Research student views
Georgina Roy
I applied to the University of Brighton to study for a PhD in the area of Women’s Surfing. I chose to apply here because I find the Chelsea School a particularly nurturing environment in which to study. Academically, the school has an excellent reputation in the field of sports sociology. In particular, I have two of the best supervisors I could hope for, on both an academic and personal level.
The Eastbourne campus provides a tranquil setting to live and study, and it’s really well placed for travelling to Brighton and London. I have been really happy living here. All the staff have been welcoming, and the administrative staff have been highly supportive in guiding me through the application and monitoring processes which are integral to the PhD process. Of particular importance to me was the support and encouragement I received when applying for ESRC funding. I was fortunate enough to be granted a full studentship, and that has made a vital difference to my student experience.
So far, my time with the Chelsea School has been really positive. I have been encouraged to develop my skills as both a student, and as a developing academic. I have been offered teaching opportunities, and been supported in terms of writing and conference presentation. I look forward to completing the rest of my studentship here.
Alan Richardson
I really enjoyed my time studying for a PhD at Brighton. I studied the physiological responses to low oxygen in a state of body water deficit, requiring fairly specialized equipment which the university has. The laboratories are some of the best in the country for hypoxic and environmental physiology.
There are plenty of other research students around, which you share a research student study office with. You are treated like a member of the staff team, and often meet for lunch or a chat about research over coffee. I think it’s really important to have that kind of informal and engaging atmosphere when learning from experienced researchers and academic staff. The surrounding area is very quiet if you want to relax on the beach or on the South Downs, but there is still plenty to do if you do get some spare time! I enjoy chilling out playing golf up on the Downs.
I was lucky enough to get some very good opportunities while studying at Brighton. My supervisors pushed me to explore different work experience alongside my studies such as lecturing at colleges, working as a teaching and research assistant on the Sport and Exercise Science undergraduate course and note taking for a blind and disabled student. I also got the opportunity to work with Xtreme Everest (UCL), studying the physiological adaptations to high altitude on Everest over 4 months in 2007. Completing a self-funded PhD is hard work but incredibly rewarding and actually means you end up with a very strong and wide ranging CV at the end of 3-4 years.
