PhD Applied Psychology at University of Kent

Programme overview

A research degree in applied psychology associated with the Tizard Centre, which leads in research on autism, intellectual disability and community care and received a Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2013. The Centre is recognised for work on deinstitutionalisation and community living, challenging behaviour, quality of staff support, and sexuality and autism.

Department: Tizard Centre | Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time or part-time (Canterbury) | Location: Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent thesis research under supervision, building advanced research skills.

Career pathways

Graduates move into professional roles in health and social care, including psychologists in learning disability, behavioural specialists in community learning disability teams, service management and clinical psychology training.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A Bachelor's or Master's degree with a final classification of at least a 2.1 or Merit in the UK system (other countries assessed individually). Applicants must contact and confirm supervision with a staff member in the School of Psychology before applying; applications without confirmed supervision cannot be processed. English language for international applicants: Very Good level (high B2), for example IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component or PTE Academic 67 with at least 59 in each sub-test; a degree from 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 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

Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

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

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