Research at Sussex: social sciencesOur research work in the social sciences is committed to cutting-edge and critical research that addresses key social, economic, political, technological, environmental and cultural transformations in the contemporary world. Sussex has an international reputation for interdisciplinary research and specialises in comparative and cross-cultural approaches. Research in the social sciencesMuch of our work looks out from the University to provide essential knowledge and skills relevant for the complexities of the 21st century and to enable positive change in individuals and their societies. Our stimulating and accessible programmes provide opportunities for learning, reflection and debate in a vibrant environment. We value the existing experience of our postgraduates and are especially concerned to equip people with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to understand the present and make the most of their future. Sussex research also influences and is involved in policy and practice in fields such as education, social work, community development, and law. In the most recent top 100 rankings published by the Times Higher Education Supplement (2006), Sussex was ranked in the top 10 in the UK and in the top 70 institutions worldwide for the social sciences. Research centres in the social sciencesSussex is home to a number of leading interdisciplinary research centres of excellence, which provide an unrivalled interdisciplinary context for the study of the contemporary world:
We are also home to world-leading institutions such as the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) and SPRU – Science and Technology Policy Research. Masters and research programmesSussex offers a wide range of exciting postgraduate opportunities through a variety of taught and research degrees. You can find our social sciences programmes under the headings:
MSc programmes in research methodsIf you wish to study for a research degree in the social sciences, or if you want to learn about research methods, you might want to consider our innovative MSc programmes in research methods. We offer two distinct MSc programmes:
These programmes are also designed as stand-alone one-year Masters for those who wish to apply advanced research methodologies to an area of academic or policy interest without continuing to a doctorate. See individual subject entries for full details. Masters programmes supportThe University offers a range of distinct Masters programmes, which provides the opportunity to explore in-depth a specific area of research or policy and practice. Programmes last for one year, and largely follow a common structure that includes both core and optional elements and a final dissertation. Our MA programmes are offered both by departments and by our Interdisciplinary Research Centres. One advantage of this arrangement is that it is usually possible for you to take one course outside your own programme, allowing you to benefit from the range of expertise at Sussex, as well as its depth in your particular subject area. We also benefit from close international links with other research centres of excellence, international organisations and businesses, making it possible, in some cases, to conduct your final dissertation in a specific intellectual or policy context outside Sussex. Our research centres and groups regularly hold seminars and activities in which postgraduate students are an integral part, exploring research ideas and activities. Research programmesAlong with taught programmes, we provide a base for both disciplinary and interdisciplinary research programmes leading to the degrees of MPhil and DPhil. Reflecting our approach to research, we have a research training programme in Comparative and Cross-Cultural Research Methods, which provides core training in the philosophy of social science, research design, and qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis, as well as a range of specialist courses in specific methodologies and techniques of analysis. These research training courses are available to all research students throughout their period of study, and may be required in the first year of registration for those who have not already taken similar courses at postgraduate level. Those who complete a certain number of courses may be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate in Comparative and Cross-Cultural Research Methods. In addition, we offer a formal 1+3 route to doctoral study, in which the first year is spent on research training, leading to an MSc in Comparative and Cross-Cultural Research Methods. This route is fully recognised by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council. It is also the basis for our New Route DPhil, which offers overseas students an integrated programme of coursework and research over a four-year period (refer to Routes to postgraduate study at Sussex for more information). Student supportStudent support is provided by a personal tutor or programme convenor for each Masters programme, and by supervisors and a research convenor for research students. It is practice in many departments for each research student to have two supervisors, to allow continuity of supervision during periods of research leave; each research student is also integrated into the activity of the department or interdisciplinary research centre to which they are admitted. Members of faculty are assisted by the student welfare office, a team of programme administrators, and by a Director of Taught Programmes and Director of Doctoral Studies. These members of faculty are assisted by professional student advisors, and the whole process of student support is overseen by the Director of Student Support. Despite our size, we maintain an informal and supportive atmosphere in which diversity of background and approach is encouraged and celebrated and which enables students to get to know each other very quickly. External linksOur research centres enjoy many contacts with other academic research groups and with public policy-making organisations throughout the developed and developing countries. We are continually establishing and maintaining international links. Funding and scholarshipsFor information on funding and scholarships, refer to Funding your studies and Fees and funding. 
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Kavita’s career perspective
‘I studied Migration Studies at Sussex having previously worked in the voluntary sector both in the UK and abroad. I chose this programme because I wanted to further my career by developing specialist knowledge in a field that really interested me: refugees and migration. ‘I was attracted to study this at Sussex because the structure of the programme was broad but the choice of courses also gave you the opportunity to specialise by focusing on quite specific elements such as forced migration. Another benefit of the degree was that we were given the option to take courses from other MA degree programmes, which I took advantage of by learning about international human rights and humanitarian law. This gave me a great overview of how institutions function in refugee-producing crises. ‘One of the greatest advantages of having a postgraduate degree in Migration Studies is that it puts you well above the competition, especially when applying for jobs in the refugee sector. In addition to this, the Research Methods course offered at Sussex and the opportunities to work on short-term research projects advertised through the Department meant that I developed a great working knowledge of the research process that was crucial to helping me secure jobs in this area. I now work as a research project co-ordinator at the Refugee Council. I feel that without the degree and the other skills I got from Sussex, I wouldn’t be where I am today.’ Kavita Brahmbhatt Alex’s career perspective
‘I did the Common Professional Examination (CPE) at Sussex. It was a great experience; the programme was exceptionally well taught and immediately awakened my interest in criminal and public law. ‘It didn’t feel like a crammer – we spent time thinking about the issues, not just passing the exams. I did pupillage at commercial and criminal sets and my practice is now a mixture of criminal, public and human rights law. ‘Since joining the Matrix Chambers my cases have included acting for Liberty in the Belmarsh case in the House of Lords, on detention without trial of suspected terrorists, and defending the Chief Executive and Railtrack in the Hatfield rail crash prosecution. It’s a fantastic job – I’m very lucky.’ Alex Bailin |
| Contact details and term dates | ||
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For pre-application enquiries:Student Recruitment Services |
For post-application enquiries:Postgraduate Admissions |
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Teaching term dates 2009-2010 | ||
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Autumn term |
Spring term |
Summer term |
| Postgraduate students will normally be registered from 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010 | ||