64 PhD programmes offered by the university

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 at the University of Sussex.

The PhD in Human Rights offered at the University of Sussex is radically interdisciplinary, spanning the social sciences and humanities.

MD Medicine students are awarded a joint degree from the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton. 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.

On the Gender Studies (Humanities) programme at the University of Sussex, you have the opportunity to explore cultural, social and political approaches to the field.

Are you interested in researching and interrogating the languages and performance styles of popular music? this Popular Music Practice programme is offered at the University of Sussex.

Our research in this Biochemistry PhD programme at the University of Sussex focuses on proteins and the genes that encode them. 

The PhD in International Education and Development at the University of Sussex gives you the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge in the field of development and education and to hone advanced research skills in methodologies appropriate for contexts in low-income countries.

At the University of Sussex, we pride ourselves on our strengths in critical and theoretical thinking about Music.

At SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit, our research focuses on the direction, degree and impact of technological change. This Technology and Innovation Management programme is offered at the University of Sussex.

A Creative and Critical Practice PhD at the University of Sussex develops your practice-led research in creative media production alongside critically engaged writing.

Research in this Informatics programme at the University of Sussex is led by scientific curiosity and motivated by social, economic and industrial needs.

In this Journalism Studies programme at the University of Sussex you’ll work with experienced faculty guiding and supervising you throughout your research project.

Research in this Neuroscience programme at the University of Sussex to understand the nervous system and various neurological disorders.

We're proud of our excellent research and high-quality supervision in a broad range of subjects and a variety of traditions. This Philosophy programme is offered at the University of Sussex.

This PhD degree programme in Social Work and Social Care is offered at the University of Sussex and it hosts three research centres.

Genome Stability at the University of Sussex investigates the responses of cells to genome damage and their relationship to cancer and other aspects of human disease.

Work with us to produce internationally excellent research that benefits both policy practitioners and the academic community – and contribute to the political, economic and social wellbeing of Europe. This Contemporary European Studies programme is offered at the University of Sussex.

Engineering and product design are driven by the need for constant improvement. At the University of Sussex you’ll learn from – and will be inspired by – the engineers who are making these industry improvements happen.

If you’re interested in the study, development and performance of new Music Technologies, the University of Sussex is the place for you.

Explore how media figures in everyday life, politics and culture with this Media and Communications programme at the University of Sussex.