Studentship in Family Psychology

Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship in Family Psychology (UK and International) (2026)

What you get

• A stipend for 3 years to cover living costs. The amount is tied to the UKRI studentship rates; for 2026/27 it is £20,780 per year.
• UK or International fees are covered for 3 years.
• Research/training costs of £900 per year are also covered for 3 years, and enhanced costs are provided for some neuroscience projects.

School-funded Postgraduate Researchers have the opportunity to take up Doctoral Tutoring during your PhD with a range of modules to choose from. This work is paid at Grade 6 which is currently £18.23 per hour, and covers contact time, preparation and marking.

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

PhD project

This fully funded PhD studentship provides a unique opportunity to join a vibrant, collaborative research team as we launch the third phase of the UK’s landmark longitudinal study of single mothers by choice and their children, who are now entering adulthood.

Single mothers by choice—women who build their families through sperm donation—represent a growing and increasingly visible family form worldwide. Our research group has followed these families for more than a decade, examining parenting quality, parent–child relationships, and children’s psychological adjustment. Findings from the project have contributed to significant national and international policy and practice developments relating to family diversity and donor conception.

About the Project

In this third phase of the study, the PhD researcher will play a central role in collecting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data from mothers and their now adult children. Given the practical and societal relevance of the project, this studentship is particularly well suited to applicants who are motivated by research with real-world relevance and policy impact. There is scope to shape the doctoral project around your own theoretical interests or methodological strengths.

Research Environment

The successful candidate will join a team of internationally recognised scholars in the School of Psychology, known for their work on family diversity and children’s development. You will also become part of a dynamic UK-wide network of academics and practitioners engaged in research and support for contemporary family forms.

As part of the studentship, you will have access to advanced training opportunities, regular supervision, and support for conference attendance and professional development.

Doctoral Tutor role: 

If you choose to undertake a Doctoral Tutor role you will receive training and 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.
• Candidates should have a background in developmental psychology and an interest in family diversity. Candidates with intersecting areas of interest (e.g., developmental AND applied social psychology) are strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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.

Number of scholarships available

• 1

Deadline

How to apply

• Please read Some questions we are often asked before you start your application.
• Please submit your application online for 'PhD in Psychology' for entry in September 2026.

• In the Supervisor suggested by applicant section of your application, put the name(s) of the supervisor(s) you have approached. If you leave this blank, it is unlikely that you will be considered for a School studentship.
• In the Proposed source of funding section of your application, please put Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship. If you wish to consider self-funding as an alternative should you not be offered the Studentship, please put this as a second option (this will not affect whether you are offered funding or not).

Candidates should provide: 

• A research proposal that outlines your knowledge of the research area, hypotheses that could be addressed in your PhD, and an outline of potential methods. The research proposal should be approximately 1,000 to 1,500 words in length and not exceed 3 pages, including references. It should be set at a minimum of 10 font type with margins a minimum of 1cm.
• Current degree transcript(s) with full details of performance on all completed courses. 
• Two academic references.
• An up-to-date CV.
• A document summarising any teaching experience you have and illustrating your suitability for a Doctoral Tutor role. 
• International students should provide evidence of English Language as outlined under International Requirements on our PhD home page.

Contact us

For queries with respect to the application process please contact:  psychologyphd-enquiries@sussex.ac.uk 

To discuss the details of this project further please contact Sophie Zadeh sophie.zadeh@sussex.ac.uk. 

Timetable

Deadline for applications:  20 February 23:59

Interviews are scheduled for week beginning 02 March