Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship (UK and International) (2025)

The School of Psychology is offering up to 11 Open UK/International Doctoral Research Scholarships for entry in September 2025 for a project proposed by the applicant. 

We especially encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) applicants within the UK who are currently under-represented among Postgraduate Researchers studying for a PhD. 

Details of our academics and a guide to the kinds of projects they are interested in supervising can be found on our list of supervisors. Please identify a member of faculty whose research interests/methodologies are similar to yours and approach them informally before submitting an application. They will be able to tell you if they would be interested in supervising a PhD on your chosen topic and may wish to comment on your draft research proposal.

More information about faculty research interests and expertise can be found via links to our four research groups:

• Developmental and Clinical Psychology
• Social and Applied Psychology
• Biological Psychology (including Cognitive Neuroscience) 
• Cognitive Psychology (including Cognitive Neuroscience)

Doctoral Tutor role

Postgraduate Researchers studying for a PhD are encouraged to take on the paid role of a Doctoral Tutor to gain teaching experience. As a Doctoral Tutor you will receive training and will be able to begin teaching in the first term of your studies. You will be encouraged to study for a formal teaching accreditation (Associate of the Higher Education Academy), enrolling on a ‘Starting to Teach’ module in the first term.   

Eligibility

• Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a First or a high Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, and/or a Master’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience or a related discipline.
• The University of Sussex believes that the diversity of its staff and student community is fundamental to creative thinking, pedagogic innovation, intellectual challenge, and the interdisciplinary approach to research and learning. We celebrate and promote diversity, equality and inclusion amongst our staff and students. As such, we welcome applications from all, regardless of personal characteristics or background. 
• This award will pay fees at the Home or International rate. International students must move to Sussex for the duration of the PhD and will not be permitted to register as Distance Learners. The studentship does not include additional funding towards the costs of visas or travel to the UK for International students.

How to apply

• Please read our full advert, and our Prospectus before you start your application.
• Deadline: Friday 13 December 2024 (16:00pm GMT)
• Interviews (online): mid-January to February 2025
• Decisions: before end of March 2025