Operational Research, PhD, University of Kent

the United Kingdom

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Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
PhD	Full-time, Part-time	3 - 4 years	September	0	find out

About Operational Research, PhD - at University of Kent

The department is also known in the areas of soft OR, research metrics, big data, data envelopment analysis, and environmental management. We welcome student research projects on a variety of topics including:

Students working on relevant research topics in logistics are invited to join the Centre for Logistics and Heuristic Optimisation.

The group is a member of NATCOR and students can attend a wide range of courses and workshops in the field of operational research and management science. Students interested in more mathematical topics are advised to follow the 'Operational Research' programme while those interested in more applied topics or operations management are advised to choose 'Management Science'.

Kent Business School has excellent links with business schools globally, including in China, USA, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and Italy. Our wide array of exchange partners give you the opportunity to gain international experience. Our partners are committed to enhancing their international outlook while providing excellent teaching. You will gain invaluable work experience, develop your understanding of a new culture and improve your language skills.

Our exchange partners include these top ranked institutions amongst others:

Kent Business School has over 25 years' experience delivering business education. Our portfolio of postgraduate programmes demonstrates the breadth and depth of our expertise. Academic research and links with global business inform our teaching, ensuring a curriculum that is relevant and current. We are a leading UK business school for the standard of our teaching and student satisfaction. We also hold a number of accreditations by professional bodies.

Studying at Kent Business School (KBS) gives you the opportunity to increase your employability with real-life case studies, a student council and a business society. We have strong links to local and national organisations providing opportunities for projects, internships and graduate placements. The School attracts many high-profile speakers from industry and last year included visits and lectures from staff of the Bank of England, BAE Systems, Barclays, Lloyds Insurance, Cummins, Delphi and Kent County Council.

The School currently has 60 PhD students, who form a dynamic and close-knit research community.

Course location:

Canterbury, Medway

Learn more about Operational Research, PhD - at University of Kent

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Entry requirements

Contact University of Kent to find course entry requirements.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at University of Kent

Kent offers a range of funding opportunities, including full awards to support doctoral researchers and students undertaking a taught Master’s at our locations in the UK and Europe. We also offer several scholarships to support our international students including GREAT British Council and Chevening Scholarship awards. Our Research Council doctoral training partnerships give you access to a range of funding and research networks. Check out our bursaries and scholarships and see if you’re eligible.

For students starting a postgraduate taught course in  January 2025 or September 2025  at one of our UK campuses, we have several scholarships available. Check if you are eligible to apply and get more information on our scholarship’s webpages

Student reviews of University of Kent

Find out what students say about University of Kent

Inspirational teaching - Patrique Tanque from Brazil is studying for a BSc in Forensic Chemistry.

“Choosing Kent was an easy decision. The forensic programmes are ranked among the best in the UK and have a high graduate employment rate.

“The teachers bring fresh ideas and up-to-date materials from real cases to enrich the lectures. They are keen to help out and always make sure we are getting plenty of support.

“I was very fortunate to be awarded an International Scholarship, which meant I could dedicate myself to my studies.”

Academic excellence - Stephanie Bourgeois from France is studying for a BSc in Biochemistry.

“I like the approach to teaching here; academics are happy to answer questions and to interact with students. I find the lectures very motivational, they pique your curiosity and for me the exciting bit is going to the library and pursuing the things you are interested in.

“The lecturers at Kent are excellent. You get to know them well and, as you move through the course, they are able to guide you towards projects, ideas or career paths that they think you will like.”

Specialist research - Sally Gao from China is studying for a PhD in Electronic Engineering.

“I have been very lucky with my supervisor, Professor Yong Yan, who is a world-class expert and the first IEEE Fellow in the UK in instrumentation and measurement.

“Professor Yong Yan has helped me to become a better researcher. I am inspired by his novel ideas and constructive suggestions. Under his supervision, my confidence has grown through such milestones as my first set of experiments, writing my first research paper and attending my first conference.”