| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
| 2025-04-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Social and Political Thought PhD program at Sussex University fosters research on the nexus of politics and society. Interdisciplinary in nature, it blends sociology, social theory, political theory, and philosophy. Students explore themes like postcolonialism, feminism, and critical theory, developing the skills to conduct original research and critically analyze contemporary social and political issues.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Social and Political Thought PhD at the University of Sussex is a research-based program that allows students to delve into the intricate relationship between politics and human society. The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, transcending traditional academic boundaries between sociology, social theory, political theory, and political philosophy.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct independent and original research in the field of social and political thought. Students will develop a deep understanding of key concepts, theories, and figures within the discipline, and will be able to critically analyze and engage with contemporary social and political issues.
Program Description:
The program offers a wide range of research projects, including:
- Various European traditions of social theory, political sociology, and Marxist and Frankfurt School critical theory
- Anglo-American political theory, constructivist theory from Kant to Rawls, and communitarian or neo-Aristotelian theory
- Figures of social and political thought, from Aristotle to Habermas
- Issues in postcolonialism, feminism, and race critical theory
Other:
- The program is ranked 4th in the UK for research impact in Philosophy in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education).
- The program emphasizes the importance of politics in human society and reflects this in its interdisciplinary approach.
- The program is committed to providing students with the necessary resources and support to succeed in their research.
- The program is subject to change due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes.
- Home students: £4,786 per year for full-time students
- Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £4,786 per year for full-time students
- International students: £21,500 per year for full-time students
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: Normally, you'll need a Master's degree and an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honors degree.
- Subject-Specific Requirements: Your qualification should be in a subject relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Language Proficiency 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.
- 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.
- AS/A-level (GCE): Grade C or above in English Language.
- GCE O-level: Grade C or above in English.
- 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: If you are a national of one of the countries listed 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.
- 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.
