Finance PhD

Key information

Duration:
Up to 4 years full time, 8 years part time
Start date:
Choose to start in September 2025 or January 2026
Apply by:
1 month before start (UK), 3 months before start (international)
  • 1st in the UK for annual research income in 2019-2022 
  • 8th in the UK for Economics and Finance
  • 8th in the UK for citations in Business and Economics 

Find solutions to the practical problems that market practitioners and policy-makers face.

You’ll work with researches who have strong academic backgrounds. Some also have significant industry experience, having held various roles in top-tier investment banks, hedge funds and relevant industries. Our research is mainly conducted within two research groups: 

  • Our crossdisciplinary Business Finance Research Group focuses on corporate finance and governance in both public and private companies, as well the roles of private equity firms, banks and other financial intermediaries. The group publishes on areas such as financial misconduct, banking regulation, entrepreneurial finance and the impact of global crises on corporate finance. 
  • Our Quantitative FinTech (QFin) research group includes experts in quantitative finance, FinTech and climate finance. The group collaborates with business and industry on numerous research initiatives with direct relevance to important problems in global financial markets. 

Both groups hold regular research seminars with internal and external speakers.

Find out more about research at the ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë Business School

We expect successful applicants to be admitted to the Integrated PhD. This provides the rigorous research training you need to become a skilled practitioner. If you’re unsure which route to apply for, please apply for the Integrated PhD.

Accreditation

You’ll join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë Business School. Learn more about all of our course accreditations here. Find out more

    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.

    Join us online to find out more about PhDs

    Book now

    Entry requirements

    Degree requirements

    You’re normally expected to have at least a Merit (an average of 60% of overall) in a relevant Masters degree and an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please select your country from the list.

    Argentina

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Licenciado/Titulo with a final mark of at least 7.5-8.5 depending on your university. 

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Australia

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with second-class upper division.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Azerbaijan

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Magistr or Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 4 or 81%

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Bahrain

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.0/4.0 (Grade B).

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Bangladesh

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    A 4-year Bachelor degree with GPA of at least 3.3/4.0

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Brazil

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    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

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Brunei

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors (Honours) degree with second class upper division or CGPA 3.1/4.0.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Canada

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.3/4.0 (grade B+).

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Chile

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Licenciado with a final mark of at least 5-5.5/7 depending on your university.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    China

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    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

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Colombia

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad' and a CGPA of 3.5.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Cyprus

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a final mark of at least 7.5.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Denmark

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 7 (Good Performance).

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Ecuador

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Licenciado with a final mark of at least 17/20.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Egypt

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree from a university with an overall grade of at least 70-75% depending on your university.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    France

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Licence with mention bien or Maîtrise with a final mark of at least 13.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Germany

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a final mark of 2.4 or better.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Ghana

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree from a public university with second-class upper division.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Greece

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Ptychion from an AEI with a final mark of at least 7.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Hong Kong

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    India

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 55-70% depending on your university.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Indonesia

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    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

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Iran

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a final mark of at least 15.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Italy

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Diploma di Laurea with an overall mark of at least 105.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Japan

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Jordan

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 80%.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Kazakhstan

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of 4.0/5 or CGPA 3.33/4

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Kenya

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors (Honours) degree with a second-class upper division.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Kuwait

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or B+.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Lebanon

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with a CGPA 3.5/4.0 or 14/20.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Malawi

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Masters degree, depending on your university.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Malaysia

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Mexico

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Licenciado with a final mark of at least 8/10.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Nepal

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    A 4-year Bachelor degree with GPA of at least 3.3/4.0

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Nigeria

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    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

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Norway

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with an overall grade of B.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Oman

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Pakistan

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    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

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Palestine

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with at least 80% or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Paraguay

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors with a final mark of at least 7.5/10.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Peru

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    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

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Philippines

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Masters degree with 1.5/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.7/4.0

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Qatar

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with an overall CPGA of at least 3 (on a scale of 4).

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Russia

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 4.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Saudi Arabia

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with a CGPA of 3.5/5.0 or 3/4.0.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Singapore

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors (Honours) degree with a second-class upper division or CAP 4.0.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    South Africa

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors (honours) degree with a second-class division 1.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    South Korea

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    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

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Spain

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Licenciado with a final mark of at least 2/4 or 7/10.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Sri Lanka

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors Special degree with an upper second honours.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Switzerland

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Licence or Diplôme with 5/6 or 8/10.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Taiwan

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 67%-80% depending on your university.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Thailand

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    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

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Turkey

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    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

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    United Arab Emirates

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    USA

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Uzbekistan

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 80%.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Vietnam

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    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

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Zambia

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Masters degree with GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    Please note

    Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

    Zimbabwe

    Masters degree requirement

    You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree.

    Undergraduate degree requirement

    Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division.

    Subject-specific requirements

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    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

    You may also be considered for the course if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of long-term work experience in a related area.

    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. 

    We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

    We do not 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

    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.

    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.

    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. 

    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.

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

    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.

    We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

    TOEFL (iBT)

    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.

    We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë Edition.

    The TOEFL Institution Code for the ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë 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% 

    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 ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë Office, not by the ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë.

    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

    Visas and immigration

    Find out how to apply for a student visa

    Admissions information for applicants

    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

    How to apply

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

    Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex

    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 business-researchstudents@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.

    Our supervisors

    Funding and fees

    How can I fund my course?

    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.

    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

    How much does it cost?

    Fees for self-funding students

    ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.

    Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.

    International students: £22,575 per year for full-time students

    ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë 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

    Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.

    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

    Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

    Find out about our terms and conditions

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