Welcome
Subject
Social Policy
The programme involves critical discussions of how welfare states meet human needs and delve into the enormous challenges posed by social changes. You explore key fields of policy including health, migration, social care and labour market related policy. Methodological training is central to the programme, covering critical thinking and applied qualitative and quantitative technical skills.
Campus
Canterbury
Our self-contained Canterbury campus provides a welcoming environment and a close-knit student community. Campus life revolves around six colleges, the Templeman Library, the Gulbenkian arts centre and the Mandela Building (home of Kent Union) – all set among green and tranquil open spaces.
International
International
Explore Kent from wherever you are in the world through our virtual experience. With over 100 nationalities on campus, the world is on your doorstep at Kent. Discover our diverse and friendly community where you can make friends with people from all over the globe through our many student societies, sports clubs and international groups. We are the perfect place to start your university journey in the UK.
Accommodation
Overview
From day one at Kent you’ll become part of our welcoming, dynamic and diverse student community. Our student accommodation options are not only great places to live, they put this community on your doorstep. There’s always something going on and someone to talk to.
We don’t need to tell you that your university experience will be one of the most exciting times of your life. It’ll be full of firsts and new experiences, and we’re here to ensure you can make the most of your time on campus and enjoy every minute you spend living in our accommodation.
Darwin Houses
Darwin Houses offer delightful self-catered accommodation situated just a little way outside the busy central hub of the Canterbury campus. This tranquil location is perfect for those who prefer a peaceful environment for their studies.
Woolf College
Woolf College offers a comfortable and convenient accommodation option with all rooms being en-suite and self-catered. Home to its own common room, which provides you with a welcoming and relaxed space to socialize and connect with other residents.
Darwin Studios
These self-contained Darwin Studio Flats are perfect for single or double occupancy. They feature a small double bed, a kitchen, and a living area, and are conveniently located near the campus center.
Woolf Studios
Woolf College offers comfortable, self-contained studio accommodation for single occupants, including a kitchen within each en-suite room.
Keynes Studios
Self-contained and en-suite, each flat includes a bedroom, a small open-plan kitchenette, and a seating area. They are suitable for single or double occupancy.
Student life (social, catering and bars)
Kent Union
We are the Students’ Union for University of Kent students, which means we are here to support you on your journey – from the moment you choose Kent, to graduation and beyond. We are a registered charity completely independent from the university, run by students for students. Check us out on Instagram @kentunion to see what we get up to.
Welcome Week
At our Welcome Week you’ll find numerous events and activities to take part in and meet like minded people, including Kent Union’s Big Fair, with hundreds of clubs and societies to choose from.
Keynes College
Keynes College is home to Dolche Vita, K-Bar and K-Bar Lounge. At Dolche Vita a new menu arrives every few weeks with grab-and-go options like sandwiches, coffee, pastries, and snacks. K-Bar has a wide selection of drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, alongside delicious bar snacks. K-Bar Lounge offers comfy seating and a relaxed place to study or hang with friends .
The Gulbenkian Arts Centre
The Gulbenkian Arts Centre Café offers delicious, locally sourced homemade food, great coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere. As a member of Produced in Kent, they support local food businesses. Enjoy hearty brunch options, snacks, cakes, and a fully licensed bar.
Turing College
Hut 8 serves delicious takeaway-style food including homemade pizzas, fried chicken, wraps, and salads. Its spacious, relaxed atmosphere makes it a great social hub where customers can enjoy comfy sofas, tasty bites, and friendly matches of table tennis and pool.
Eliot College
Mungo’s is located at the heart of Eliot College. Renowned for their burgers, they also serve milkshakes, smoothies, and grab-and-go options. It has a colourful interior and a VIP room, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a casual meal with friends.
Rutherford College
Enjoy budget-friendly, home-cooked meals at Rutherford Dining Hall. Choose from a daily changing menu, wok bar, and grab & go options, all catering to various dietary needs. Customisable meals are prepared fresh in front of you, offering a convenient and delicious dining experience.
Sibson Building
Located in the foyer of the architecturally striking Sibson building, Sibson Café offers grab-and-go meals, snacks, and barista-made hot drinks. Choose from global flavours, comfort foods, vegetarian, and vegan options, all in a bright and relaxing setting.
Academic
Postgraduate Study Hub
Our dedicated postgraduate study hub is just for postgraduate students and is a quiet place for individual study, located in our Senate building, just opposite the Templeman Library
Templeman
The Templeman Library has a wealth of books, journals and digital learning resources to help you in your studies. With a large number of study areas and a cafe, for that much needed study break.
Sports
Sports Centre
The Sports Centre is close to the heart of the Canterbury campus and is where the gym, sports halls, and the fitness and dance studio are located.
The Pavilion
The Pavilion is where you’ll find all the outdoor sports facilities including three artificial pitches as well as grass pitches. If you like tennis, this is where our indoor tennis courts are located.
Arts, Music and Culture
Gulbenkian
Gulbenkian is the University of Kent’s Arts Centre offering innovative, engaging and high quality arts activity for students, staff and the public with a cinema, theatre and cafe.
Colyer-Fergusson
The award-winning Colyer-Fergusson Music Building is a purpose-built, flexible performance space that can accommodate a wide range of musical activities. It is used by staff and students from the University, the local community, and musicians and arts organisations beyond Kent.
Student support and wellbeing
Student Support and Wellbeing
We have expert staff available to support all students at the University of Kent. We can help with mental health, disability, autism and specific learning differences (SpLDs, including ADHD and dyslexia), and accessibility. We have reception teams on the Canterbury and Medway campuses.
Careers
Careers and Employability Service
The Careers and Employability service is available to all University of Kent Students. We are an impartial service focused on giving you the tools to improve your employability. You can access one-to-one career support from our trained career advisers, as well as attend our career events. We run regular workshops, talks and careers fairs you can attend, many of which feature employers and Kent Alumni.
Local Area
Canterbury Local Area
Canterbury has a warm and friendly atmosphere. Explore medieval buildings, lively bars, atmospheric pubs and a wide range of shops just a 25-minute walk from campus.
Enjoy the beach at sunny Whitstable, just 15 minutes by bus, with boutique shops and a range of bars and restaurants.
London is an hour away by high-speed train and we’re also the closest UK city to mainland Europe, so you can be in Paris, Brussels or Lille within two hours.