University of Kent

PhD Social Psychology

University of Kent

Course overview

The PhD Social Psychology is a postgraduate programme that involves original research resulting in a doctoral thesis. Students become part of a supportive research community, investigating topics such as group behaviour, political psychology, and intergroup relations. The programme is typically completed over three to four years of full-time study, or five to six years if undertaken part-time.

Learning is highly independent and involves structured supervision, where the student works closely with a main and secondary academic supervisor. Assessment relies solely on the submission and examination of the final dissertation, which must present a significant contribution to knowledge. All students must complete specific training in advanced research methods and transferable skills.

Entry requirements

Candidates are required to submit a well-developed research proposal. The most important step is to identify a suitable research topic and secure the support of a member of the academic staff to act as a supervisor. The potential supervisor will help the Candidate refine the research proposal, which is a key component of the formal application submission.

Grade Requirements

  • Candidates need a 2:1 or a Merit, in a relevant subject from a UK university.
  • Candidates with a different degree must verify they have adequate training in statistics and research methods.
  • Other International qualifications equivalent are also accepted.

English Proficiency 

  • Candidates need to score at least 6.5 overall in the IELTS test, with a minimum of 5.5 in any other component.
  • Other English language test scores, such as PTE Academic and TOEFL IBT tests, are accepted, amongst others.

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship

    Scholarship value up to £10,000.

  • Kent Ambition to Succeed Scholarship

    Scholarship holders can expect to receive between £500-£2,000 for each year of study (pro-rata for part-time students), subject to satisfactory academic progress.

  • Kent Business School Beaconhouse PG Progression Scholarship

    Tuition fee discount scholarship of £6,000.

    Up to £6,000
  • Kent Business School Dean's Excellence Scholarship Award

    Awards of up to £3,000

  • Kent Business School MBA Scholarship

    50% off Tuition Fee.

    Up to 50% of fees
  • Kent Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee reduction for post-graduate taught programmes at the University of Kent.

    Up to 20% of fees
  • Kent International Scholarship for Undergraduates

    Scholarship value - £5,000

    Up to £5,000
  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught

    Scholarship value - £5000

    Up to £5,000
  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught (KBS)

    Scholarship value £3000

    Up to £3,000
  • Kent LLM Solicitors’ Practice Scholarship (Canterbury)

    £2,000 tuition fee discount (Home Students); £2,000 tuition fee discount (Overseas Students).

    Up to £2,000
  • KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Academic Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9, 790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Support Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Kingsman Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Widening Participation Scholarship

    £1,500 maintenance per annum for a maximum of 5 years.

    Up to £1,500
  • Music Performance Scholarship

    £1,000 awarded each year to talented instrumentalists and singers studying for any degree at the University of Kent.

    Up to £1,000
  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Tuition fees waived for the duration of your programme of study, or until you are able to access other Student Finance funding.

  • Sasha Roberts Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000
  • The “Ambition” Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £1,500 for Full Time UK students; £750 per year for Part Time UK students; £3,000 for Full Time Overseas students.

  • The CAMEMS Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000
  • The Widening Participation Ambition Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £5,000 for UK students (£2,500 per year for part time students).

Career opportunities

Graduates of the PhD Social Psychology from the University of Kent can work as:

  • Academic Teaching and Research
  • Social Researcher
  • Human Resources (HR) Consultant
  • Market Researcher and Consumer Insights Analyst
  • Policy Advisor

Cost of study

The international students’ tuition fee for the PhD Social Psychology at the University of Kent is £19,300. Note that this tuition fee is subject to change.

Admission

Admission to the PhD Social Psychology programme is made through the university’s application system. If you need further assistance, we at AHZ can assist you with your application process.

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