PhD funding opportunities and studentships

When you are considering PhD study you will need to plan your funding carefully.

Studying for a PhD will include costs for university fees and your life as a student. Some research will also bring additional costs, for example through travel to resources or purchases of books and other materials.

There are a number of avenues for part- or even complete-funding of a research degree, and also for doctoral loans.

On this page we post funding opportunities available through the University of Brighton, its partners and networks.

These include Doctoral Training Partnership and University of Brighton PhD studentship calls, individual studentship projects, University of Brighton international research scholarships and our alumni scholarships for current and past students.

You will find more information on doctoral funding online. If you have a research degree offer from the University of Brighton, you can explore the Alternative guide to postgraduate funding for free. Email Brighton Doctoral College with your applicant number and ask for a PIN.

How to apply for your PhD

Doctoral Training Partnerships and Centres for Doctoral Training funding

The University of Brighton is proud to be a partner in five Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTP) and Centres for Doctoral Training (CDT).

We have a strong record in successful applications to these funds. These are made with students who have already gained a place at the University of Brighton as application comes through the home university.

Please see below for current and future opportunities to apply to these funds.

South Coast ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership

This ESRC-funded DTP aims to develop the next generation of research leaders in social science in academia, government, business and civil society.

Closed for applications.

Techne Doctoral Training Partnership

This AHRC-funded DTP draws together traditional scholarship, history, theory and practice across seven universities, with collaboration from world-leading partners.

Closed for applications.

Doctoral Training Alliance Future Societies

This DTA brings together eight University Alliance partners to support solutions-driven research that tackles the world’s most pressing challenges.

Closed for applications.

The University of Brighton currently has doctoral students funded by Design Star, EPSRC, SEAHA, University Alliance's Doctoral Training Alliance (DTA), South Coast DTP and Techne.

Individual PhD studentship projects

In addition to PhD studentships advertised within our wider calls (see above), we also recruit to individual studentship projects. These projects are typically funded by a research council or the University of Brighton. Please check back regularly for new projects.

Postgraduate doctoral loans

Doctoral loans are available to help with course fees and living costs.

This isn’t based on your income or your family’s and it’s paid directly to you.

For more information visit the government’s postgraduate doctoral loan page.

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Other scholarships

We also offer scholarships to help support your research at the University of Brighton.

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International research scholarships

The University of Brighton offers a small number of research scholarships worth the full tuition fee to current masters students at Brighton.

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Alumni postgraduate scholarships

Scholarships worth 20% of tuition fees will be awarded to students who already hold a University of Brighton academic award and who wish to study at postgraduate level at the university.