| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Finance PhD program at the University of Sussex is a research-focused program that aims to develop students' abilities to conduct independent research and contribute original knowledge to the field of finance. The program emphasizes practical problem-solving and is offered on a full-time or part-time basis. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, industry, or government.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Finance PhD program at the University of Sussex is a research-focused program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become skilled practitioners in the field of finance. The program emphasizes practical problem-solving, allowing students to address real-world challenges faced by market practitioners and policymakers.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Provide rigorous research training to students.
- Develop students' abilities to conduct independent research and contribute original knowledge to the field of finance.
- Equip students with the skills and knowledge to pursue successful careers in academia, industry, or government.
Description:
The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis, with a duration of up to 4 years full-time or 6 years part-time. Students will work closely with researchers who have strong academic backgrounds and significant industry experience, having held various roles in top-tier investment banks, hedge funds, and relevant industries. The program's research is conducted within two research groups:
- Business Finance Research Group: This group focuses on corporate finance and governance in both public and private companies, as well as 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.
- Quantitative FinTech (QFin) Research Group: This 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.
Careers:
The Finance PhD program prepares students for a variety of career paths, including:
- Academia: Graduates can pursue careers as professors, researchers, or research analysts at universities and research institutions.
- Industry: Graduates can work in various roles in the financial services industry, such as financial analysts, portfolio managers, risk managers, or consultants.
- Government: Graduates can work in government agencies or regulatory bodies, contributing to policy development and implementation.
Other:
- The program is accredited by EQUIS and AMBA.
- The University of Sussex Business School is ranked 1st in the UK for annual research income in 2019-2022 (Chartered Association of Business Schools).
- The University of Sussex Business School is ranked 8th in the UK for Economics and Finance (Research.com Best Universities by Discipline 2023).
- The University of Sussex Business School is ranked 8th in the UK for citations in Business and Economics (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023).
- Students can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil.
- Students can choose to work on their research full-time or part-time.
- The program offers a variety of funding opportunities, including scholarships and funded projects.
- The program provides access to a variety of resources, including research facilities, libraries, and career services.
- The program offers a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
- The program is located in Brighton, a vibrant and diverse city on the south coast of England.
University of Sussex
Overview:
The University of Sussex is a leading, research-intensive university located in Brighton, UK. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence and its focus on creating a vibrant and diverse campus community.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus housing options are available for students, with various types of accommodation to suit different needs and budgets.Student Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources.Careers:
The university offers career services to help students find internships, graduate jobs, and develop their career skills.Library:
The university library provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.IT Services:
Students have access to a range of IT services, including computer labs, wireless internet, and online learning platforms.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Sussex can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of clubs, societies, and sports teams for students to join. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Brighton.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Research Excellence:
The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.World-Class Faculty:
The university boasts a world-class faculty, with experts in a wide range of fields.Vibrant Campus Community:
The university has a diverse and welcoming campus community, with a strong sense of belonging.Location:
The university is located in Brighton, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a thriving arts and culture scene.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
English, History, Philosophy, Music, Theatre, and more.Social Sciences:
Politics, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, and more.Science and Engineering:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and more.Business and Management:
Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, and more.Entry Requirements:
- Degree Requirements:
- UK Students: Normally, a Merit (average of 60%) in a relevant Masters degree and an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honors degree are required.
- International Students: The equivalent of a UK Masters degree is required, which means completing some academic study beyond a Bachelors degree. Specific requirements vary by country.
- Subject-Specific Requirements: Applicants without the required academic qualifications may be considered if they can demonstrate 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). Scores are valid for two years from the test date.
- Alternative English Language Qualifications:
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE): 169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): 169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT: High level (International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 39 in each component).
- Pearson PTE Academic: High level (62 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills).
- TOEFL (iBT): High level 88 overall, including at least 20 Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 in Writing.
- Country Exceptions: Nationals of certain countries (listed in the context) are normally exempt from providing evidence of English proficiency if they have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of those countries.
- English Language Support: Pre-sessional courses are available for students who do not meet the English language requirements.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
See the English Language Requirements section above.
