PhD Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at University of Kent

Programme overview

A PhD at the Tizard Centre in Canterbury, a leading centre for learning and research in autism, intellectual disability and community care, with strengths in deinstitutionalisation and community living, challenging behaviour, quality of staff support, sexuality and autism.

Department: Tizard Centre, School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research | 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 doctoral research in intellectual and developmental disabilities under supervision, with a research proposal outline submitted at application.

Career pathways

Graduates gain detailed knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities and can analyse and conduct relevant research, supporting career advancement for existing practitioners and new entrants to the field.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2.1 or above: a first or 2.1 in a relevant subject; send an outline of your research proposal with the application. English language (international applicants): Very Good level (CEFR B2 high); 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, or a UK degree or a degree from a majority English-speaking country. All applicants are considered individually and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may be taken into account.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Guide only: full-time UK postgraduate research fee for 2026/27; the 2027/28 UK research fee had not yet been set 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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