35 PhD programmes offered by the university

The University of Brighton welcomes PhD research in Philosophy, Politics and Ethics through its specialist research Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics (CAPPE).

Research in Media and Communications at the University of Brighton critically analyses the role of media institutions, as well as the changing landscape of media industries and cultural production.

In this Biology and Biomaterials PhD at the University of Brighton you will join our researchers as they examine and innovate in the structure, design and functional performance of natural and synthetically derived pure and composite biomaterials with diagnostic or therapeutic impact on living systems.

The Sociology and Social Policy and Social Work PhD from University of Brighton brings you to an established research environment rich in achievement and ambition with impactful social change at the heart of the knowledge exchange agenda.

As a Physiotherapy PhD student at the University of Brighton you will be able to draw on research approaches from a range of cognate fields including musculoskeletal therapy and rehabilitation, exercise prescription and health, assistive technology and mobility and efficacy of therapeutic interventions and approaches.

The Architecture and Built Environment from University of Brighton has brought innovation and impact through research .

Medicine students from University of Brighton are awarded a joint degree from the University of Sussex. Research at BSMS spans basic science through to clinical projects, medical ethics and social science, offering a wide and exciting range of possibilities for postgraduate students.

This Psychology research programme at the University of Brighton is at the forefront of developments in applied, critical, community, social and health psychology and emerging fields such as cyberpsychology and ecopsychology.

The Medicines Optimisation and Pharmacy at the University of Brighton has a long history of in-depth, collaborative research with international impact.

Our Health and Wellbeing and Resilience PhD students at the University of Brighton work across practice and theory in a range of health, public health, community-based and social care-related settings, and across statutory, NHS and/or third sector services.

The Midwifery programme from University of Brighton has a long history in developing professional expertise in nursing and midwifery and, through research, expanding the knowledge and scope of our profession.

From investigating the causes and timing of Phanerozoic Great Oxidation Event, to understanding carbonate mineralogy for CO2 sequestration applications, the Geology and Earth Science staff and PhD students at the University of Brighton are at the leading edge of fundamental and applied earth science research.

The PhD research in Design at the University of Brighton has held an international reputation for design research and design studies over many decades, with innovative approaches and global success recognised across, for example, sustainable design, product design, textile design and graphic design.

From investigating the ways in which the world’s largest rivers shape their landscapes, to examining the impacts of iceberg scour on the sea-bed, our Physical Geography staff and PhD students at the University of Brighton are at the leading edge of process and landform analysis and modelling. 

The Education PhD at the University of Brighton enables students to develop advanced research skills and build new knowledge with an emphasis on providing a pathway for those interested in a career in education research.