Postgraduate studies at Sussex
The University of Sussex is an internationally recognised research institution with award-winning faculty. Postgraduate research students at all levels work in a supportive environment and receive extensive research training. We attract a high level of funding, and scholarships are also available to help you finance your studies.
Research at Sussex
Sussex has a dynamic and thriving research culture. Our strengths range across the arts, social sciences, science and medicine, with excellence demonstrated both within individual subjects and across thematic areas.
In the latest Times Higher Education Supplement - World University Rankings 2008, Sussex is in the top 20 in the UK, the top 50 in Europe and the top 150 in the world. Within these rankings, Sussex is 5th in the UK in terms of the impact of its research.
In the 2008 assessment of the standards of research in UK universities, the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), over 90 per cent of Sussex research activity was rated as world leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised, confirming Sussex among the leading 30 research universities in the UK. One in six of the research outputs produced by staff was rated as world leading, with 82 per cent producing work that is internationally recognised or better.
Over the last year, many research areas have seen increased research income, particularly from national research councils and other high-profile funding agencies. Approximately one-fifth of our overall income comes from our research activity.
Distinguished faculty
Sussex's international reputation helps to attract leading researchers. We are proud to have counted three Nobel Prize winners, 14 Fellows of the Royal Society, six Fellows of the British Academy and a winner of the prestigious Crafoord Prize on our faculty.
A pioneering approach to interdisciplinarity
A refusal to be confined by traditional disciplinary boundaries characterises some of the most distinctive research at Sussex. For example, the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) - a partnership between the Universities of Sussex and Brighton - provides fruitful opportunities for biomedical research.
Sussex's six interdisciplinary research themes mean researchers from across the University can work together to solve the major issues of the day:
Citizenship and democratisation Freedom, violence and reconciling conflict in an insecure world
Culture and heritage Constructing identity and culture through notions of memory and place
Digital and social media Applying digital media to construct and communicate across space and society
Environment and health Enhancing health and well-being by promoting illness prevention and disease management
Global transformations Rethinking social adaptation in the context of changing environments and the global economy
Mind and brain Unravelling the mind, brain and consciousness: from cell to self and personal identity.
For more information about the exciting and innovative research activity at Sussex, refer to the Research section on the Sussex website or the subject section of this prospectus.
Collaborative partnerships
At Sussex we recognise the importance of supporting research through collaboration. We have important academic partnerships with, among others, American Express and Rolls-Royce, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
We are also part of the South East Physics Network (SEPNet), funded by £12.5 million of Government grants to support vital UK science research, teaching and development (also refer to the Physics subject entry).
Superb resources
From the excellent University Library with its globally recognised Mass Observation Archive to cutting-edge medical imaging equipment, the resources available to postgraduate students at Sussex are impressive.
Almost £20 million has been spent on research centres, including the BSMS Medical Research Building, The Freeman Centre and the Genome Damage and Stability Centre.
Similar investment is taking place in infrastructure and includes a new nuclear magnetic resonance facility and purpose-built apparatus in cryogenic research that is among the best in the world. The University has received millions of pounds from the Science Research Investment Fund to support our work in biological sciences, particle physics, and science and technology policy research. We are also home to InQbate, the £4-million Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Creativity, with state-of-the-art facilities that encourage innovative work .
Funding research talent
Finding funding for postgraduate study can seem daunting, but choosing a university with a strong reputation for graduate education can make your task easier. We attract a high level of funding every year, which is enhanced with additional schemes in order to provide financial help to both UK and non-UK students.
We have a graduate assistantship scheme for doctoral students, which also gives valuable experience of teaching, as well as a range of scholarships and bursaries, such as the Chancellor's International Scholarships.
For information on funding and scholarships, refer to the Funding section of the Sussex website, the Funding your studies page and the Funding section in this prospectus.