings and arrays.
Java Packages.
Constructors. Composition
Data abstraction and information hiding.
Inheritance. Superclasses and subclasses.
Exception handling.
APPLET DESIGN
Anatomy of an Applet. Applets, applet viewers and Web browsers. Security issues.
Colour and Font Control. Drawing lines, rectangles and circles.
Event handling. Layout managers.
Java 2D API.
Swing overview.
Building GUIs. GUI components: text areas, sliders, menus and windows.
Java Media Framework. Loading and displaying images. Animation and audio.
Coursework
ASSIGNMENTS
There will be 6 weekly assignments with scheduled laboratory classes supported by demonstrators.
Assessed.
MINI-PROJECT
There will be a Java Programming mini-project with four two-hour weekly supporting workshops.
Assessed.
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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EL338 - Visual Culture (15 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
Part 1: Art History and Visual Literacy
The art of looking, the art of seeing.
The relevance of art history to the visual language of multimedia.
Vision and perception.
Part 2: Image Analysis
Analytical approaches to studying the visual, including semiotics, psychoanalysis and discourse analysis.
Part 3: Digital art
Current trends and investigations involving digital art.
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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EL339 - Digital Photography (15 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
PRINCIPLES OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Basic optics; the camera; types of camera; lenses; lighting; colour theory; files and processing.
INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOSHOP
Basic Photoshop skills.
PRACTICAL PHOTOGRAPHY TUTORIAL LECTURES
Use of cameras and lenses, lighting techniques, composition, themes: e.g. People, landscapes, still life, architecture, nature, sport.
PHOTOSHOP BASICS
File formats; image cropping and rotation; colour correction; lens correction; red-eye reduction; resolution and colour depth; printing.
PRACTICAL PHOTOGRAPHY CRITIQUE
Drop-in help/feedback sessions on photographic techniques to support the Photographic Portfolio assignment.
IMAGE EDITING WITH PHOTOSHOP
Communication through images; photographs and bitmaps; image correction and restoration; image manipulation; layers.
Coursework
PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTFOLIO
Assignment to produce a portfolio of themed digital photographs (50%).
POSTER
A photographic assignment to produce a poster, incorporating original photographic images (50%).
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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EL340 - Digital Effects (15 credits)
This module introduces the student to developing 3D models using Autodesk 3ds Max, and how these models are lit and rendered. Susequently student composite their models into video footage using Adobe After Effects.
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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EL342 - Moving Image (15 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
LECTURES
Moving Image Theory (Introduction to MI, Film Form, Meaning in Film, Narrative, The Image, Editing, Filming for the web); Introduction to Editing and Authoring.
SEMINARS
Discussion of practical aspects of film (Research and Treatments; Storyboarding;
Cameras, Safety & Administration; Shooting, Framing and Sequences.) PROGRESS MEETINGS - Held during the project
Coursework
BLOG (20%)
A log of personal contributions to the project
TREATMENT (20%)
To write and market the film
PROJECT (50%)
In groups to storyboard and shoot a short film for the web
LAB (10%)
'Editing and Authoring for the Web' lab session
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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EL542 - Creativity in Interactive and Tangible Media (15 credits)
Why interactive and tangible media
Processing motion
Tangible user interfaces
Creativity with curves
Mixed reality
Web and wireless communication
Gestures
Sensing environment
Advanced topics
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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Stage 2
Possible modules may include:
EL642 - Project Design (15 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
There are three formal lectures concerning project research, planning and proposal presentation.
Coursework
ORGANISATION AND CONTENT
Students will undertake work in Summer term. The project will reflect students' interests in the area of 2D/3D animation, film-making, software development or special effects and will be supervised by a member of staff, who also sets the initial parameters of the project.
ASSESSMENT
Every student will be individually assessed on their approach to the work as well as their achievement.
Assessment of the project will take the following form:
(a) Proposal presentation - 40%
(b) Research Document – 60%
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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EL532 - Professional 3D and Compositing (30 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
Reintroduction to professional 3D Package (2 workshops, 3 hours per week, Autumn term)
3D MODELLING AND ANIMATION (tutorial lectures, 6 hours per week, Spring term)
Advanced hard-edge modelling- high poly, patch modelling, lathe and free form deformation modifiers
High & low poly asset modeling
Advanced Mental Ray- Caustics, Final gather & Global Illumination
Shader creation
Scene optimisation- Render to texture/texture baking for games
Normal Mapping & Displacement Mapping
Render optimisation for Animation
Physical Sun and Sky for Mental Ray
Volumetrics & Atmospherics
Soft-edge organic Polygon Modelling
Part 1- Organic assets
Part 2- Organic Creature Design
Environmental Render Settings- Exposure control, Lens effects, Brightness & Contrast, Hair & Fur, Film grain,
Fire, fog, volume fog & volume light effects
Animation techniques & Advanced rigging
Curve editor & Dope sheet
Advanced articulated animation – focus on show-reel production
Blend shapes
Manipulators
Automated rigging systems
Skinning techniques
Dynamics – Fluid, Cloth, Particles
Plugin manager
Mel
Compositing Layers
Playblast
Batch Renderer
Coursework
PROJECT
Development of a three dimensional model and its animation around a subject set by the lecturer. Supported by two workshops in Summer term.
Credits: 30 credits (15 ECTS credits).
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EL535 - Software Development (15 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
Software Engineering Process: lifecycle models. Software requirements engineering: basic concepts and principles, requirements engineering process, requirements elicitation, requirements analysis, requirements validation, requirements management. Software design: basic concepts and principles, software architecture, design notations, design strategies and methods (object-oriented, function-oriented, real-time systems). Software testing: basic concepts and principles, testing process, test planning, testing strategies and techniques.
PROGRAMMING WITH PHP
Variables and Expressions, PHP Operators,
Conditional Tests and Events in PHP,
Control structures in PHP, Manipulating strings in PHP,
Taking User Input from Forms via PHP,
Functions in PHP, Array storage,
Interfacing to databases with PHP, File and Directory access,
Configuring PHP
Object Oreintation in PHP, Design Patterns in PHP.
Coursework
WORKSHOPS
8 two-hour workshops will allow students to develop their PHP skills:
EXAMPLES CLASS
An assessed examples class supports the Software Engineering course.
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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EL537 - Digital Portfolio (30 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
INTRODUCTION TO THE MODULE
ADVANCED HTML5
Responsive design; progressive enhancement
JavaScript and jQuery revision JavaScript Frameworks Handling Media with HTML5
HTML5 Sockets and Workers jQuery UI
Typography with CSS HTML5 Canvas and SVG CSS Frameworks
CSS Animations and Transitions
HTML5 Storage and Geolocation
DIGITAL IMAGE MANIPULATION STUDIO CLASSES
Photoshop workflow. Canvas sizing and screen resolution. Masks by pointing to blend layers. Advanced tracing. Using adjustment layers with masks.
Stylistic effects with Photoshop: blend modes through re-creating the vintage polaroid look, blend work with grunge layers and brushes.
Vector shapes in Photoshop: working with shape layers, using in-line with Illustrator, llve tracing with pen tool, intro to stylistic vector tool.
Photoshop for the web, image optimisation, layer effects, background tiling, shadows and gradiants. Text for the web. Using guides and slices. Creating a Photoshop mock-up.
Coursework
MINI-PROJECT
Production of an online portfolio.
Credits: 30 credits (15 ECTS credits).
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EL538 - Interaction Design (15 credits)
User-centred design
Design thinking and design process
User research and data collection techniques
Inclusive design
Prototyping techniques
Evaluation techniques
Emerging and new interaction styles
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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EL539 - Professional Practice (15 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
1. Current and future trends in the film and TV industry
2. Current and future trends in the computer animation and visual effects industry
3. Current and future trends in the web industry
4.Responding to client's brief: pitching, time management, costing
5. Intellectual Property Rights
6. Professional identity
7. Online presence
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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Year in industry
Students on the Year in Industry degree spend a year working in industry between Stages 2 and 3. We have a dedicated Employability Officer who will help you apply for placements; but please note that it is your responsibility to secure a placement, which cannot always be guaranteed. The School has excellent industrial links, providing students with many placement opportunities.
Students taking the Year in Industry programme are eligible to apply for a placement offered through the School's exchange agreement with Hong Kong City University.
There are many benefits to taking the Year in Industry. Information specific to this programme can be found in the Year in industry Engineering and Digital Arts leaflet.
Possible modules may include:
EL790 - Year In Industry (120 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
Not applicable.
Coursework
Students spend a year (minimum 30 weeks) working in an industrial or commercial setting, applying and enhancing the skills and techniques they have developed and studied in the earlier stages of their degree programme. The work they do is entirely under the direction of their industrial supervisor, but support is provided via a dedicated Placement Support Officer within the department. This support includes ensuring that the work they are being expected to do is such that they can meet the learning outcomes of the module.
Note that participation in this module is dependent on students obtaining an appropriate placement, for which guidance is provided through the department in the year leading up to the placement. Students who do not obtain a placement will be required to transfer to the appropriate programme without a Year in Industry.
Credits: 120 credits (60 ECTS credits).
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Stage 3
Possible modules may include:
EL640 - Mobile Application Design (30 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
This course is concerned with the design, implementation and testing of applications for the Android Platform. Students will work at all stages of the development life-cycle from inception to testing, whilst considering usability and device capabilities for a mobile application capable of meeting a functional specification. Key topics include:
Android Development Tools (ADT), Eclipse Development Platform.
Activities and Intents.
Android User Interface: Views and View Groups.
Adapting to Display Orientation.
UI Notifications.
Basic Views, Picker Views, List Views.
Using Image Views to Display Pictures.
Data Persistence.
Content Providers.
Interfacing to Web Services.
Publishing Android Applications.
MOBILE WEB SECURITY
Introduction to Computer Security
Basic Methods of Security
File and Network Security
Cryptography, Public Key Cryptography, Digital Signatures
Web Based Security, Firewalls
WEB APPLICATIONS WITH XML
Introduction to XML. SGML, XML and Metadata.
Creating and structuring XML documents.
Using Document Type Definitions (DTD). CSS with XML.
XSLT for transforming documents.
Working with multiple XSL templates.
Case Studies.
Coursework
APP DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
Students are asked to design an E-Commerce app for the android platform that sells products of their choice to the consumer. This project will be supported by weekly workshops.
WEB APPLICATIONS WITH XML
A set of four assessed workshops..
Credits: 30 credits (15 ECTS credits).
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EL636 - Final Year Project (60 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
There are three formal lectures concerning project research, group work and prototype presentation.
Coursework
ORGANISATION AND CONTENT
Students will undertake a single piece of work over Autumn and Spring terms, presenting a prototype of their application mid-way through the project. The work constitutes 60 credits and thus should occupy about 2 days per week. The project will be supervised by a member of staff, who also sets the initial parameters of the project.
ASSESSMENT
Every student will be individually assessed on their approach to the work as well as their achievement.
Assessment of the project will take the following form:
(a) Prototype demonstration - 20%
(b) Project - 80% (Documentation - 20%, Application - 60%)
After project submission students will attend individual assessment interviews, where they will be asked to demonstrate and discuss their projects with two examiners.
.
Credits: 60 credits (30 ECTS credits).
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EL638 - 3D Computer Animation Pipeline (15 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
This module takes students through every stage of 3D production, using a single fully featured "client" brief, starting with storyboards, design, progressing through modelling, texturing, file referencing, rigging, animation, simulation, effects, lighting, rendering, in a close simulation of a professional animation pipeline, resulting in a practical understanding of the entire process.
Workshop Syllabus
Production design Storyboarding Outline rendering Animatics
Organic modelling
Nurbs modelling
Polygonal and Nurbs UV mapping Texture and image maps with PSD files Character rigging
Lattices and deformers
Pre-viz - Preview animation
Cloth simulation
Fur and hair
Rigid body Dynamics Particle Dynamics Expressions - Max script
Character performance animation
Light rigs
Fog and volume lights Scanline rendering Mental Ray rendering Compositing shots Final movie formats
Coursework
PORTFOLIO
A digital collection of rendered 3D stills and movie files covering a wide range of practical 3D solutions to 3D computer animation problems.
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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EL639 - Videogames Design (15 credits)
Lecture Syllabus
3D worlds
Scripting Objects
Player behaviours and interactions
Game rules and mechanics
Game physics
User interfaces
AI
Level Design
Advanced topics
Coursework
Workshop exercises (30%)
Workshop exercises will be assessed in the lab.
Video game design and development (60%)
Design and development of a video game based on student's selected topic and theme. Team-based.
Video presentation (10%)
Creation of a video showcasing the video games and reflection of the design and development process. Team-based
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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CB302 - Managers and Organisations (15 credits)
The main strand of the lecture material will establish the foundations of organisational behaviour in the context of the historical development of ideas and theory. The theories will be related to practical examples and thence students will be introduced to modern experience, practice and scholarship. Once the information of the foundation of organisational behaviour is established, at the next level, contemporary topics of management will be touched upon briefly. This will provide students with basic knowledge related to modern management practices. The content of the module will, therefore, be based on the following topics:
• Scientific Management
• Human Relations School
• Bureaucracy
• Post Bureaucratic Organizations
• Contingency Approach
• Group and teams
• Motivation
• Power and authority
• Managing diversity
Credits: 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits).
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Teaching & Assessment
Our students have 24-hour access to our extensive air-conditioned computer suites and are able to take advantage of dedicated photographic, and production studios, with green-screen, motion-capture and 3D scanning facilities. Our Digital Media Hub provides a unique opportunity to work alongside industry on client-led projects.
Most modules consist of a mix of lectures, seminars, studio work, computer sessions and private study. The computer workstations in our multimedia laboratories are equipped with current industry-standard software.
The majority of the modules contain design and project work, and are continuously assessed; some modules also have an end-of-year examination.
The specialist project at Stage 3 is assessed by a written report, a critique and, of course, the outcome of the project itself. Both Stage 2 and 3 marks count towards your degree result.
The industrial placement year is assessed by a written report and an interview that count as 10% of your overall degree result.
Please note that progression thresholds apply. In particular, in order to be considered for an Industrial Placement, students are required to achieve an overall mark at Stage 1 of at least 60%.
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- provide a multidisciplinary education for students who seek professional careers in the field of multimedia technology and design
- produce graduates who have an informed, critical and creative approach to understanding communication through multimedia in contemporary society
- prepare students to meet the challenges of a broad and rapidly changing field while providing them with a wide choice of careers
- create an atmosphere of co-operation and partnership between staff and students, and offer the students an environment where they can develop their potential
- give an opportunity to gain experience as a multimedia practitioner working in a professional environment
- develop employment-related skills, including an understanding of how you relate to the structure and function in an organisation, via a year in industry.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- how audio, visual and verbal conventions through which sounds, images and words take meaning
- fundamental concepts of IT and software engineering
- the creative processes involved in visual design
- computer, audio, video and film technology, including digital television and DVD
- the multimedia authoring process
- fundamentals of 3D modelling and animation
- key production processes and professional practices relevant to the multimedia industry
- legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks, which affect the development of multimedia applications
- the role of technology in terms of multimedia production, access and use
- aspects of the core subject areas from the perspective of a commercial or industrial organisation.
Intellectual skills
You develop intellectual skills in:
- how to examine multimedia applications critically
- awareness that technologies are rapidly changing and that you should expect to update your knowledge throughout your working life
- understanding the objectives, constraints and conditions of a commercial environment, including financial and time constraints
- the ability to design and develop software based on an analysis of system requirements
- how to carry out research and integrate information and data from a variety of sources for essays, projects and multimedia applications
- analysing problems and developing solutions based on technical, aesthetic and economic factors
- evaluating your own work in a reflexive manner with reference to academic and professional issues.
- how to analyse, interpret and exercise critical judgement in the understanding and evaluation of multimedia applications
- applying some of the intellectual skills specified for the programme from the perspective of a commercial or industrial organisation.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in the following areas:
- scripting and programming languages in the implementation of interactive applications
- implementing software solutions using structural and object oriented languages
- developing specific proficiencies in utilising a range of multimedia design tools including 3D modelling, animation, video editing, image manipulating and multimedia authoring
- integrating text, graphics and time-based elements to produce effective web sites
- the ability to initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative applications which demonstrate the effective manipulation of multimedia assets
- how to utilise a range of research skills, for example, research into potential audiences and markets, as a production tool
- the ability to prepare technical reports and presentations as well as story-boards as part of the multimedia project development cycle
- applying management techniques to the planning, resource allocations and execution of a design project
- how to apply some of the subject-specific skills specified for the programme from the perspective of a commercial or industrial organisation.
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in:
- IT, including word processing, email and the use of information from online and electronic sources
- communicating effectively with others as a member of a team
- the effective management of resources and time and the ability to organise and prioritise tasks
- flexible thinking, including the ability to be open to new and alternative ideas
- how to manage and carry a project through to delivery.
Careers
On our Year in Industry programme, you will gain practical work experience, while assessing possible future career options and making contacts in the industry. In addition to the technical skills you acquire on this programme, you also gain key transferable skills including the ability to present complex material in an accessible way, the ability to work independently and in a team, and the confidence to develop your own ideas.
Our recent graduates have gone into computer-based training, web development, web mastering, multimedia authoring, television, film, electronic games, mobile communications, electronic commerce, internet publishing, multimedia marketing, computer programming and network management. Some have gone on to postgraduate study, such as our MSc in Computer Animation or Digital Visual Effects.
Year in industry students
Employers are always keen to employ graduates with knowledge of the work environment and some students receive job offers from their placement company.
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
| Qualification |
Typical offer/minimum requirement |
| A level |
BBB
|
| GCSE |
C in Mathematics
|
| Access to HE Diploma |
The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
|
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) |
Distinction, Distinction, Merit
|
| International Baccalaureate |
34 points overall or 15 at HL including Mathematics 4 at HL or SL
|
International students
The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about our country-specific requirements.
Please note that if you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes through Kent International Pathways.
| Qualification |
Typical offer/minimum requirement |
| English Language Requirements |
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
|
Funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our funding opportunities for 2017 entry have not been finalised. However, details of our proposed funding opportunities for 2016 entry can be found on our funding page.
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Details of the scholarship for 2017 entry have not yet been finalised. However, for 2016 entry, the scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our scholarships pages. Please review the eligibility criteria on that page.
Enquire or order a prospectus
Resources
Read our student profiles