A Master's by research degree focuses on research expertise and prepares students for professional work or PhD study. A PhD is a doctorate of philosophy based on mostly independent study.

Both research degrees are assessed formally on the basis of one piece of work, a dissertation (or thesis), that reports original thought and research. They must also successfully complete all required training.

Kent's School of Psychology conducts both basic and applied research in several areas and are highly regarded as a leading European centre for postgraduate research. The University has a strong international reputation in cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, forensic psychology and social psychology. This is complemented by strengths in organisational psychology and political psychology.