Performance

Overview

The University of Brighton Sports Scholarship Programme supports talented athletes competing at an elite level to balance the demands of high-performance sport alongside academic study. 

Designed to develop student-athletes holistically, the programme provides access to specialist performance support, including the University's dedicated Strength and Conditioning Suite, helping athletes maximise their sporting potential while achieving academic success. 

As a TASS Dual Career Accredited Site and TASS Delivery Site, the University of Brighton is recognised for providing an environment where elite athletes can thrive both in sport and education. These accreditations demonstrate the University's commitment to supporting dual-career athletes and delivering high-quality performance pathways. 

Supported through the University's Brighton Boost initiative, the scholarship programme aims to empower student-athletes to achieve their ambitions, enhance the University's sporting success and contribute to continued progress in BUCS competition and rankings. 

We also award a scholarship(s) for field hockey each year. The Davidson-O’Connor Sport Scholarship is a one-year award for a female or female identifying, student studying at the University of Brighton who is participating in field hockey at an elite or talent level. The award is made possible by donor and alumnae, Dr Judith Davidson, in memory of fellow alumnae Maureen O’Connor who played field hockey for England.

Scholarship alumni

The Sports Scholarship Programme has helped student-athletes achieve success at regional, national and international levels. Explore some of our most former scholars and their sporting accomplishments.

Ben Hickling - Weightlifting 

• MSc Strength and Conditioning 
• 2022 Commonwealth Games Athlete 

Alexander Worden - Triathlon 

• MSc Sport Physiology 
• Top 7% of age-group Ironman Athletes worldwide 

Kaselle Lee - Rugby Union 

• BSc Sport Studies 
• Trinidad & TobagoInternational 

Michiaya Gee -  Karate 

• LLB Law 
• England International competing at World Championships 

George Mills – Athletics 

• BSc Sport and Exercise Science
• Olympian European Championships Medallist 

Josie Longhurst - Football 

• BSc Sport Management
• Professional Footballer NSL Champion 

Benefits

Designed to support the unique demands of balancing high-performance sport and higher education, the scholarship programme offers a range of benefits that help student-athletes achieve their full potential, including: 

Performance Support 

• Dedicated Strength and Conditioning provision 
• Access to recovery services, including hydrotherapy 
• Specialist physiotherapy and sports massage support 
• Enhanced access to training facilities, where possible  

Academic & Personal Development 

• Dedicated lifestyle mentoring 
• Academic flexibility through TASS Dual Career Accreditation 
• Performance athlete workshop programme 

Additional Scholarship Benefits 

• Financial bursary, based on level of competition 
• Official Sport Brighton Scholarship Athlete kit
• Free gym membership 

Eligibility

Sports Scholarships are awarded based on an athlete's current level of competition, alongside the quality and volume of applications received each year. 

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must: 

• Compete at regional level or above in their chosen sport, or an equivalent standard 
• Be a current University of Brighton student, or hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study at the University 
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Sport Brighton Scholarship Programme and, where possible, represent the University of Brighton in BUCS competition 

Scholarships are open to athletes from a wide range of recognised sports, including disability sport. Scholarship places are limited and vary each year, with awards determined through a competitive application process. 

For information about our scholarships and applying, please contact our Performance and Partnerships Manager; Daniel (d.fatomide@brighton.ac.uk). 

How to apply

Applications for the forthcoming academic year are now open.

Prospective student-athletes who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for either the Sport Brighton Scholarship Programme or the Davidson-O'Connor Sports Scholarship using the relevant application form. 

Applications typically close at the end of July. Following the application deadline, provisional scholarship offers are issued to successful applicants. Final awards, alongside any late applications, are then considered following A-level Results Day, with remaining scholarship places allocated where available. 

Take the next step in your sporting and academic journey by applying to join the University of Brighton Sports Scholarship Programme. We look forward to supporting the next generation of elite student-athletes. 

Overview

The University of Brighton is committed to developing high-performing student-athletes and creating opportunities for sporting success. As part of this commitment, the University invests in a number of designated Performance Sports: Basketball, Cricket, Football, Netball and Rugby. 

These sports have been identified based on their competitive success, strong club infrastructure and the opportunities they provide for student-athletes to compete and develop both within and beyond the university sporting environment. Supported by experienced coaching staff, established club structures and multiple participation pathways, these sports provide exciting opportunities for student-athletes to develop, compete and achieve success at the highest level of university sport. 

• Athletes representing our Performance Teams benefit from a range of enhanced support services designed to maximise development and performance, including: 
• Two team training sessions per week 
• Additional sport-specific skills sessions 
• Athletic development support 
• Recovery sessions, including hydrotherapy 
• Performance analysis and review 
• Discounted gym membership 
• Targeted recruitment and talent identification opportunities 

Explore the sections here to discover more about each Performance Sport and the opportunities available at the University of Brighton.

Basketball

The University of Brighton Basketball Club is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing sports clubs within Sport Brighton, offering opportunities for students to compete, develop and enjoy the game at a range of levels. The club caters for both aspiring performance athletes and those looking to play recreationally, with two Men's teams and a Women's team competing in BUCS competitions.

Alongside this, a weekly campus league provides students with regular competitive opportunities, while inclusive weekly play sessions offer a relaxed environment for those looking to develop their skills or try basketball for the first time.  For players seeking a high-performance environment, both the Men's 1st Team and Women's Team are part of the University's Performance Sport Programme. 

All teams train at our Meads Building (Falmer) sports facility, which features a double-court sports hall, six basketball hoops and a dedicated showcase court. Players are supported by coaches with National League (NBL) experience, with the Men's 1st team coach being named Coach of the Year at the annual Sport Brighton Sports Awards in 2025. 

Beyond BUCS competition, students have access to a range of additional playing opportunities across Brighton. These include local league competitions and competing with clubs placed in the senior NBL structure, enabling players to continue their development and gain valuable competitive experience throughout the season.  

Cricket

The University of Brighton Cricket Club is one of the fastest-growing sports clubs within Sport Brighton, offering ambitious cricketers an exciting environment in which develop, compete and succeed. Supported through a partnership with Square One Cricket, the programme provides student-athletes with access to high-quality coaching and excellent facilities.

Both the Men's and Women's programmes are led by experienced coaches, with the Men's programme benefitting from the expertise of an ECB Level Two Coach and former senior county cricketer. The club competes across both indoor and outdoor BUCS cricket, currently fielding two Men's teams and one Women's team in each format. For those aspiring to compete at the highest level of cricket, both the Men's 1st team and Women's team are part of the University's Performance Sport Programme. 

All teams train at the Square One Cricket indoor facility, located within the University's Sport and Health Complex on our Falmer Campus. As the largest indoor cricket facility in the UK and Northern Hemisphere, the venue features nine state-of-the-art indoor cricket lanes and two international-standard indoor cricket courts, providing an outstanding competitive environment. 

Beyond BUCS competition, students can join the Square One Cricket Academy, a programme designed for ambitious male and female cricketers looking to combine elite-level cricket development with degree or postgraduate study at the University.

Football

The University of Brighton has a long-standing tradition of success in football, with both the Men's and Women's programmes consistently performing among the university's strongest and most competitive teams. 

With multiple pathways available, the football programme provides opportunities for students of all abilities to get involved. The Men's pathway includes three BUCS teams, while the Women's pathway includes two BUCS teams alongside a dedicated development squad. In addition, students can take part in the weekly campus league, offering a fun and inclusive opportunity to compete against fellow students. We have also fostered a high-performance sporting environment, for both the Men's and Women's 1st Teams being part of the University's Performance Sport Programme. 

All teams are supported by experienced and highly qualified coaches, with the Men's programme being led by two long-standing UEFA B Licence coaches across the 1st and 2nd teams. The University also works alongside the Association of Colleges (AoC) to host the Women's Football AoC Regional Finals, welcoming some of the region's top college women's football programmes across the south. 

Beyond BUCS competition, students can access additional playing opportunities via the wide range of local clubs. Many University of Brighton players compete regularly at weekends, with strong links between the University's coaching staff and clubs across the Sussex area helping students identify opportunities to continue their development and increase playing experiences.  

Netball

The University of Brighton Netball Club is one of the largest clubs within Sport Brighton, having been named Club of the Year at the annual Sport Brighton Sports Awards in both 2025 and 2026. 

Whether competing at a high level or looking to develop skills and enjoy the social side of the game, the club offers a range of opportunities to suit different levels of experience and ambition. The programme includes three BUCS teams, with the 1st team part of the Performance Sport Programme, as well as a 4th development team and weekly social play sessions that provide opportunities for all students to get involved.  

All three BUCS teams train twice a week in our elite hangar sports facility under the guidance of qualified Level 2 coaches, providing a structured and supportive environment for player development and performance.

Sport Brighton also work alongside the Association of Colleges (AoC) to host the Netball AoC Regional Finals, welcoming some of the top college netball programmes from across the South. This aids our Netball club in connecting with talented players and coaches from across the region. 

Beyond university competition, players can further their development through additional playing opportunities in local leagues, or at local higher performance clubs offering pathways into Premier and Regional-level competition. 

Rugby

The University of Brighton Rugby Club provides a welcoming, ambitious and close-knit environment where student-athletes can develop their game and be part of a growing rugby community. 

Both the Men's and Women's programmes continue to grow year on year, supported by dedicated coaching staff and an engaged alumni network that remains actively involved in the club. Following the excitement of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, with Brighton proudly serving as a host city, participation has increased significantly across the club, particularly within the Women's programme. 

The club consists of two Men's teams and a Women's team in BUCS competitions, creating opportunities for players of varying experience and ability levels. Both the Men's 1st and Women's Teams are part of the University's Performance Sport Programme, with the Men's 1st Team also being one of the University's longest standing teams competing at BUCS Tier 1. 

All teams compete on the University's grass rugby pitches, which were selected as a training base for the England Roses during the 2025 women's Rugby World Cup. Players are supported by highly experienced coaches, with the Men's programme currently led by two Level 3 coaches, with a member of the rugby coaching team named Coach of the Year at the annual Sport Brighton Sports Awards in 2026. 

Beyond BUCS competitions, students have access to a range of additional playing opportunities across Sussex, with these pathways enabling players to gain further competitive experience and continue their development, through competing in community rugby through to semi-professional environments.