PhD American Studies at University of Kent

Programme overview

A research degree at the Centre for American Studies, supervised across research clusters in the American West, US environmental issues, and race, ethnicity and borders. Candidates can draw on the Templeman Library's collections on slavery, Native American culture and photography and the Centre's links with North and South American institutions and archives.

Department: Centre for American Studies | Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time, 6 to 7 years part-time | Intake: September, January, April | Study mode: full-time or part-time (Canterbury) | Location: Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent thesis research under specialist supervision, with research training tailored to the candidate.

Career pathways

Recent postgraduates work in media, publishing and a variety of businesses in the UK, Europe and the USA; teaching is also a popular option.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first or upper-second class honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent) and, normally, a taught MA qualification. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the school to discuss the proposed research and supervision before applying. English language for international applicants: Good level (CEFR B2), for example IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component or PTE Academic 63 with at least 59 in each sub-test; a degree from a UK university or a majority English-speaking country is also accepted.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Guide figure only: full-time UK postgraduate research fee for 2026/27; the 2027/28 UK research fee is set by Research Councils UK and was not yet announced. Source

International applicants: GBP 21,950 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual tuition fee from the 2027/28 fee table Source

Intake: September, January, April

Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time, 6 to 7 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply

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