John Brian Roberts was a world-renowned Professor of Mechanical Engineering at theUniversity of Sussex. He spent 30 years at the University specialising in the field of nonlinear random vibration, becoming Dean of Engineering in 1990, and a Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University in 1997. His family left a generous legacy to provide funding for outstanding PhD scholars in Engineering.  

This scholarship is available to UK, EU and overseas applicants. 

Eligible candidates will have an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in a related field. 

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 applicants from all backgrounds. 

Please clearly state on your application that you are applying for the John Brian Roberts Scholarship, and the member of our faculty who is your preferred supervisor. 

Please ensure you application includes each of the following: 

• A research proposal. For guidance on preparing your proposal, please see here.
  
• The name of the faculty member(s) you wish to nominate as your supervisor(s). Our Informatics faculty can be found here. You may nominate up to 2 potential supervisors. Please contact any prospective supervisor prior to nominating them to ensure that your research interests align and that they are currently accepting new PGRs. 
• Degree certificates and transcripts. 
• 2 references, including a minimum of 1 from any institution studied at within the last 5 years.
• If your first language is not English you will need to demonstrate that you meet the University’s English language requirements, see here for details of our accepted documentation.