University of Kent

PhD Mental Health of People with Learning Disabilities

University of Kent

Course overview

The PhD in Mental Health of People with Learning Disabilities at the University of Kent is a research degree run by the Tizard Centre in the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research. The programme is designed to advance understanding of intellectual disability, community care, and mental health by combining rigorous research with practical insight. The Tizard Centre is well known for its strong links to health and social care organisations and for influencing national policies in autism, challenging behaviour, deinstitutionalisation, and staff support.

The Tizard Centre provides excellent supervision and opportunities for full‑ or part‑time doctoral research. Established researchers in the Centre lead major projects in intellectual and developmental disability, community care, and social inequality. Research students are based in a well‑equipped, collaborative environment and have support through Kent’s Graduate School, including workshops on research skills and professional development. The PhD is primarily assessed through the research thesis. Supervision is provided by leading academics in the field, who guide students in designing and conducting original work. Through their studies, students learn advanced research methods, theory development, and reflective practice. 

Entry requirements

Applicants will need to submit a research proposal when applying, as this demonstrates the intended direction and scope of doctoral research.

Grade Requirements:

  • For PhD candidates, the University expects a first‑class or upper second‑class (2:1) honours degree in a relevant discipline.
  • Normally, applicants will also have a Master’s degree (at merit or distinction), though experience and qualifications may be considered on an individual basis.

English Proficiency:

  • International students need to show proof of English proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall and 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 in Mental Health of People with Learning Disabilities from the University of Kent are well placed to pursue professional and academic roles in health and social care. They can work as

  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Researcher
  • Lecturer
  • Mental Health Advocate
  • Public Health Specialist

Cost of study

The annual tuition fee to study a PhD in Mental Health of People with Learning Disabilities in the University of Kent is £19,300 for international students. This is subject to review annually.

Admission

Applications for the PhD in Mental Health of People with Learning Disabilities at the University of Kent are submitted through the University’s website.  You can reach out to our experienced counsellors at AHZ for assistance.

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