Welcome to Kent!
Undertaking a PhD, Professional Doctorate or a Master’s by Research is a challenging but rewarding period which will end with you having achieved a higher degree. During this time, you will require considerable motivation and dedication; there will be great days when your programme of research leaps ahead and not so good days when you might wonder why on earth you decided to undertake such a challenge. But as we all know, and as Covid-19 has made us acutely aware, research is fundamental to our planet’s survival and advancement. It enables us to shape and contribute to tomorrow’s world.
Your supervisory team is key to guiding your research, celebrating success and progress and providing support along the way. The University’s progression monitoring procedures ensure that you have an opportunity to reflect on your progress and development and get feedback from your supervisory team. There are other key moments that check how you are doing and help you both reflect and plan. Please do spend a little time getting acquainted with Kent’s procedures and regulations in order to ensure that you know what is expected of you and what is expected of your supervisory team and school. Be prepared for what lies ahead as we have never been in such uncertain times.
While undertaking your research you will also have many opportunities to develop as a researcher, online, digital and face-to-face. There is formal training in the Researcher Development Programme as well as more informal opportunities to develop skills and enhance your time at Kent by, for example, participating in the Postgraduate Community Experience Awards, the Kent Researchers’ Showcase and the production of The GradPost, our termly newsletter created by students for students with our support.
Make sure to embrace the opportunities offered to you by the dynamic intellectual life of the University, your Division and our programme. Every Division holds regular research seminars and academic events and these are usually open to others across the University, regardless of their discipline. There are also many ‘Open Lectures’ which feature leading academics and public figures. A higher award is a fabulous opportunity to become a specialist in your field and contribute to these events whilst also gaining an appreciation of a much broader range of disciplines and current affairs. Do make the most of it, but also be reassured that help is there if it’s needed: do not be afraid to ask. Your health and safety and personal development are our priority, in everything you do with us.
These are difficult times. We are here to help, and the Graduate and Researcher College and countless other university staff are on hand to assist and to ensure all your endeavours are successful.
I wish you all the best for your research.
Professor Paul Allain
Dean of the Graduate and Researcher College
We have aimed to provide general regulatory information that is relevant across all our campuses and European centres. Your own School/Division may also provide additional information that is relevant to your particular discipline or research area. Postgraduate students studying at our European centres will receive additional centre-specific information.
