Scholarship details
Are you a psychology enthusiast who wants to pursue a PhD in one of the top psychology schools in the UK? Do you have a solid academic record and a keen interest in conducting original and impactful research? If yes, you might be eligible for the University of Sussex Psychology Doctorate Scholarship.
The University of Sussex is a leading research university in Brighton, England. It is known for its excellence in teaching and research and its vibrant and diverse campus community. The University of Sussex offers a range of PhD programs in various disciplines, including psychology, one of its flagship areas of expertise.
About the scholarship provider
The School of Psychology at the University of Sussex is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse psychology schools, with over 70 academic faculty and 90 PhD students. The school has a global reputation for its high-quality education and research and was ranked in the top 10 psychology schools in the UK in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2021. The school’s research spans the full spectrum of psychology, from developmental and clinical psychology to social and applied psychology and from behavioural and clinical neuroscience to cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience. The school also links closely with external partners, such as the NHS, charities, and industry. It engages with policymakers and practitioners to ensure its research has a real-world impact.
Eligible applicants
The University of Sussex Psychology Doctorate Scholarship is open to applicants worldwide with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in psychology or a related field and a master’s degree or equivalent in psychology or a related field. Applicants must also have a first or a high upper-second-class honors degree or equivalent qualification and a merit or above in their master’s degree or equivalent qualification. Applicants must also demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and a strong motivation and potential for conducting independent and original research.
Host country
The University of Sussex Psychology Doctorate Scholarship host country is the UK. The UK is one of the most popular destinations for international students, thanks to its world-class education system, rich cultural heritage, and diverse and welcoming society. The UK also offers a range of opportunities for personal and professional development and access to cutting-edge facilities and resources. The UK is also home to some of the most renowned and influential researchers and experts in various fields, including psychology.
Scholarship worth
The University of Sussex Psychology Doctorate Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship that covers the following costs for up to four years:
- A stipend to cover living costs, which is tied to the UKRI studentship rates; for 2023/24 it is £18,622 per year.
- UK or international fees, which are £4,500 per year for UK students and £22,975 per year for international students.
- Research and training costs of £750 per year, which can be used for expenses such as equipment, software, travel, and conferences.
- Enhanced costs for some neuroscience projects, which can be up to £5,000 per year, depending on the project and the supervisor.
- Opportunity for doctoral tutoring, which is a paid teaching role that can enhance the student’s skills and experience, as well as provide additional income.
Level and field of study
The University of Sussex Psychology Doctorate Scholarship is for the PhD program in psychology, which is a graduate-level program that involves conducting original and independent research under the supervision of an academic faculty member. The program consists of three stages: the confirmation stage, the progression stage, and the completion stage. The program also involves attending training courses, seminars, workshops, and conferences, as well as presenting and publishing the research findings. The program offers a wide range of topics and methodologies to choose from, depending on the student’s interests and the supervisor’s expertise. The program also allows the student to collaborate with other researchers within and outside the school, as well as with external partners.
How to apply
To apply for the University of Sussex Psychology Doctorate Scholarship, applicants must first identify a potential supervisor from the list of academic faculty members on the school’s website1. Applicants must then contact the potential supervisor informally and discuss their research proposal and suitability for the scholarship. Applicants must also submit an online application form2 through the university’s portal, which requires the following documents:
- A curriculum vitae
- A research proposal of up to 2,000 words
- A transcript of academic records
- A proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
- Two letters of recommendation
- A copy of passport or ID card
Applicants must also pay a non-refundable application fee of £50. Applicants who are shortlisted will be invited for an online interview with the admission committee. The final admission decision will be based on the overall quality of the application and the interview performance.
Countries that can apply
The University of Sussex Psychology Doctorate Scholarship is open to applicants from any country in the world. However, applicants who are not citizens of the UK must obtain a student visa to study in the UK. Applicants are advised to check the visa requirements and procedures on the website of the UK government3 or the British embassy or consulate in their home country.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the University of Sussex Psychology Doctorate Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in psychology or a related field
- Have a master’s degree or equivalent in psychology or a related field
- Have a first or a high upper-second-class honors degree or equivalent qualification
- Have a merit or above in their master’s degree or equivalent qualification
- Have a high level of proficiency in English
- Have a strong motivation and potential for conducting independent and original research
- Meet the program’s standard entry requirements
Scholarship deadline
The deadline for applying for the University of Sussex Psychology Doctorate Scholarship is January 15, 2024. Applicants who apply by this date will also receive an early application tuition fee discount of £2,000. Applicants who accept the offer of admission and make the deposit payment by April 1, 2024, will receive an early acceptance discount of £2,000. The program will start in September 2024.
