University of Kent

PhD Forensic Psychology

University of Kent

Course overview

The PhD Forensic Psychology at the University of Kent is a research-based doctorate in the School of Psychology at the Canterbury campus. It is designed for graduates who want to become top researchers, exploring how psychology links to crime and justice.

Teaching is mostly independent study with close guidance from your supervisor, an expert in your area. If needed, you can take optional modules like advanced statistics and research methods from the MSc programme, plus seminars, workshops, and ethics training. 

Assessment is mainly your final thesis, which you defend in a viva voce oral exam with examiners. You also pass a first-year progression review based on your research proposal and a short written piece. 

The programme builds strong research skills for careers in academia, NHS psychology roles, policy advising, or forensic consulting with groups like Kent Police or the Ministry of Justice.

Entry requirements

To apply, submit a detailed research proposal, academic transcripts, a CV, and contact details for two academic referees. 

Grade Requirements:

  • You will need a good first degree in Psychology (minimum 2:2 or equivalent) that confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
  • A relevant Master’s degree in forensic psychology, criminological psychology, or a closely related area.
  • A well-developed research proposal that fits the expertise of at least one member of staff in the forensic group (this is essential).

English Proficiency:

  • Applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds must achieve a minimum overall IELTS score of 7.0, with at least 5.5 in each component.
  • Equivalent test scores, such as TOEFL or PTE, are also accepted.

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 Forensic Psychology from the University of Kent are well employable.  Alumni work as:

  • University lecturers and senior researchers
  • Chartered Forensic Psychologists in the NHS and private practice
  • Home Office and Ministry of Justice researchers
  • Senior analysts in police forces and the National Crime Agency
  • Policy advisors for government and NGOs

Cost of study

International students pay £19,300 for the  PhD Forensic Psychology from the University of Kent.

Admission

Applications for the PhD Forensic Psychology in the University of Kent are made online through the University’s postgraduate application portal. For personal guidance on putting together a strong application, kindly reach out to one of our trained counsellors.

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