Metadata
Title
Popular Music Practice PhD
Category
graduate
UUID
468615542e2649f0b5b2ccafa266098f
Source URL
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/degrees/popular-music-practice-phd
Parent URL
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd
Crawl Time
2026-03-25T01:26:24+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown 
# Popular Music Practice PhD

**Source**: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/degrees/popular-music-practice-phd
**Parent**: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd

Investigate the creative possibilities of popular music through practice-led research. Produce original work that contributes to new insights in the field.

## Select your start date

- [2026/27 academic year](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/degrees/popular-music-practice-phd)
- [2025/26 academic year](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/degrees/popular-music-practice-phd/2025)

[Back to Course menu](#nav-content)

## Key information

- ### Duration

  Up to 4 years full time or 8 years part time
- ### Start date

  Choose to start in September 2026, January 2027 or April 2027
- ### Apply by

  1 month before start (UK), 3 months before start (international)
- ### Location

  [On campus - in person](#location)

Are you interested in researching and interrogating the languages and performance styles of popular music?

Studying for a Popular Music Practice PhD, you’ll produce a portfolio of original music in the form of creative work. Through methods of composition and performance, your creative work will critique and advance popular music practices. You’ll write a 20,000-40,000-word dissertation demonstrating original research. Your dissertation will highlight ways in which your practice makes a substantial contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field, and acknowledge existing scholarship and artistic practices.

You’ll have access to the latest tools in software and hardware in the Jonathan Harvey Electronic Music Studio at the [Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts](https://www.attenboroughcentre.com/). Other [specialist facilities](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/schools/media-arts-humanities/subjects-and-people/music/facilities) include rare 20th-century music scores, and unique collections of jazz and music television documentaries.

> This PhD is a great opportunity to explore original creative approaches to popular music. For me, the chance to do practice-led research into modern electric guitar technology, or relationships between music and place, is really exciting”Dr Danny Bright\
> Associate Professor in Music and Music Technology

### Spirit of Sussex Award

Feel involved in life at the University, make friends and enrich your experience with us – the Spirit of Sussex Award is our way of recognising your extracurricular and voluntary achievements.

[Find out more about the Spirit of Sussex Award](https://student.sussex.ac.uk/experience/award)

- [Video transcript](#)

  Hi everyone! As I'm sure you've all heard by now, the Spirit of Sussex Award is now live.

  Students across the Sussex community are already earning their points

  What will you do to earn yours?

  There's so many ways to get involved.

  Head over to the website to start your Spirit of Sussex journey.

  Text: The Spirit of Sussex Award is an exciting new programme designed to recognise and celebrate the things you do outside your course.

  Participating in the Award makes it easy and fun for you to get involved and make the most of university life.

[Book an information session](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/visit-us/postgraduate/information-sessions)

## PhD online events

Join us online to find out what it's like to study a PhD at Sussex.

[Book now](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/visit-us/postgraduate/virtual-events/masters-and-phd-live-webchats)

### On campus - in person

You’ll study for this degree on our campus, joining our academics and fellow students. With in-person contact time, digitally supported educational resources,
library collections and independent study, this course is designed to give you an inclusive education. Your learning experience may also include work placements, field trips,
studying abroad and internationalisation experiences.

[Find out about our beautiful campus](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/student-life/campus)

## Take our virtual tour

Be inspired by our beautiful campus and buzzing Brighton in this immersive 360° experience.

[Begin your tour](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/visit-us/virtual-tour/)

## 

As a founding partner of ResearchPlus, a collaboration of research-focused universities, we engage with government, industry and civil society to support economic growth, prosperity and wellbeing across the whole of the UK.

[Find out more](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/broadcast/read/69366)

[Back to Course menu](#nav-content)

## How to apply

If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:

- [browse funded projects](#funding-fees) in this subject area
- [browse our potential supervisors](#our-supervisors) and propose your own research project.

### Full-time and part-time study

Choose to work on your research full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. For details about part-time study, contact us at [studyinmah@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:studyinmah@sussex.ac.uk)

### PhD or MPhil?

You can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil. PhD and MPhil degrees differ in duration and in the extent of your research work.

- For a PhD, your research work makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field.
- For an MPhil, your work is an independent piece of research but in less depth than for a PhD. You’ll graduate with the degree title Master of Philosophy. You might be able to change to a PhD while you study for an MPhil.

[Book an information session](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/visit-us/postgraduate/information-sessions)

[Back to Course menu](#nav-content)

## Our supervisors

### Dr Danny Bright

Associate Professor in Music and Music Technology

### Contact

[D.G.P.W.Bright@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:D.G.P.W.Bright%40sussex.ac.uk)

[View profile of Danny Bright](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/133338)

### Prof Michael Bull

Emeritus Professor

### Contact

[M.Bull@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:M.Bull%40sussex.ac.uk)

[View profile of Michael Bull](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/119032)

### Prof Alice Eldridge

Professor of Sonic Systems

### Contact

[alicee@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:alicee%40sussex.ac.uk)

[View profile of Alice Eldridge](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/127749)

### Prof Evelyn Ficarra

Professor of Interdisciplinary Composition

### Contact

[E.J.Ficarra@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:E.J.Ficarra%40sussex.ac.uk)

[View profile of Evelyn Ficarra](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/41192)

### Dr Mimi Haddon

Associate Professor in Music

### Contact

[M.Haddon@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:M.Haddon%40sussex.ac.uk)

[View profile of Mimi Haddon](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/411788)

### Prof David Hendy

Emeritus Professor

### Contact

[D.J.Hendy@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:D.J.Hendy%40sussex.ac.uk)

[View profile of David Hendy](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/131073)

### Prof Ed Hughes

Professor of Composition in Music

### Contact

[E.D.Hughes@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:E.D.Hughes%40sussex.ac.uk)

[View profile of Ed Hughes](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/156493)

### Dr Malcolm James

Associate Professor in Media and Cultural Studies

### Contact

[Malcolm.James@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:Malcolm.James%40sussex.ac.uk)

[View profile of Malcolm James](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/355671)

### Prof Kate Lacey

Professor of Media History & Theory

### Contact

[K.Lacey@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:K.Lacey%40sussex.ac.uk)

[View profile of Kate Lacey](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/1532)

### Prof Thor Magnusson

Professor of Future Music

### Contact

[T.Magnusson@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:T.Magnusson%40sussex.ac.uk)

[View profile of Thor Magnusson](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/164902)

### Mr Joseph Watson

Lecturer in Music

### Contact

[J.M.Watson@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:J.M.Watson%40sussex.ac.uk)

[View profile of Joseph Watson](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/27524)

### Dr Lee Westwood

Assistant Professor in Music

### Contact

[L.D.Westwood@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:L.D.Westwood%40sussex.ac.uk)

[View profile of Lee Westwood](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/124276)

[Book an information session](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/visit-us/postgraduate/information-sessions)

[Back to Course menu](#nav-content)

## Entry requirements

- [UK requirements](#tab-content-uk)
- [International requirements](#tab-content-international)

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Degree requirements | You’re normally expected to have a Merit (an average of 60% overall) in a Masters degree and an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |

Please select your country from the list.

#### Argentina

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Australia

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Azerbaijan

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Bahrain

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Bangladesh

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Brazil

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Brunei

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Canada

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Chile

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### China

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Colombia

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Cyprus

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Denmark

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Ecuador

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Egypt

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### France

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Germany

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Ghana

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Greece

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Hong Kong

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### India

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Indonesia

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Iran

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Italy

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Japan

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Jordan

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Kazakhstan

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Kenya

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Kuwait

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Lebanon

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Malawi

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Malaysia

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Mexico

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Nepal

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Nigeria

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Norway

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Oman

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Pakistan

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Palestine

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Paraguay

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Peru

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Philippines

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Qatar

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Russia

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Saudi Arabia

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Singapore

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### South Africa

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### South Korea

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Spain

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Sri Lanka

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Switzerland

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Taiwan

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Thailand

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Turkey

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### United Arab Emirates

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### USA

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Uzbekistan

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Vietnam

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Zambia

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### Zimbabwe

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |

#### My country is not listed

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. [Contact us](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/ask/)

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |

### English language requirements

#### IELTS (Academic)

High level (6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. [Find out more about IELTS](https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/ielts/)

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We accept IELTS Online.

[Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply/international-qualifications/english-language-research)

#### Alternative English language qualifications

#### Proficiency tests

##### Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. [Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced](http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/advanced/)

##### Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. [Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency](http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/proficiency/)

##### Duolingo English test

High level (120 overall, with no component score below 110)\
\
Duolingo English test scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

[Find out more about the Duolingo English test](https://englishtest.duolingo.com/test_takers).  You will need to share your results with the University of Sussex.

##### LanguageCert Academic SELT

High level (70 overall, including at least 65 in each component).

LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. [Find out more about LanguageCert Academic SELT](https://www.languagecert.org/en/language-exams/english/languagecert-esol-selt/academic-selt)

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.

We do not accept the online version.  We also do not accept the non-SELT version.

##### LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

High level (International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 39 in each component)

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. [Find out more about LanguageCert SELT](https://www.languagecert.org/en/language-exams/english/languagecert-esol-selt)

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

##### Oxford International English Language Test (OI ELLT)

High level (7 overall, including at least 6 in each component)

Oxford ELLT scores are valid for 18 months from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

[Register to complete the OI ELLT](https://tests.oidigitalinstitute.com/rp/ellt/university-of-sussex-4825) and use our 10% discount code at check out: SUSX10.

We accept Oxford ELLT Global and Oxford ELLT Digital.

##### Pearson PTE Academic

High level (62 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills)

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. [Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)](https://www.pearsonpte.com/)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

##### TOEFL (iBT)

For tests taken **from 21 January 2026**:

High level (4.5 overall, including at least 4 in Listening, 4 in Reading, 4 in Speaking, 4 in Writing).

For tests taken **before 21 January 2026**:

High level 88 overall, including at least 20 Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 in Writing.

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. [Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)](https://www.ets.org/toefl.html)

We accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

#### English language qualifications

##### AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

##### GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

**Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English:** grades 1-6.

**Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English:** grades 1-6.

##### GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

##### Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

**If awarded before 1993:** grades 1-6 in English language.

**If awarded between 1993 and 2005:** grades A-D in English language.

##### Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

 Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

##### Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

**Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only:** 70%

**Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English:** 70%

We will also accept the Indian Secondary School Certificate at the grade below when awarded by the following examination boards, but these State Board results **must** have been completed within 6 years of the start date of the course at Sussex:

Tamil Nadu; Karnataka; Delhi; Maharashtra; and West Bengal - English: 70%

##### International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

##### Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

##### Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

**If taken before the end of 2008:** grades 1-6 in English Language.

**If taken from 2009 onwards:** grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

##### West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

#### Country exceptions

##### Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries:

- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada\*\*
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- The British Overseas Territories
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- USA

\*\* Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

### English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a [pre-sessional course](http://www.sussex.ac.uk/languages/english/presess )

### Visas and immigration

[Find out how to apply for a student visa](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/international-students/visas-immigration)

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, [contact us](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/ask/)

[Book an information session](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/visit-us/postgraduate/information-sessions)

[Back to Course menu](#nav-content)

## Funding and fees

### Funding

#### Funded projects and scholarships

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.

- [China Scholarship Council (CSC) University of Sussex Scholarships](#)

  Up to 14 scholarships for outstanding PhD students from China

  [Find out more](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships/view/1756-China-Scholarship-Council-(CSC)--University-of-Sussex-Scholarships)
- [Climate Leaders Scholarship](#)

  £3,000 scholarships available to active environmentalists (in any subject) bringing about real-world behaviour change

  [Find out more](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships/view/1879-Climate-Leaders-Scholarship)

#### Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?

If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered
on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is
prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about
[American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/studentlifecentre/funding/americanstudentloans).

#### Part-time work

We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.

[Find out more about careers and employability](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/careers)

### Fees

#### Fees for self-funding students

### Home students

£5,238 per year for full-time students

### Channel Islands and Isle of Man students

£5,238 per year for full-time students

### International students

£23,500 per year for full-time students

Home PhD student fees are set at the level recommended by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) annually, rising in line with inflation. Overseas fees are subject to an annual
increase - see details on our [tuition fees page](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/tuition-fees)

### Additional costs

#### Note about additional costs

Additional costs to your tuition fees may include field trips, equipment, materials, bench fees or studio hire. These costs are best estimates based on current market values which we review each year. These costs may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances where the University has limited control such as a change in a service provider or government guidance. We will let you know at the earliest opportunity if there is any change to these costs. We will also tell you if these costs are mandatory for passing your course or optional.  [Find out how to budget for student life](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/student-budgeting).

#### Empirical research costs

On top of your PhD fees and living costs, you may also need to cover some research and training costs, relevant to your research project. These costs will depend on your research topic and training needs, but may include:\
\
- travel (to archives, collections or scientific facilities)\
- a laptop\
- overseas fieldwork costs (travel and accommodation, and language training)\
- conference costs (travel, registration fees and accommodation)\
- laboratory consumables and workshop materials\
- participant costs \
- transcription or translation costs\
- open-access publication costs.\
\
If you have a scholarship from one of the UK Research Councils, your scholarship should cover these types of costs. You'll receive details of how to claim this additional funding. \
\
If you're self funded, or if your scholarship doesn’t cover these costs, check with the Research and Enterprise Co-ordinator in your School for details of School or Doctoral School funding that may be available. \

## Living costs

We know the rising cost of living is on everyone’s mind, and affects us all in different ways. Our guide to living costs has been designed to help you plan and budget for life as a Sussex student.

[Learn more about typical living costs](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/living-costs)

[Book an information session](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/visit-us/postgraduate/information-sessions)

## Meet us

### PhD Open Evenings

Join us to find out what it’s like to study a PhD at Sussex.

[Book your place](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/degrees/study/visit-us/postgraduate/campus-events/phd-open-evening)

### Online PhD sessions

Join a live webchat or meet PhD students at our online events.

[Book your place](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/degrees/study/visit-us/postgraduate/virtual-events)

### Information by country

See our country guides and meet us at an event in your country.

[Find your country](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/international-students/information-by-country)

## Contact us

### Course enquiries

+44 (0)1273 876787

[Send us a message](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/ask/)

[Order a printed prospectus](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/prospectus/pgorder)

### Admissions enquiries

#### If you haven’t applied yet

+44 (0)1273 678001\
 [mah-pgr@​sussex.ac.uk](mailto:mah-pgr@sussex.ac.uk)

[Find out about the School of Media, Arts and Humanities](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/schools/media-arts-humanities)

#### After you’ve applied

+44 (0)1273 877773

[phd.applicants@sussex.ac.uk](mailto:phd.applicants@sussex.ac.uk)

## What do you want to do next?

[### Browse our courses by subject area](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/subjects)

[### Book an Open Day](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/visit-us/)

[### Find out where you’ll live](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/accommodation)

[### Find out about student life at Sussex](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/student-life)

[### Support for international students](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/international-students/support-for-international-students)

[### Visas and immigration support](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/international-students/visas-immigration)

[### Find out how to apply](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply)

[### Sussex Researcher School](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/doctoral)

[### Guide to PhD study](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/guide-phd-study)

## Legal information

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to
provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material
changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as
soon as possible.

[Find out about our terms and conditions, including the student code of conduct and your cancellation rights](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/terms-and-conditions/postgraduate)

[Find out about our complaints and appeals process](https://student.sussex.ac.uk/complaints/)

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