Sussex Neuroscience 4-Year Programme PhD
Source: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/degrees/sussex-neuroscience-4-year-programme-phd Parent: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd
Deepen your expertise through lab experience across disciplines. Dive into your own specialist research, from the nervous system to neurological disorders.
Select your start date
Key information
-
Duration
Up to 4 years full time - ### Start date
September 2026 - ### Apply by
12 January 2026 - ### Location
Our interdisciplinary neuroscience research community is one of the largest in the UK. Spend your first year doing rotations in different laboratories and taking taught modules across a wide range of neuroscience fields, strengthening your research training before choosing a PhD project.
This competitive four-year PhD Programme is for you if you wish to deepen your expertise in neuroscience before choosing your primary research focus, or if you’re coming to neuroscience with a background in the psychological or physical sciences.
If you’re awarded a place on this PhD Programme, you’ll get full funding.
- 94% of our research overall in Biological Sciences was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
Areas of study
We offer research projects in a wide range of areas:
- cellular and molecular neuroscience
- cognitive and behavioural neuroscience
- circuits, systems and computational neuroscience
- translational and clinical neuroscience.
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
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.
PhD online events
Join us online to find out what it's like to study a PhD at Sussex.
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
Take our virtual tour
Be inspired by our beautiful campus and buzzing Brighton in this immersive 360° experience.
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.
How to apply
If you’d like to join us as a research student, find out how to apply at Sussex Neuroscience 4-Year PhD Programme
Our supervisors
Explore our research interests and find potential supervisors.
### Dr Jimena Berni
Principal Research Fellow
### Contact
### Prof Dorina Cadar
Professor of Ageing and Behavioural Science
### Contact
### Dr Alessandro Colasanti
Associate Professor in Biological Psychiatry
### Contact
View profile of Alessandro Colasanti
### Prof Hugo Critchley
Chair in Psychiatry (Honorary Consultant)
### Contact
View profile of Hugo Critchley
### Prof Andrew Dilley
Professor of Neuroanatomy
### Contact
### Dr Nicholas Dowell
Associate Professor in Imaging Physics
### Contact
View profile of Nicholas Dowell
### Dr Jessica Eccles
Associate Professor in Brain-Body Medicine
### Contact
View profile of Jessica Eccles
### Dr Claire Lancaster
Assistant Professor in Dementia
### Contact
View profile of Claire Lancaster
### Prof Nigel Leigh
Professor (Honorary Consultant) in Clinical Neurology
### Contact
### Dr Yoko Nagai
Associate Professor in Translational Neuroscience
### Contact
### Prof Itamar Ronen
Chair in Medical Physics and Academic Director of CISC
### Contact
### Prof Natasha Sigala
Professor in Neuroscience
### Contact
View profile of Natasha Sigala
### Prof James Stone
Professor of Psychiatry
### Contact
View profile of James Stone - Engineering and Informatics faculty
### Prof Luc Berthouze
Professor of Complex Systems
### Contact
### Prof Christopher Buckley
Professor of Neural Computation
### Contact
View profile of Christopher Buckley
### Dr Benjamin Evans
Assistant Professor in Computer Science & AI
### Contact
View profile of Benjamin Evans
### Prof Phil Husbands
Emeritus Professor
### Contact
### Prof Thomas Nowotny
Professor Of Informatics
### Contact
View profile of Thomas Nowotny
### Prof Andy Philippides
Professor of Biorobotics
### Contact
View profile of Andy Philippides
### Dr Dhruva Raman
Assistant Professor in Computer Science & AI
### Contact
### Dr Warrick Roseboom
Associate Professor in Psychology and Informatics
### Contact
View profile of Warrick Roseboom
### Prof Anil Seth
Professor of Cognitive & Computational Neuroscience
### Contact
### Dr Ivor Simpson
Associate Professor
### Contact
### Dr Carlo Tiseo
Assistant Professor in Engineering
### Contact
### Dr Peter Wijeratne
Assistant Professor in Computer Science & AI
### Contact
View profile of Peter Wijeratne - Life Sciences faculty
### Prof Claudio Alonso
Professor of Developmental Neurobiology
### Contact
View profile of Claudio Alonso
### Prof Thomas Baden
Professor of Neuroscience
### Contact
### Prof Keith Caldecott
Professor of Genome Stability
### Contact
View profile of Keith Caldecott
### Prof Daniel Colaco Osorio
Professor of Neuroscience
### Contact
View profile of Daniel Colaco Osorio
### Prof Paul Graham
Head of Department
### Contact
### Prof Sarah Guthrie
Professor of Developmental Neuroscience
### Contact
### Prof Majid Hafezparast
Professor of Molecular Neuroscience
### Contact
View profile of Majid Hafezparast
### Prof George Kemenes
Emeritus Professor
### Contact
View profile of George Kemenes
### Prof Ildiko Kemenes
Emeritus Professor
### Contact
View profile of Ildiko Kemenes
### Prof Leon Lagnado
Professor Of Neuroscience 'Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award holder'
### Contact
### Prof Miguel Maravall Rodriguez
Professor of Neuroscience
### Contact
View profile of Miguel Maravall Rodriguez
### Dr Ruth Murrell-Lagnado
Associate Professor in Neuroscience
### Contact
R.Murrell-Lagnado@sussex.ac.uk
View profile of Ruth Murrell-Lagnado
### Dr Beth Nicholls
Principal Research Fellow
### Contact
### Prof Jeremy Niven
Professor of Zoology
### Contact
### Dr Andrew Penn
Assistant Professor
### Contact
### Dr Sylvia Schroeder
Sir Henry Dale Senior Research Fellow Group Leader
### Contact
View profile of Sylvia Schroeder
### Prof Louise Serpell
Emeritus Professor
### Contact
View profile of Louise Serpell
### Prof Kevin Staras
Professor Of Neuroscience
### Contact
View profile of Kevin Staras - Psychology faculty
### Dr Sam Berens
Assistant Professor in Psychology
### Contact
### Prof Chris Bird
Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience
### Contact
### Dr Jenny Bosten
Associate Professor in Psychology
### Contact
### Dr Daniel Campbell-Meiklejohn
Associate Professor in Psychology
### Contact
View profile of Daniel Campbell-Meiklejohn
### Prof Hans Crombag
Professor of Behavioural Neuroscience
### Contact
### Dr Sophie Forster
Reader in Cognitive Neuroscience
### Contact
View profile of Sophie Forster
### Prof Anna Franklin
Professor of Visual Perception and Cognition
### Contact
### Prof Catherine Hall
Professor of Neurovascular Stuff
### Contact
View profile of Catherine Hall
### Dr Theodoros Karapanagiotidis
Assistant Professor in Psychology
### Contact
T.Karapanagiotidis@sussex.ac.uk
View profile of Theodoros Karapanagiotidis
### Prof Sarah King
Professor of Neuroscience
### Contact
### Prof Eisuke Koya
Professor in Behavioural Neuroscience
### Contact
### Dr Liat Levita
Reader in Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience
### Contact
### Dr Dominique Makowski
Assistant Professor in Psychology
### Contact
View profile of Dominique Makowski
### Dr Emiliano Merlo
Associate Professor in Psychology
### Contact
View profile of Emiliano Merlo
### Dr Alexa Morcom
Associate Professor in Cognitive Neuroscience
### Contact
### Dr Giulia Poerio
Associate Professor in Psychology
### Contact
### Dr Charlotte Rae
Associate Professor in Psychology
### Contact
### Dr Pablo Romero Sanchiz
Assistant Professor in Psychology
### Contact
View profile of Pablo Romero Sanchiz
### Prof Julia Simner
Professor of Psychology
### Contact
### Dr Bryan Singer
Associate Professor in Psychology
### Contact
### Dr Ediz Sohoglu
Associate Professor in Psychology
### Contact
### Prof Jamie Ward
Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience
### Contact
### Prof Martin Yeomans
Professor of Experimental Psychology
### Contact
View profile of Martin Yeomans
Entry requirements
| Degree requirements | You’re normally expected to have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
Please select your country from the list.
Argentina
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado/Titulo with a final mark of at least 7.5-8.5 depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Australia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with second-class upper division. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Azerbaijan
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 4/5 or 80%. Magistr with a minimum average mark of at least 81%. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bahrain
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.0/4.0 (Grade B). |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bangladesh
| Undergraduate degree requirement | A 4-year Bachelor degree with GPA of at least 3.3/4.0 |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brazil
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a final mark of at least 7.5 or 8 depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brunei
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second class upper division or CGPA 3.1/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Canada
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.3/4.0 (grade B+). |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Chile
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 5-5.5/7 depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
China
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 70%-75% depending on your university. Sussex uses Project 211/985 to inform offer levels. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Colombia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad' and a CGPA of 3.5. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Cyprus
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a final mark of at least 7.5. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Denmark
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 7 (Good Performance). |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ecuador
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 17/20. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Egypt
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree from a university with an overall grade of at least 70-75% depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licence with mention bien or Maîtrise with a final mark of at least 13. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a final mark of 2.4 or better. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ghana
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree from a public university with second-class upper division. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Ptychion from an AEI with a final mark of at least 7. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 55-70% depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Indonesia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with CGPA 3.0/4.0. Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with CGPA 3.2/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a final mark of at least 15. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Italy
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Diploma di Laurea with an overall mark of at least 105. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Jordan
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 80%. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kazakhstan
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of 4.0/5 or CGPA 3.33/4 |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kenya
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a second-class upper division. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kuwait
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or B+. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lebanon
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA 3.5/4.0 or 14/20. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malawi
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Masters degree, depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malaysia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Mexico
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 8/10. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nepal
| Undergraduate degree requirement | A 4-year Bachelor degree with GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 65%. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nigeria
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a second-class upper division or CGPA of at least 3.0-3.49/4.0, 3.5-4.49/5.0 or 4.6-5.9/7.0 |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Norway
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall grade of B. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Oman
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Pakistan
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Four-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 65%-70% or CGPA 2.6 - 2.8 depending on your university. Masters degree following a 3-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 65%-70% or CGPA 2.6 - 2.8 depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Palestine
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with at least 80% or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Paraguay
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors with a final mark of at least 7.5/10. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Peru
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 13/20 from a public university or 15/20 from a private university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Philippines
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelor degree when awarded from 2022 onwards (or a Masters degree) with a minimum of 1.5/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.7/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Qatar
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall CPGA of at least 3 (on a scale of 4). |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Russia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 4. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Saudi Arabia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of 3.5/5.0 or 3/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Singapore
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a second-class upper division or CAP 4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Africa
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (honours) degree with a second-class division 1. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Korea
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.3/4.5 or 3.1/4.3 or B+ |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Spain
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 2/4 or 7/10. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sri Lanka
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors Special degree with an upper second honours. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Switzerland
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licence or Diplôme with 5/6 or 8/10. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Taiwan
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 67%-80% depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Thailand
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 2.8 - 3.0/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Turkey
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Lisans Diplomasi with CGPA of at least 2.8 - 3.0/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
United Arab Emirates
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
USA
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Uzbekistan
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 80%. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Vietnam
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree (with a Graduate Thesis/research component) with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 7.0/10. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both proof of graduation in addition to your transcript. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zambia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Masters degree with GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zimbabwe
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
| 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
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a biological, psychological or physical sciences subject area. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. |
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
We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.
We accept IELTS Online.
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
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
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. 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
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
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 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)
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)
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
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa
Additional admissions information
| Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) for international students | Yes. You should apply for this course as early as possible so that you have time to apply for ATAS clearance. Find out more about ATAS clearance on the Student Hub. |
| Research proposal | If you are applying for a PhD, you will need to write a research proposal. Find out how to write a research proposal. |
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
Application deadlines
12 January 2026
Please note it is only possible to start this degree in September.
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.
Up to 14 scholarships for outstanding PhD students from China
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.
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
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
£27,300 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
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.
Empirical research costs
On top of your tuition fees and living costs, you will 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:\ \ - a laptop\ - laboratory consumables and workshop materials\ - travel (to archives, collections or scientific facilities)\ - overseas fieldwork costs (travel and accommodation, and language training)\ - conference costs (travel, registration fees and accommodation)\ - training costs \ - transcription or translation costs\ - open-access publication costs.\ \ If you hold a School Studentship or scholarship from a UK Research Council, you will usually receive additional funding to cover these types of costs.
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
Meet us
PhD Open Evenings
Join us to find out what it’s like to study a PhD at Sussex.
Online PhD sessions
Join a live webchat or meet PhD students at our online events.
Information by country
See our country guides and meet us at an event in your country.
Contact us
Course enquiries
+44 (0)1273 876787
Admissions enquiries
If you haven’t applied yet
+44 (0)1273 678057 \ lifesci-REC@sussex.ac.uk
Find out about the School of Life Sciences
After you’ve applied
+44 (0)1273 877773
What do you want to do next?
### Browse our courses by subject area
### Find out where you’ll live
### Find out about student life at Sussex
### Support for international students
### Visas and immigration support
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.