Ethnobiology (by Research)

Entry requirements

A good honours degree (2.1 or above) in anthropology or other associated fields.

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.

Months of entry

January, May, September

Course content

Research within this area centres on ethnobiological knowledge systems and other systems of environmental knowledge and is supported by members of the Centre for Biocultural Diversity.

We research local responses to deforestation, climate change, natural resource management, medical ethnobotany, the impacts of mobility and displacement and the interface between conservation and development. The Centre has an Ethnobiology Lab and Ethnobotanical Garden, and extensive collaborative links, including with the Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew), and Eden Project.

MSc by Research
This course is a one-year full time or two-year part-time programme. You research and write a thesis under the supervision of one or two academic staff.

PhD
The PhD is a three-year full-time and five-year part-time programme. You research and write a thesis of a maximum of 100,000 words under the supervision of an academic team. Progress is carefully monitored through the duration of the programme.

The first year includes coursework, especially methods modules for students who need this additional training. The remaining years involve field or library research and writing up. In general, you work closely with one supervisor throughout your research, although you have a committee of three (including your primary supervisor) overseeing your progress.

Applying

You are required to find and be accepted by a supervisor prior to applying for a programme. Details of our academic staff and their research interests are available on our website. We advise that you identify a member of staff whose research interests resonate with yours then email them with your CV and an outline of your proposal. Once a supervisor has agreed to provide lead supervision on your research then you can apply.

As part of your application you will be required to upload your CV and a 1,000 word research proposal in addition to providing contact details for two academic references.

Information for international students

Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Please note that international fee-paying students cannot undertake a part-time programme due to visa restrictions.

English language entry requirements

The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree. Certain subjects require a higher level.

For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages.

Need help with English?

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

Fees and funding

Please see our funding pages for the most current information.