Studying for a PhD in Humanities and Social Science

The University of Brighton has opened opportunities for self-funded PhD students in multiple areas of research in the fields of humanities and social sciences. These include core humanities disciplines of philosophy, history, linguistics, literature and politics, and major social science disciplines of sociology, social policy, anthropology, psychology and criminology.

We encourage and support interdisciplinary applications and much of the research we do in the School of Humanities and Social Science is collaborative and interdisciplinary. We also work closely with other schools within the University of Brighton, including School of Art and Media, School of Sport and Health Sciences, and School of Business and Law. Many of our students cross these school boundaries with supervisory arrangements and research centre memberships that allow them to embrace all opportunities.

Our pioneering research addresses strategically important global challenges including climate change, social inequality, globalisation, political participation and global mental health. 98 per cent of our research was rated as world-leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised in the latest national research assessment, the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021).

Our research takes place across internationally recognised Centres Of Research Excellence (COREs) and Research and Enterprise Groups (REGs). Specifically, many of our PGRs are attached to the Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, the Centre for Applied Politics and Ethics, the Centre for Arts and Wellbeing, and the Centre for Design History. We encourage all our doctoral students to join one or more of our COREs and / or relevant REGs.

We look forward to applications for research degrees from all suitably qualified home, EU and international students.

Find the support you need at the university of Brighton.

Our postgraduate researchers form a vibrant and supportive community in our main Moulsecoomb campus building, Mithras House.

As well as supervision and library access we provide a convivial working space and environment, a strong programme of research events, and opportunities to undertake internships and networking outside the university.

The professional development and progression of our doctoral students is our priority. Our doctoral training programme and vibrant research environment will help you develop your knowledge and skills to become a competent and confident early career researcher. From research plan to viva, our workshops and specialist staff guide doctoral students through the major milestones of their PhD. The University of Brighton has a community of around 500 doctoral students of diverse ages, experiences and backgrounds. Full-time and part-time options for home-based students will help balance work and life commitments.

The city of Brighton

Brighton is a vibrant and creative seaside city on the South-East coast of the United Kingdom. By train, it is only one hour away from London, 30 minutes away from London's Gatwick Airport and 90 minutes away from London's Heathrow Airport, attracting visitors and students to a growing international population. The city's progressive attitudes mean it leads the way in arts, creative technology, sexuality and gender studies and issues, as well as environmental and sustainable education and policy.

How to Apply

You will need to submit a detailed research proposal to your application for a self-funded position. This proposal will need to be appropriate to the level of study (PhD) and suitable for the University of Brighton – Most importantly, we must ensure we have the right supervisors/experts for your project and we have all the resources in place so you receive the support you need. To develop your research idea, we therefore recommend you approach one of our researchers who may become your lead supervisor. For the five steps leading to a PhD application at the University of Brighton, information on tuition fees and funding, entry requirements and deadlines, visit our PhD application website.

Alternatively, your application may outline your suitability for an advertised funded research project as detailed on our PhD funding and opportunities page.

For more information

FAQ: Brighton as a city and the University of Brighton as a place to study

FAQ: PhD funding UK for overseas students, visas and language requirements

FAQ: Support and facilities during your PhD studies