Our research students benefit immensely from a vibrant research community, a supportive environment and many opportunities to engage critically with academic research and contemporary issues. They are immersed in a research culture which situates legal studies in its historical, social and economic context.

Kent Law School (KLS) is widely recognised as a world leader in critical and interdisciplinary scholarship including socio-legal studies, law and humanities, critical legal studies and feminist theory; and its research has been ranked second in the UK during the last round of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise by the Times Higher Education (THE).

In addition to the standard on campus research degree, we have also developed an external research route. External research degrees are designed for those who are in the process of establishing their careers as researchers or who need to study alongside other commitments. They are ideal for individuals who are looking for an opportunity to undertake a PhD but may not be in a position to relocate. International students wishing to undertake their entire programme from overseas will not require immigration sponsorship and should apply as an external research student, stating this clearly in the Reasons for Study section of the application form.

You can study full-time or part-time. Studying for a PhD part-time is a rewarding and challenging experience. While everyone is different we would expect students to need at least 2 days a week to focus intensively on their PhD in addition to the compulsory training offered. There may also be additional periods of more intense and concentrated research and writing. We do not advise full-time working while studying for a PhD part-time; and suggest part-time applicants who are working to outline a plan in their application for how they intend to balance working with their PhD study.

Whatever your mode of study, you will be part of Kent Law School which has an active, supportive and vibrant student community, with excellent dedicated postgraduate facilities, who benefit from cutting-edge legal training. You are usually allocated two supervisors, who give guidance about the nature of the research, the standard of work required, and about the relevant literature and sources that should be consulted. You meet with supervisors monthly, ensuring consistent and continuous support during the length of the degree.