Established in 1965, the University of Kent has a proud track record of excellence in teaching and research and is ambitious to achieve more as it approaches its 60th anniversary. Kent offers degrees across a range of subjects including STEM, social sciences, humanities, business and the arts. Kent has been listed in the Top 40 in The Times Good University Guide 2025.
Set on a hill overlooking the historic city of Canterbury, the largest of Kent's two campuses is a beautiful green space with accommodation, teaching facilities and services such as shops, restaurants, bars, a nightclub and even a cinema, all on site.
At Medway, the campus is a former naval base beside the river, cleverly reinvented as a 21st-century study space. Both campuses are around an hour by train from London and within easy reach of the coast and open countryside.
Both campuses are equipped with modern facilities to meet all the needs of students, both academic and social. Support services are also widely available, catering to any requirements that students may have during their time at university.
The University of Kent is renowned for its high-quality research, ensuring students are learning alongside leading academics and using the very latest information.
Saturday 14 November, 09:30-15:00, Canterbury
Join the University of Kent's Undergraduate Open Day to explore their subjects, meet staff and students, discover placement and study abroad opportunities, and learn more about their £2,000 financial support, internships, and accommodation options.
University of Kent students on Whatuni say:
''It's a nice place to be at, the campus is big and there's lots of facilities.''
''It is really great that everything is on campus, it makes everything accessible. They try their very best to make the student experience really good also.''
''Lots on campus! Town is close, course is good. One of the best unis I looked at overall. Why I picked it :)''
Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.03.93.3
4.1The university has excellent academic and social facilities at all of its locations. During term-time students can travel for free between the Canterbury and Medway campuses on the shuttle bus, so it's easy to experience everything there is to offer.
Academic facilities include the Templeman Library at Canterbury and the Drill Hall Library at Medway, home to large collections of books, journals and specialist databases, as well as study spaces for group work and private study.
Other facilities include, at Canterbury, two Co-op shops, a book shop, a theatre and cinema at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre and a campus nightclub, The Venue.
At Medway, the place to go on campus for food, drinks, live music and other events is The Deep End.
University of Kent students on Whatuni say:
''I enjoy studying at the University because there are different ways to get access to the information that I need, as well as access to people who know my area of study well.''
''The facilities are excellent, from sports to course specific things.''
''A large range of people from different backgrounds. Meeting different people and learning from them. Campus location is also beautiful''
Canterbury
Canterbury is a fascinating place to live. Historic with medieval alleyways, cobbled streets and a world-famous cathedral; contemporary with cafes, pubs, rooftop bars, independent shops, restaurants, a theatre and cinemas. All a 20-minute walk from Kent's campus.
Medway
Medway is a great place to study with fantastic transport links and lots to do in the local towns of Rochester and Chatham: exploring the area's history, relaxing in the cafes, bars and restaurants, or having a night out at one of the local theatres or cinemas. When they feel the need for green space and fresh air, students can visit a countryside park or walk by the river.
3.7There are many different ways for students to give themselves a head start in the job market while studying at Kent.
With the Employability Points scheme, students earn points for taking part in a wide range of activities, such as joining a sports team or society, getting a part-time job, supporting fellow students as a mentor or taking part in careers workshops. They can then exchange points for employment-related rewards, which can be anything from work shadowing to a summer internship.
The Study Plus programme offers skills development workshops to prepare students for the workplace and enhance their employability. The ‘Business Start-up Journey' is available to students of any subject. They'll learn how to come up with a great business idea, work out how to finance it, and then pitch to potential investors.
The careers and employability team provide expert advice to help students find the career path that's right for them, as well as support with job-hunting, CVs and preparing for interviews. If students are looking for part-time work while they're at uni, Kent Union's JobShop is the place to start the search.
3.9Applicants who put Kent as their firm choice and apply for 2024 are guaranteed a room in their first year.
Rent includes all utility bills, Wi-Fi, a free 'Premium Plus' sport membership, and insurance for personal possessions.
The Canterbury campus has a wide range of accommodation, from shared flats and houses to traditional colleges or modern en-suite rooms.
Medway campus accommodation is available at Pier Quays. All rooms are en suite with access to a spacious shared kitchen.
University of Kent students on Whatuni say:
''Great campus and accommodation, incredible library''
''I love the fact that I have my own bathroom and my room is bigger than my room at home so I have plenty of my own space.''
The university provides financial support in various ways. Students who are eligible for the Kent Financial Support Package receive support throughout their course; in 2022 this provided £1,500 for the first year of undergraduate study and £1,000 per year for up to three years thereafter. Care leavers, carers or students who are particularly financially vulnerable in other ways can apply for tailored financial support packages.
If students achieve high grades in their A levels or equivalent exams, they may be eligible for the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. If a student excels at a sport or music, they could apply for a scholarship to help them make the most of their talent, no matter what degree subject they are studying.
Students can find out more about the many scholarships and bursaries available and the eligibility criteria on the university website.
The university considers applications from students holding a wide range of qualifications. On some degrees it's possible to take a foundation year, which is an opportunity to reach the academic level required to start the first year of an undergraduate honours degree.
Students who do not speak English as their first language will need to demonstrate a minimum competency in English language, by submitting recognised test results. Details of each course's language requirements can be found on the university website.
For international students, the international foundation programme provides a way for them to familiarise themselves with academic study in the UK and improve their English language skills, if necessary.
The entry requirements for each course on detailed on the university's website, where students can also find out more about the university's contextual admissions policy; this involves taking a more rounded view of an applicant's achievement and potential than simply focusing on exam results.
Here are the fees for the next academic year:
UK students per year: £9,250
International students per year: from £18,600 (full time)
On most courses at Kent, students study a mixture of compulsory and optional modules, allowing them to gain essential skills and knowledge while specialising in the areas that interest them most. Lecturers are involved in active research, and the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) rated the majority of the research submitted by Kent as ‘world-leading' or ‘internationally excellent'.
Hands-on experience is an important element of many degrees, whether it's working at the Kent Law Clinic to support people in the local community or searching for forensic evidence in the crime scene house. On some courses students can choose elective modules from other degree subjects – there's a wide range from learning a modern foreign language to how to set up a business.
Putting theory into practice is a great way to prepare for life after university, so on many degrees students can choose to spend a year in industry or professional practice. Another option is to add a ‘Year in …' to a degree to broaden options after graduation. Current ‘Year in …' options include computing, management, data analytics, television and online broadcasting, or a language.
Students keen to expand their horizons might like to study abroad. The ‘Go Abroad' scheme has links with universities across Europe and around the world, including Japan, the USA, Singapore and Canada.
University of Kent students on Whatuni say:
''Great course very insightful''
''The course within the week is not overloaded so it gives you time to prepare for future assignments. The teachers are very supportive, and despite being a small group of number, it helps have one-to-one with tutors and lecturers.''
''The whole of my course has been in class which is what I wanted. The lectures are recorded so you're able to rewatch or catch up if you can't attend. The lecturers are very responsive and want you to succeed. The teaching quality is of a high standard.''
The University of Kent has a reputation for world-leading research, reinforced by its outstanding results in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. This means new Kent students are joining a community that pushes boundaries, is ambitious, innovative and intent on making a positive difference to people's lives.
At Kent, students learn from leading thinkers whose work informs their teaching. Lecturers inspire them to open their minds, push the boundaries of their subject and exchange ideas with confidence. Students are introduced to cutting-edge knowledge and have every opportunity to test new theories and even contribute to regional, national or international change.
Kent builds real-world experience into students' degree, with facilities that mirror those they will encounter in industry, to ensure they hit the ground running and have a real advantage in the graduate world. The partnerships established with real businesses and industries ensure that all courses are tailored to meeting the needs of the workplace – so that graduates are best placed to fill the gaps and find work fast.
University of Kent students on Whatuni say:
''I really enjoy working in the labrotary and working with a range of chemicals. In addition to this the library is very large and convient as it is in the centre of campus.''
''I am really fond of Kent University! The fact it is a campus university really appeals to me and the business school facilities are amazing! Nice modern buildings and lots of experiences outside of just study.''
Both Kent Union (Canterbury) and The Hub (Medway) offer a huge range of clubs and societies – from Adventure Gaming to American Football; Musical Theatre to Mountaineering; K-pop Dance to Korfball.
3.8All Kent students become members of Kent Union; those at Medway can also become members of The Hub, which represents students from all three universities on the Medway campus.
Student unions provide services such as campus shops, student hubs, the advice team, and JobShop, where part-time jobs are listed.
University of Kent students on Whatuni say:
''Supportive and good student community life like societies.''
''The best aspect is the events put on by kent union (especially the give it a go).''
''Scenic views and good vibes''
4.1Student support is available both from the university and from the student union, and there is a broad range of services to ensure that all student needs are met. For students with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, long-term health conditions, autism and physical disabilities, the Student Support and Wellbeing Service can help to arrange tailored learning plans, mentors, access to assistive technology and funding.
The wellbeing team offers free and confidential support for students with emotional or mental health issues. The student union also offers an advice service and a buddy scheme.
All students are assigned an academic adviser who is there to support and encourage their academic development. Academic peer mentors are fellow students who can help with specific aspects of a course. Students can also get help with academic skills such as numeracy, essay writing and how to tackle research so that they are able to meet the challenges of their chosen course.
University of Kent students on Whatuni say:
''The people I have met here are so amazing, I feel very safe and comfortable.''
''The staff are really friendly and supportive, active student union''
''I love the support provided around disability and mental health''
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