Choose to start in September 2023 or January 2024

Development Studies (IDS) by Published Works PhD

Development Studies (IDS) by Published Works PhD

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Key information

Duration:
Up to 1 year full time, 2 years part time
Start date:
Choose to start in September 2023 or January 2024
Apply by:
1 month before start (UK), 3 months before start (international)

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally, through our world-class research, learning and teaching.

Our PhD by Published Works is for you if you have:

  • completed original and significant research in the field of Development Studies
  • a coherent body of published works
  • not had the opportunity to undertake a research programme leading to a PhD.

The portfolio of research you submit for this PhD will be of the same quality, rigour and volume as a typical PhD. The work might take the form of refereed articles, chapters, monographs and scholarly editions, as long as they are available or traceable in the public domain (and not self-published). A substantial proportion of these works will be peer-reviewed and a number will be solely authored by you. All works should ideally have been published not more than ten years before the date of submission. You’ll work with two qualified supervisors to compose an accompanying 10,000-word dissertation, summarising and explaining your work’s contribution to the development field.

We’re proud of our PhD graduates who define and solve some of the world’s most pressing global challenges in their work as:

  • ministers in national governments and civil servants
  • high-level officials in development organisations such as UNDP and the World Bank
  • leaders of civil-society organisations including Mama Cash and Action Aid
  • high-profile academics at universities across the world. 
Doing a PhD at IDS can potentially transform your view of the world – you grow a lot learning from this very rich and diverse community.”Jorge Adrian Ortiz-Moreno
IDS PhD graduate

Areas of study

 We welcome submissions from researchers who share our commitment to:

  • upholding climate and environmental justice
  • reducing extreme inequities
  • fostering healthy and fulfilling lives
  • nurturing inclusive, democratic and accountable societies.

We’re particularly interested in work that shows originality in addressing topics related to the work of our research clusters:

  • business
  • cities
  • digital
  • governance
  • health
  • impact and policy
  • participation
  • power
  • resource politics
  • rural futures.

Find out about our current PhD researchers

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our students know as soon as possible.

Book an information session

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Entry requirements

Degree requirements

You’re normally expected to have a Merit (an average of 60% overall) in a Master’s degree.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please select your country from the list.

Argentina

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Australia

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Azerbaijan

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bahrain

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bangladesh

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brazil

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brunei

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Chile

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Colombia

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ecuador

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Egypt

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Germany

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ghana

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Greece

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Indonesia

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Jordan

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kazakhstan

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kenya

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kuwait

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lebanon

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malawi

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Mexico

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nepal

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Oman

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Palestine

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Paraguay

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Peru

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Philippines

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Qatar

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Saudi Arabia

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Korea

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Taiwan

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Thailand

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

United Arab Emirates

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Vietnam

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zambia

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zimbabwe

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

My country is not listed

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Advanced level (7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component).

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements and find out more about IELTS

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

Duolingo English test

Advanced level (140 overall, with no component score below 125)

Check your Duolingo English test qualification meets all of our language requirements and find out more information about Duolingo English test

Pearson PTE Academic

Advanced level (67 overall, including at least 62 in all four skills)

Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements and find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

TOEFL (iBT)

Advanced level 95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing. 

Check your TOEFL (iBT) qualification meets all of our language requirements and find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

 

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% 

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries: 

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada**
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United Kingdom
  • USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa

Admissions information for applicants

Research proposal

You must provide: 

  • a list of published works to be submitted
  • a supporting document of two to three pages explaining why the published works should be considered for this PhD award
  • a signed declaration that the published works have not been, and will not be, submitted, as part of any other degree.

 Contact us to discuss your PhD by Published Works application by email: s.s.watson@ids.ac.uk

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

Book an information session
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How to apply

When completing the form, identify IDS on the application. Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex

Distance learning

IDS is unable to accept applications for distance learning. We believe it’s in the best interests of both PhD students and the Institute that the majority of the study period is spent at IDS. This offers the opportunity for ongoing interaction with other IDS members and students.

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Our supervisors

You aren’t responsible for finding a supervisor. However, you may express a preferred supervisor on your application form. Applicants are assessed both on their academic credentials and on the relevance of their works to the research of one or more IDS Fellows.

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Funding and fees

How can I fund my course?

Funded projects and scholarships

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.

Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?

If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid.

Part-time work

We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.

Find out more about careers and employability

How much does it cost?

Fees for self-funding students

Home students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2023/24. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.

Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2023/24. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.

International students: £18,975 per year for full-time students

Home PhD student fees are set at the level recommended by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) annually, rising in line with inflation. Overseas fees are subject to an annual increase - see details on our tuition fees page

Additional costs

Note about additional costs

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.

Empirical Research Costs

On top of your PhD fees and living costs, you may also need to cover some research and training costs, relevant to your research project. These costs will depend on your research topic and training needs, but may include:

- travel (to archives, collections or scientific facilities)
- a laptop
- overseas fieldwork costs (travel and accommodation, and language training)
- conference costs (travel, registration fees and accommodation)
- laboratory consumables and workshop materials
- participant costs
- transcription or translation costs
- open-access publication costs.

If you have a scholarship from one of the UK Research Councils, your scholarship should cover these types of costs. You'll receive details of how to claim this additional funding.

IDS and the University of Sussex cannot offer financial support. If you need financial assistance, contact your local Ministry of Education or Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the British Council representative.

For the latest information on fees, funding and scholarships, visit the University of Sussex website.

Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

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