University of Kent

PhD Community Care

University of Kent

Course overview

The PhD Community Care at the University of Kent is offered through the renowned Tizard Centre, which is part of the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research (SSPSSR). This doctoral programme emphasises high‑quality, original research into community care, intellectual disability, social inequalities, and the well‑being of people with learning disabilities. The programme is designed for both full‑time and part‑time researchers. Full‑time students typically complete the PhD in three years.

The support from the Kent Graduate and Researcher College further strengthens the experience, offering tailored training and research development. Learning is rooted in rigorous, independent research. PhD candidates design, conduct, and present a substantial doctoral thesis, guided by supervisors from the Tizard Centre. There is less emphasis on taught modules; instead, most training comes through researcher development workshops and seminars provided by Kent’s Graduate School. Assessment centres on the final PhD thesis, which must demonstrate original contribution to the field of community care or intellectual disability. Researchers are expected to develop advanced research methods, theoretical insight, and the capacity to reflect critically on policy and practice.

Entry requirements

Prospective doctoral researchers are advised to contact potential supervisors at the Tizard Centre before applying to discuss research ideas, ensure alignment of expertise, and confirm supervision. 

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants for the PhD in Community Care at Kent must generally hold a good undergraduate degree, typically at least a 2:1, or its international equivalent. 
  • A Master’s degree (Merit or equivalent) in a relevant discipline is also required for PhD candidates. 

English Proficiency:

  • International students need to demonstrate proof of English proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no section below 5.5 in all skill components.

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 Community Care from the University of Kent are well-equipped to pursue varied careers. They can work as 

  • Researcher
  • Lecturer
  • Public Health Advocate
  • Health Policy Analyst
  • Specialist Consultant

Cost of study

The annual tuition fee to study the PhD in Community Care in the University of Kent is £19,300 for international students. This is subject to review annually.

Admission

Applicants for the University of Kent PhD Community Care programme must apply for Kent’s postgraduate research admissions. You can reach out to our experienced counsellors at AHZ for assistance.

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