Psychology PhD studentship

Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship – Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in Elite Sport (Co-funded by Brighton & Hove Albion FC) (2025)

What you get

• A stipend for 3 years to cover living costs. The amount is tied to the UKRI studentship rates; for 2025/26 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 £17.98 per hour, and covers contact time, preparation and marking.

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

PhD project

The PhD researcher will design, conduct, and analyse data and review literature on topics around sleep/circadian rhythms in elite sport. The precise focus and research studies will be agreed with collaborators at BHAFC so that they are of mutual scientific and commercial interest and will also likely include analysis of existing data collected by the club on their players.

Doctoral Tutor role: 

Postgraduate Researchers studying for a PhD are encouraged to take on the paid role of a Doctoral Tutor to gain teaching experience. As a Doctoral Tutor you will receive training and will be able to 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

• Applicants should have strong experience in data collection in applied settings and advanced statistical analysis skills 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.
• Only full-time students can be accepted
• 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.

Number of scholarships available

• 1

Deadline

How to apply

• Please read our Psychology PhD FAQS before you start your application.

• Please submit your application online for 'PhD in Psychology' for entry in September 2025.
• In the Supervisor suggested by applicant section of your application, put the name of the supervisor named on the advert.
• In the Proposed source of funding section of your application, please put 'Joint funded Psychology and BHAFC Doctoral Studentship'.
• 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 scope of the proposed work should be appropriate for a 3-year PhD research programme. 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.

Funding partners

This scholarship is funded by the University of Sussex and Brighton and Hove Albion Football club

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 Giulia Poerio (g.l.poerio@sussex.ac.uk) 

Timetable

Deadline: 25 July 2025 at 23:59

Interviews (online): w/c 11 August 2025

Decisions: w/c 18 August 2025