Your PhD in Medicine with Brighton and Sussex Medical School

Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) is an equal partnership between the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex, together with National Health Service organisations (NHS) throughout the Southeast region of the United Kingdom. PhD students at BSMS are registered with the University of Brighton and join its Doctoral College but have also access to facilities and support from the University of Sussex.

The Medical School welcomes applications for research degrees from all suitably qualified home, EU and international students. Our institution offers opportunities for externally funded and self-funded PhD and MD students in multiple research areas across internationally recognised research groups.

At Brighton and Sussex Medical School we foster a diverse, inclusive, collaborative research community with expertise across a wide variety of research areas, encompassing laboratory research through to social science and clinical studies.

Our research endeavours are organized into five key areas:

• Global Health and Infection
• Clinical and Experimental Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Medical Education and Primary care
• Primary Care and Public Health.

With a commitment to addressing fundamental biomedical and clinical questions, our research aims to enhance medical treatments and provide personalised healthcare to patients, delivering impact locally, nationally and internationally.

Find the support you need

PhD students studying at Brighton and Sussex Medical School have opportunities to work alongside academics in bio-chemistry, genetics, neuroscience, healthcare, pharmacy and global health through membership of our internationally recognised research centres.

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. Brighton and Sussex Medical School has a community of around 80 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

To apply for a studentship advertised on our BSMS PhD opportunities website, your application should outline your suitability for the research project.

Alternatively, if your application is for a self-funded position, you will additionally need to submit a detailed research proposal. This proposal will need to be appropriate to the level of study (MD/PhD) and suitable for study at Brighton and Sussex Medical School – 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 information on tuition fees and funding, entry requirements and deadlines, visit our website  or email the BSMS Doctoral office at researchdegrees@bsms.ac.uk

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