Your PhD at the University of Brighton - FAQs

FAQ: Doctoral study at the University of Brighton

Is Brighton a good place to study? 

Brighton is one of the liveliest and most diverse places in the UK to live and study.

It is the home to global organisations, ambitious entrepreneurs and creative and digital communities, attracting some of the brightest minds from all over the world. It brings together all kinds of people, often united by a commitment to positive change. 

With students making around 14 per cent of its 275,000 population, it is a true student city, as well as a top ten destination for tourists to the UK. It has a beachfront, the South Downs National Park and famous historic quarters. Well-known for its progressive, modern feel, it is a connected city: a short train ride to London, with international transport links through nearby Gatwick airport and the local ferry ports.

The University of Brighton's three campuses are found in the heart of this vibrant city, close to the seafront and on the outskirts near the South Downs. 

What type of university is the University of Brighton?

The University of Brighton is a modern, forward-thinking university. 

Our identity hinges on our belief that research and innovation should be shared in places where it can make a difference to other people’s lives. We pride ourselves on academic work that has major public impact, on our innovative approaches to the generation and dissemination of knowledge, and our part in the progress of new and under-represented disciplines.

Our oldest departments trace their history back over 160 years, while we embrace the progressive values and opportunities of a contemporary and rapidly changing world. 

In the most recent national research assessment (Research Excellence Framework, REF2021), 98 per cent of our research was rated as world-leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised, while our knowledge exchange profile demonstrates the close ties we have with enterprise and industry in the South East and beyond.

The University of Brighton is committed to providing a fair environment that embodies and promotes equality of opportunity. We value the different contributions and experiences of all who make up our community, promoting mutual respect and understanding as well as freedom of thought and expression. 

FAQ: Making a decision about your PhD application  

What are the entry requirements for a PhD?

You will need to demonstrate your suitability for advanced study, usually with a good bachelor's degree. 

Is it possible to do a PhD directly after bachelor's degree?

Yes, students have joined us after bachelors degrees. While an application will always need to show evidence of abilities to undertake advanced research study, these can take different forms.

A master's degree is still considered stronger proof that you are able to study at higher levels and that you have a strong theoretical background in your subject. However, the University of Brighton will consider applications from those without master's degrees, especially where significant professional experience is evidenced. 

As well as qualifications, your application will show that you are able to begin advanced study and that you demonstrate the viability of your proposed contribution to your field.

The requirements for your specialist area of research will be found on the relevant PhD Programme Page. 

 PhD life/study balance, types and modes of PhD

Will studying for a PhD be right for me? This film was made by the University of Brighton for UKRI and features University of Brighton students and academics as well as those from other partner universities.

Can I study part-time?

Home (UK national) applicants have the option of studying part-time. You can select this when you submit your application. 

The University of Brighton does not normally consider visa sponsorship for international students to undertake study wholly on a part-time basis. However, where there are significant personal or other extenuating circumstances, an application can be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Please contact the Doctoral College for further guidance.

Can I apply for a PhD by Publication?

The PhD by Publication route is open to scholars with substantial research publications, representing a systematic study in single or related fields and a distinctive contribution to knowledge. 

The route is open to both Home and international fee-paying students, and applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Doctoral College for further guidance before applying.

Can I do a PhD at any age?

We welcome and encourage those willing to return to study after a break from academia, with diverse age ranges an important aspect of our doctoral community.

Among the benefits of studying for PhD in older age are the focus, dedication and life-experience that can come from outside academia. We especially welcome those with professional practice backgrounds. While there are challenges in returning to education, there is plenty of support for those who have not been a student for a while.

What is the cost of a PhD?

How much are PhD tuition fees and what are the other costs?

The tuition fees for each discipline are located on our Programme pages and you should find the closest match for your area of study.

It is important to recognise possible costs beyond the tuition fees. Research can involve costs, for example: travel to campus or conference venues, archives or libraries; copyrighted imagery payments and so on. Fees are likely to incur a small inflation rise each year of a research programme.

You will also need to fund normal living costs during full- or part-time study. For those originally living outside Brighton, costs are likely to include regular visits to the campus or even temporary relocation to the city. 

Is there funding for PhD in the UK?

There are many opportunities for partial and complete funding of PhD studies in the UK with funders offering stipends for living costs as well as tuition fees.

There are also opportunities for ongoing funds to help aspects of a project such as travel for conference or library access.

PhDs with established funding

In some disciplines, laboratory sciences for example, it is common for funded PhD places to be advertised after staff have gained funding for bigger projects.

These will include funding for the successful applicant. The University of Brighton does offer rounds of studentship applications to pre-defined projects; these can be seen on our PhD funding opportunities and studentship pages.

Funding your own PhD project

In some disciplines, often in arts and humanities for example, it is common for a prospective student to seek funding from a separate source during the application process. 

The University of Brighton has, in the past, worked with promising applicants towards advertised funding for their PhD study, for example from the UKRI doctoral training schemes. 

Find out more advice on funding as well as our latest offers from the University of Brighton. 

I have no funding; will the University waive my fees?

The university is unable to waive your fees. 

You will need to ensure you have an idea of your funding source before applying, whether from the University of Brighton, a third party or self-funded. We are unable to accept speculative applications with no evidence of this. 

How do I find a PhD supervisor?

PhD students will normally select and approach a lead supervisor before submitting their application.

The lead supervisor and the university will help appoint further supervisors.

It is an important relationship and very different from a teacher. Your supervisor will support your original research, offer insights and alternative ways to progress. They will also help you through the stages towards preparing for examination and introduce you to their academic circle. 

Read details of the supervisors listed in the PhD programme area closest to your own interests and carefully consider who you might approach. Click names to read full profiles and find contact details. Once you have identified a potential supervisor, do not hesitate to email them. Explain who you are, your motivation to do a PhD in their field of study and with them, and, if appropriate, provide an outline of your proposed research. They will let you know if they are able to become, potentially, the lead supervisor of your PhD. If they cannot commit, they may be able to help you identify another researcher who could be available and interested.

If you are in doubt about whether we can offer the appropriate supervision, please contact the Doctoral College.

FAQ: Making an application for a PhD

 What documentation is required for a PhD application? 

What journey leads to a PhD application? This film was made by the University of Brighton for UKRI and features University of Brighton students and academics as well as those from other partner universities.

For full information on the application process, see our Apply for your PhD page. When you are ready you can apply through our application portal.

What documents do I need to submit with my PhD application?

All applications should include:

• copies of your degree certificates and transcripts to date
• your research proposal
• a personal statement
• your IELTS/equivalent English language qualification (where applicable)
• a copy of your passport
• and two references or contact details of two referees

Find out more on our Apply for your PhD page. 

Who can be my PhD referees?

You will need to ask two people to provide references for you. They should be able to detail your fitness for academic study and research. At least one of your referees should be from your most recent period of study.

You can provide your referees’ contact details as part of the application process and we will contact them on your behalf. Alternatively, you can approach your referees directly to provide a reference. All references should have been written within the last 12 months and need to be signed, dated and stamped with the organisation's stamp. 

What is a research proposal for a PhD?

A research proposal gives details of the direction of your research, usually based on a research question and a chapter-by-chapter approach to how you would answer that question.

Your proposal should clearly outline your research idea; your research methodology and critical approaches; your experience in this field of research; and how your work will be offering an original contribution to knowledge, theories and/or practice. 

To develop a strong proposal, we recommend you work with a potential supervisor at the University of Brighton who can help shape your project for feasibility and suitability within our institution. This researcher may then become your lead supervisor if you are successful.

Read more about developing your research proposal for a PhD.

What next after submitting an application for PhD?

How long does it take for a decision to be made about my PhD application?

This varies but we aim to make most decisions within four to six weeks of receiving your application. If you haven't had a decision within this time, please contact us via the applicant portal. Please note, however, applications received between June and August may have longer processing times due to the summer break.

I’m having technical issues with my application. Who should I contact? 

For issues with your password or accessing your account, please email ApplicantSystemAccess@brighton.ac.uk

When can I start a PhD?

We operate a rolling intake, so students can start on the first working day of any month throughout the year (with the exception of July and August due to the summer break).

For International students this would usually be a minimum of three months after the offer is issued to allow time to apply for a Student Visa.

FAQ: Support and progress during your PhD studies

Will I get supervision and support as a PhD student? 

All University of Brighton students are part of a dynamic, enthusiastic, and creative research community; we will help you to pursue your research passion with the support of expert research supervisors and productive networks.

From research plan to viva, our expertise is for you to use. Our doctoral training programme and research environment will nurture and liberate your talent.

An expert disciplinary and interdisciplinary supervisory team will foster your endeavours and help embed your work within the research of specialist departments and research communities. Those networks will help you meet fellow researchers, present your new discoveries and put the latest knowledge at your fingertips.  

All research students have access to the Doctoral College’s Postgraduate Researcher Development Framework (PRDP), designed in line with the training policy directions of the UK Research Councils and the research training support organisation Vitae.

How will my progress be monitored?

As well as your relationship with your support team of supervisors, research degrees at Brighton are structured so that progression is formally checked at least annually throughout your studies.

The Doctoral College, together with your supervisors, will carefully monitor your progress, ensuring that you have access to the full range of opportunities that are available to you, and that any problems are identified and dealt with as soon as possible.

There are regular stages of assessment as part of the monitoring process.

Will there be work experience or part-time employment at the university for doctoral students such as teaching?

The university cannot promise teaching or paid research/research-assistant opportunities.

These are organised through the academic schools where relevant and possible. You are advised to speak with your supervisors about potential opportunities.

If teaching is available to you, the university requires that you are suitably trained and qualified to teach, and offers a free programme for those who require such training and qualification. A maximum of six teaching hours per week for full-time students is allowed, and those students who take up this opportunity are supported through the university’s teaching and learning workshops.

International students should also see the information on working under student visas on our International FAQ pages.

What challenges might I face as a PhD student?

What personal and social challenges will I face as a PhD student? This film was made by the University of Brighton for UKRI and features University of Brighton students and academics as well as those from other partner universities.

Taking a PhD is a big decision. It is a commitment that will take several years whether part-time or full-time.

You are required to make an original contibution to knowledge and you may find other areas of your life are 'put on hold' for a while.

However it is a thrilling and rewarding experience.

Students are supported throughout their programme and many make friends with staff and fellow students that help them through their ongoing careers. 

Be aware that for some it can be a solitary experience; it can be a struggle to reach the highest levels of scholarship; it may mean finanical sacrifices.

It is not for everyone, but those who do undertake a PhD can change their lives and outlook in ways they never expected. 

Jargon buster - some of the terms we frequently use

What is a PhD? Is a PhD the same as a doctorate? 

A doctorate is the highest level of academic qualification. It is earned through research and an original contribution to scholarship.

When you have passed your doctorate - had it conferred - you may use the pre-nominal (before the name) Dr and, most commonly, the post-nominal (letters after your name) PhD.

Our doctorates at the University of Brighton are largely, but not exclusively, PhDs.

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy (philosophy meaning 'lover of wisdom' from the Greek - doctor from the Latin verb 'docere,' meaning to teach, or to be a scholar).

Some universities - Oxford and Sussex among them - use DPhil as an alternative, also meaning Doctor of Philosophy.

At Brighton, our postgraduate research degrees include PhDs in a wide range of disciplines, and also professional doctorates in, for example Education and Medicine. These have more focus on experience of professional practice and given alternative letters after the successful students' names - EdD, MedD.

MPhil: This is a lower level research degree requiring advanced study but not requiring an original contribution to knowledge. It is in essence a 'research masters' degree and can be achieved by those who start PhD study but do not complete it.

MRes: An MRes (Master of Research) is a one-year programme of research training. It is available from a number of subject areas at the University of Brighton and provides a base for further research work. 

 Dr Oladapo Akinlotan receiving his PhD at the University of Brighton graduation ceremony.

What are the stages of study for a PhD?

Your doctoral degree/ PhD is a programme of independent research study. PhD students normally work on a research project for three to four years full time or up to seven years part time.

Application

• send application
• interview
• enrol

Programme of PhD study

• engage in research
• concurrently or following that research, write a thesis demonstrating the new knowledge you are generating 
• select examiners
• submit thesis

Examination of PhD

• examiners read the submitted thesis over approximately three months
• viva (an exam through live discussion with experts). This may incorporate physical or digital materials.
• complete any amendments required of the thesis
• submit final thesis for permanent record and access on the university research database

Conferral

• celebrate at the graduation ceremony
• move onwards with your career

What is a PhD thesis? Is that different from a dissertation?

Both thesis and dissertation refer to long pieces of writing based on your studies and research. 

At the University of Brighton we refer to the written component of the doctoral degrees as a thesis (from the Greek, 'to put out').

Dissertation (from the Latin, 'to discuss') is used for final pieces of work in taught degrees, for example MA (Master of Arts) or MSc (Master of Science).

In most disciplines the thesis will be approximately 80,000 words. 

Some subjects with a complementary output from professional or creative practice may require a shorter thesis. 

Your thesis will be based on original research. You will be supported in developing your technique for long written work. There are differences in approach, style and format across the disciplines. 

What is a PhD viva?

So what is a PhD viva like? This film was made by the University of Brighton for UKRI and features University of Brighton students and academics as well as those from other partner universities.

Viva is how we usually refer to the final examination by viva voce (Latin for 'live voice').

This comes after you have submitted your thesis. Experts in the field of your research - usually one from inside the university and one from outside - will read your work and then discuss it with you, usually for about 90 minutes. 

Usually a student and their supervisor will suggest which experts in the field will make suitable examiners and the university will try to follow that recommendation when they arrange a team to conduct the examination. 

Following success in this examination, the PhD degree is recommended to be conferred. This conferral happens through university administration – you may have some last details to tie up for example, handing back library books. You are then entitled to attend a graduation ceremony, usually with others in a similar discipline.

The outcome of the viva may also be a recommendation for amendments to the thesis before the student can progress.