History – (Ph.D.)

Contents

The School of History at Kent currently consists of 22 full-time members of staff (along with two Research Associates and one Senior Research Fellow). Our research covers everything from the medieval papacy to the history of myrmecology (the study of ants), and features particular strengths in disciplines such as gender history, cultural history, military history, medieval history, environmental history and the history of science and medicine.

Inside the School, we have two well-established research centres, the Centre for History of Science, Technology and Medicine, headed by Professor Crosbie Smith, and the Centre for the Study of Propaganda and War led by Professor David Welch.

We also have staff involved in two Faculty-wide centres: the Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (MEMS), headed by Dr Catherine Richardson, and the Centre for American Studies, directed by Dr Karen Jones. The Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies was founded in 1996. It boasts a complement of world leading researchers, a thriving postgraduate community, regular conferences and a weekly research seminar series, and maintains strong links with Canterbury Cathedal closeby. The research profile of American Studies is marked by contemporary, pioneering work. The Centre features three research clusters tackling the American West, US environmental issues, and race, ethnicity and borders. With the arrival of new History appointments, both centres are in an exciting stage of development.

Faculty

Five Reasons to Study History at Kent

1. Research Excellence & Quality Teaching. Ranked 2nd nationally in the Research Assessment Exercise, the School of History at Kent has established itself as one of the leading departments in the country. All of our students are taught by world-class academics, experts working at the cutting-edge of their field.

1. Flexible Programmes. Our popular Single Honours programmes in History and War Studies are incredibly flexible, allowing students to tailor their degree to their own interests. There are over 70 undergraduate modules available, covering British, Irish, European, American, South Asian and African history. Kent also offers an unparalleled range of Joint Honours degrees, for those wishing to pursue a cross-disciplinary programme.
2. Student Satisfaction & Community. Over the past five years, the School of History has consistently achieved over 90% for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey. This represents recognition from current students of our high quality teaching and unique student experience. Our student-led history society helps maintain a vibrant undergraduate community, organising extra-curricular lectures, field trips (most recently to Rome and Vienna) as well a range of social events (including the ever-popular staff vs. students pub quiz).
3. Campus, Location & Facilities. The School is based at the leafy Canterbury campus, where the medieval city of Canterbury provides a dramatic backdrop to the study of history. As well the University library (housing over one million items) and the British Cartoon Archive, Kent students have privileged access to the Canterbury Cathedral library and archives. High-speed trains link Canterbury to both London and the continent, placing many of the most influential and historic sites in Europe a stone's throw away.
4. Student Support. The School of History is at the forefront of student support within the University, with many of our pioneering efforts now being adopted by other departments. The school has a policy of 1-on-1 essay return (ensuring high quality feedback) and a Student Support Officer responsible for running workshops and giving guidance to our students. All members of the department keep regular office hours, in which students may visit for further questions and discussion about their studies.