History projects

This is a long-lasting archive of individual memories, information, photographs and materials tracing Kent’s development. The research that our students carried out for this project also forms a new module focusing on real-world research skills, so those who have taken part have helped current students to gain new expertise in an area that will help with their career development.

Through this archive, you can learn all about the history of the University of Kent and some of its most significant buildings. History Pre-1965 explores the history of the University of Kent site prior to construction of the campus, History of the Templeman looks at the University library’s conception through to the current developments being planned for the expansion of the complex, and History of the Gulbenkian highlights this popular arts venue as both a social hub and a platform for artistic expression.

Moving forward, Time Team investigates the important events in the history of the University from 1965 through to the present day, and The Campus recognises Kent’s development from relatively humble origins to the vast, multi-location complexes that we run today.

A more personal perspective is available from projects such as The Student Experience and Teaching at Kent, which explore the changes that have occurred in both the academic and social lives of our students and the changing experiences of those teaching at the University over the last 50 years. In the Disability at Kent project, you can also learn about the changing experiences of disabled students and staff at the University.

The History Projects would not be complete without the Images and Photographs project: iconic images that create a distinctive pictorial representation of the changing nature of the University. The Cartoons project also offers a look at how students have been perceived during the University’s history, and Kent and the Media focuses on local and national media coverage of events and issues involving the University.