UNIVERSITY OF KENT · UNITED KINGDOM
MA, PhD Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- MA: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time; PhD: 3 years full-time, 5 years part-timeStudy Mode
- CanterburyLocation
- Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2013Award Recognition
- Leading research in autism, intellectual disability, and community careResearch Focus
- Strong links with health and social care organisationsIndustry Connections
- Researcher Development Programme availableProfessional Development
This program, offered at the Tizard Centre, focuses on research in intellectual disability and community care. The Centre aims to improve support for people with learning disabilities, enhance the skills of carers and professionals, and inform policy and service provision. It is recognized for its work in areas such as deinstitutionalisation, challenging behaviour, staff support, sexuality, and autism, with a commitment to addressing social inequality.
Careers
This program equips you with advanced research skills and in-depth knowledge, preparing you to make a significant contribution to your field. Graduates are prepared for roles in research, policy, management, and practice within health and social care sectors.
- Researcher
- Policy Advisor
- Service Manager
- Practitioner
- Consultant
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the PhD Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?
- You need a relevant Bachelor's degree with a first or 2.1 honours classification. A research proposal outline is also required with your application.
- What are the English language requirements for international students?
- For IELTS, you need an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component. For PTE Academic, the requirement is 67 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test.
- How much are the tuition fees for this PhD programme?
- For 2025/26, the full-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate research courses is £5,006. International tuition fees for 2026/27 are to be confirmed; please check the University website for updates.
- How long does the PhD programme typically take to complete?
- The PhD programme is typically 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time.
- What kind of career opportunities can I expect after completing this PhD?
- Graduates are prepared for roles in research, policy, management, and practice within health and social care sectors, including positions like Researcher, Policy Advisor, or Service Manager.
- Are there any scholarships available for this programme?
- The University offers various University and External Scholarships that are merit-based or need-based, with amounts varying. You can search for these on the University of Kent website.
Entry requirements
Relevant Bachelor's DegreeFirst or 2.1 honours degree
IELTS6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
PTE Academic67 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
A research proposal outline must be submitted with the application. Applicants may be considered with additional qualifications, professional qualifications, and relevant experience. For those requiring a student visa, part-time study is generally not permitted unless it is distance or blended learning with no on-campus component.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified for 2026/27. Please check the University website for updates.
Tuition (home)For 2025/26, the full-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate research courses is £5,006. Fees for 2026/27 are to be confirmed.
LivingInformation on living costs can be found on the University of Kent accommodation and general additional costs pages.
Tuition fees may increase in subsequent years. UK postgraduate research fees for 2026/27 are announced in March.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit an application through the University of Kent's postgraduate application portal.
2. Prepare Your Research ProposalAn outline of your research proposal is required with your application.
3. Submit Supporting DocumentsInclude academic transcripts, degree certificates, and proof of English language proficiency.
4. Await DecisionApplications are considered individually, and decisions will be communicated.
Scholarships
University and External ScholarshipsVaries
Accreditation
The Tizard Centre received a Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2013 for its outstanding work.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the PhD Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?
+
You need a relevant Bachelor's degree with a first or 2.1 honours classification. A research proposal outline is also required with your application.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
+
For IELTS, you need an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component. For PTE Academic, the requirement is 67 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test.
How much are the tuition fees for this PhD programme?
+
For 2025/26, the full-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate research courses is £5,006. International tuition fees for 2026/27 are to be confirmed; please check the University website for updates.
How long does the PhD programme typically take to complete?
+
The PhD programme is typically 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time.
What kind of career opportunities can I expect after completing this PhD?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles in research, policy, management, and practice within health and social care sectors, including positions like Researcher, Policy Advisor, or Service Manager.
Are there any scholarships available for this programme?
+
The University offers various University and External Scholarships that are merit-based or need-based, with amounts varying. You can search for these on the University of Kent website.