The University of Sussex is offering a number of Ph.D. studentships for September 2021 admission. The studentships are for 3.5 years and comprise a tax-free bursary, a fee waiver, and a training budget.

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

Ph.D. project

Projects on offer for September 2021 can be found on the Research Group webpages linked below, or you may suggest a project of your own devising.

Astronomy & Cosmology

Theoretical Particle Physics

Experimental Particle Physics

When you apply, specify your preferred project(s) and supervisor(s).  Describe your research interests and any relevant expertise or experience you can bring to the project.

You are welcome to contact each group’s admissions coordinator (listed below), as well as any prospective supervisor, if you have questions about a project or want to propose your own topic

Amount

Each award will be comprised of a tax-free bursary of £15560 (21/22 rate), a full fee waiver, and a training/conference budget of £1250 per year, for 3.5 years.  The awards are funded by the STFC Research Council.

In addition, STFC-funded students may apply to STFC for a Long-Term Attachment (LTA).  An LTA funds the student to work at another research facility outside the UK for up to 1.5 years as part of their PhD project.  LTA applications are made in the student's first year of the PhD.

Number of scholarships available

Our available studentships will be spread over the three research groups named here.  There may be additional studentships in the School for September 2021 admission. See our advertisements on jobs.ac.uk, findaphd.com and the Sussex university webpages.

How to apply

You should apply as early as possible to ensure full consideration.

Interviews take place during February and early March for admission in September.

If you are offered a place, we will not expect you to accept it before 31 March 2021. This is a requirement of the funder, STFC.

Studentships are occasionally available after the end of March for example because some applicants withdraw before registration in September.  In which case, late applications will be considered.

Apply through the University of Sussex on-line system.
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply/log-into-account

Select the PhD in Physics or Astronomy, with an entry date of September 2021. 
In the Finance/Funding section, state that you wish to be considered for an STFC Research Council studentship.  State your preferred research group.  If possible, upload all the documents requested or your application will be delayed while we contact you.

Eligibility

These studentships are open to students of any nationality. 

International, UK, and EU students with pre-settled or settled status are all eligible and will receive a full fee waiver.

International students may need to apply for a study visa after they are offered a studentship.

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold, at least a UK upper second-class degree (or non-UK equivalent qualification) in Astronomy, Cosmology, Physics, or a closely-related area, or else a lower second class degree followed by a relevant Master's degree.