We set a very high standard for admission to our doctoral courses, so you should be prepared to spend some time preparing your application. The offer of a place on depends on a successful application, research proposal and interview. All offers are subject to approval by the PhD Convenor.
Applications should be submitted through the University of Sussex online postgraduate application system. Please check the admissions criteria carefully before applying, which includes details of necessary qualifications and English language requirements. Applicants will be expected to supply an outstanding research proposal.
- Research proposal
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Your thesis should be an independent piece of research which makes a substantive contribution to knowledge. The proposal should thus:
- set out the main research questions to be investigated
- provide a short review of the main academic literature (together with a properly referenced bibliography) related to these questions
- outline the proposed methodology and identify likely sources of quantitative data and/or qualitative information, and
- suggest the contribution that the thesis will make to the academic literature.
It is vital that you devote time and attention to the proposal as it is a key part of the selection procedure. We will accept applicants who demonstrate:
- an aptitude for independent research through a well-conceived proposal (even though the exact nature of the research is likely to evolve over the three years)
- a clear understanding of what is required in a PhD thesis, and
- an appreciation of how the research may make a contribution to the academic literature.
- Supervision
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We do not necessarily expect students to identify a particular supervisor prior to applying, as we will consider each application individually on its own merits. We will seek advice from faculty on the quality of the application and on their availability to supervise the particular topic concerned.
However, you can name a potential supervisor on your application form. We would advise you to look at our people and contacts to identify at least one member of faculty who has similar research interests to your own before making an application.
- Interview
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Your application will be reviewed by the PhD Convenor and potential supervisors. Provided you meet the entrance criteria and your proposal is of a high standard, you will be invited to take part in an interview with your potential supervisors before the offer of a place is made.
