Applying
All applications for postgraduate study at Sussex ultimately go through the same formal procedure. For the basic information and online application form please see the Postgraduate Prospectus.
Applying for the MPhil or DPhil
If you are applying for a research degree (MPhil or DPhil), you will need to submit a research proposal. The amount of detail required in a research proposal varies between subjects. Social science and arts subjects tend to require a highly developed research proposal, giving a clear outline of the specific research area.
A proposal for a research degree in SPT should contain a clear statement
of the research question. It should position that question within the existing
literature, if there is one. It should also contain a brief outline of
the structure of the thesis and an explanation of how you propose to
approach the question. Finally, it should contain a schedule of the
proposed work and a select bibliography. The whole proposal should be no more than about 2000 words.
Please include a sample of written work - for example a chapter of an MA thesis, or an essay of about 3000-5000 words - with your application.
Sources of Funding
Prospective students can apply to the following research councils for awards:
Arts and Humanities Research Council (students with interests in the humanities).
Please note: Sussex is offering one AHRC Doctoral award annually in either Social and Political Thought or Philosophy and an AHRC Research Preparation Masters for 2011-12. The deadline for applications and other details are to be found on the Philosophy Department's Post-graduate page.
Applicants who have completed a masters programme equivalent to the Sussex MA can apply for 3 years research funding towards the completion of a DPhil (known as +3 funding) on the same basis.
Non-UK EU residents can apply for awards to cover their fees only. Overseas applicants can compete for Overseas Research Student grants, which reduce fees to the EU level.
For further information on scholarships and bursaries for study at the University of Sussex refer to the University's Funding page.