Program Overview

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Introduction to the University of Kent

The University of Kent is a leading research university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The university has a strong international reputation and global perspective, with a diverse range of students and staff from around the world.

The Contemporary Novel: Practice as Research

The Contemporary Novel: Practice as Research is a postgraduate program that allows students to focus on writing a full-length, literary novel of between 90,000 and 150,000 words. The program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to contribute new knowledge to the field of literary studies, while also exploring original, contemporary research questions.

Key Information

• Study mode: Full-time or part-time
• Duration: MA 1 year full-time, PhD 3 to 4 years full-time
• Start date: MA: September, PhD: September, January, April
• Location: Canterbury

Overview

The program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to produce a significant piece of creative writing, while also engaging with the latest research and scholarship in the field. Students will be expected to contribute new knowledge to the field of literary studies, while also exploring original, contemporary research questions.

Entry Requirements

• A first or upper-second class honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent)
• A taught MA qualification of an excellent standard (Distinction or high Merit)
• All applicants are considered on an individual basis, and additional qualifications, professional qualifications, and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

Funding

The university offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support postgraduate students. These include:

• University and external funds
• Scholarships specific to the academic school delivering the program
• International scholarships

Fees

The tuition fees for the program are:

• MA: £5,006 (UK), £19,300 (EU), £19,300 (International)
• PhD: £2,503 (UK), £9,650 (EU), £9,650 (International)

Research Areas

The School of English has a strong international reputation and global perspective, with a diverse range of research interests. These include:

• Eighteenth Century
• Nineteenth Century
• American Literature
• Creative Writing
• Medieval and Early Modern
• Modern Poetry
• Postcolonial

Staff Research Interests

The academic staff in the School of English have a wide range of research interests, including:

• David Flusfeder: Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing
• Dr Nell Perry: EAP Tutor
• Amy Sackville: Creative Writing Coordinator, Reader in Creative Writing
• Professor Scarlett Thomas: Professor of Creative Writing and Contemporary Fiction

Your Future

Many career paths can benefit from the writing and analytical skills that you develop as a postgraduate student in the School of English. Our students have gone on to work in academia, journalism, broadcasting and media, publishing, writing, and teaching, as well as more general areas such as banking, marketing analysis, and project management.

Career Support

The university provides a range of career support services to help you achieve your career goals. These include:

• Career advice and guidance
• Job search support
• CV and application support
• Interview preparation
• Networking opportunities

Accommodation

The university offers a range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. These include:

• Halls of residence
• Shared houses and flats
• Private accommodation

Student Experience

The university has a strong focus on student experience, with a range of services and facilities to support your academic and personal development. These include:

• Academic support services
• Student wellbeing services
• Sports and fitness facilities
• Cultural and social events

About the University

The University of Kent is a leading research university that is committed to academic excellence and innovation. The university has a strong international reputation and global perspective, with a diverse range of students and staff from around the world.

Research

The university has a strong research culture, with a wide range of research interests and expertise. The School of English is a leading centre for research in literary studies, with a strong focus on creative writing and contemporary fiction.

Governance and Planning

The university is governed by a council and a senate, which are responsible for overseeing the university's strategic direction and academic quality.

Access Agreements

The university has access agreements in place to support students from underrepresented groups, including students from low-income backgrounds and students with disabilities.

Transparency Return

The university publishes an annual transparency return, which provides information on student outcomes, including employment rates and graduate salaries.

Modern Slavery Act Statement

The university is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking, and has a statement in place to outline its approach to this issue.

Charity Information

The university is a registered charity, and is subject to charity law and regulation.

Locations

The university has a range of locations, including its main campus in Canterbury and its Medway campus in Chatham.

Support Us

The university relies on the support of its alumni and friends to help achieve its mission and goals. There are a range of ways to get involved, including making a donation or volunteering your time.

What's On

The university has a range of events and activities taking place throughout the year, including public lectures, exhibitions, and performances.

News

The university publishes a range of news and media releases, which provide updates on its research, teaching, and community engagement activities.

Business Services

The university offers a range of business services, including consultancy, research and development, and knowledge transfer.

Career Opportunities

The university has a range of career opportunities available, including academic and professional services roles.

Sustainability

The university is committed to sustainability, and has a range of initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact. These include:

• Energy efficiency measures
• Waste reduction and recycling
• Sustainable transport options
• Sustainable procurement practices

Contact Us

The university can be contacted through its website or by phone, email, or post.

Feedback

The university welcomes feedback from its students, staff, and stakeholders, and has a range of mechanisms in place to collect and respond to feedback.

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