University of Kent Five Acre Wood Scholarship 2026

The University of Kent Five Acre Wood Scholarship is a specialist doctoral funding opportunity offered by the University of Kent in partnership with Five Acre Wood School. Based on the referenced posting, it supports a part-time PhD in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with a research focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including preparation for adulthood, employment readiness, independence, and social inclusion.

This opportunity is unusual because it combines PhD fee support with a paid research role. The scholarship covers postgraduate Home-rate PhD tuition fees for 6 years of part-time study. In addition, the successful applicant is employed by Five Acre Wood School as a Research Assistant to the Director of Research. The referenced posting states this role is paid at approximately £27,211.20 per annum at 0.6 FTE, with 22.5 hours per week across the year.

The scholarship is aimed at applicants with a strong interest in SEND and applied research. Candidates are expected to hold a relevant Master's degree with Merit or above and to apply for the relevant part-time PhD programme at the University of Kent. A background in areas such as psychology, education, disability studies, or related fields is likely to be especially relevant.

This is a United Kingdom-based opportunity tied specifically to the University of Kent and the associated school partner. Applicants should check the University of Kent's doctoral admissions process and any scholarship instructions released for the relevant entry year, and be prepared for interviews with both Kent and Five Acre Wood School.