Gurnah (PhD, 1982) in 2021.
In June 2022, the University of Kent signed a twinning agreement with Kherson State University (KSU) in Ukraine as part of the UK government-backed Universities UK (UUK) initiative. The partnership aims to support KSU during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, providing academic and technical assistance, including online English classes, guest lectures, and research collaboration. This agreement is part of a broader effort by UK universities to support Ukrainian institutions affected by the war.
In 2024, as part of its "Kent 2030" strategy to address financial challenges, the University of Kent announced plans to discontinue six courses: anthropology, art history, health and social care, journalism, music and audio technology, and philosophy. This decision raised concerns among students and staff regarding the potential impact on academic diversity and future career opportunities. In response to the proposed course closures and the planned elimination of 58 jobs, staff at the university voted in favor of strike action. Additionally, a petition to preserve the affected courses garnered over 16,000 signatures.
A revision of the university's ordinances in June 2025 deleted the section on colleges that had been present up to the 2024 revision, removing them from the university's constitutional documents.
On the 10th September 2025, the university announced plans to merge with the University of Greenwich, with degrees continuing to be awarded under either the Kent or Greenwich name rather than adopting a single unified university designation. The two universities will form the London and South East University Group.
== Campuses ==
=== Canterbury campus ===
The main Canterbury campus covers 300 acres (120 hectares) and is situated in parkland in an elevated position just over two miles (three kilometres) from the city centre, with views over the city and Canterbury Cathedral UNESCO world heritage site. The campus currently has approximately 12,000 full-time and 6,200 part-time students, with …
