Applications are now closed for the 2024 JRA Scheme as of 25th March 2024.

Check out the JRA 2024 Launch Event (Slides availaible currently, video coming soon.), which explains more about the program.

More information on next year's scheme will be available in early 2025. 

Before applying, you should make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme. Please note that potential JRAs must:

• be undergraduate students at the University of Sussex
• be in their middle year of study (i.e. have completed one year of study and not to be in their final year)
• have a genuine interest in pursuing postgraduate study
• have a good academic track record

You should also familiarise yourself with the JRA Terms & Conditions document, which will give you a clear idea of how the scheme works and what will be expected of you.

Depending on your subject area and research interests, you might decide to either join a pre-existing research project or to propose your own research project. Either way, you will need to identify an academic who is willing to act as your supervisor for an eight-week period over the summer.

To join an existing research project, you should approach faculty in your department to learn what research projects are currently underway on campus and whether you are able to join any of these as a JRA. If you are hoping to propose your own project, you should look for academics who have research interests similar to your own.

When you have identified a suitable faculty member, you should approach them to find out if they have the capacity to act as a JRA supervisor over the summer, and if they would be willing to supervise your research project. Some past JRAs have found it useful to approach a potential supervisor with a clearly developed and refined research proposal, which allows you to ‘pitch’ your idea to the academic. Alternatively, other past JRAs have approached potential supervisors with an idea of a topic or key theme that they would like to research instead and asked for their advice. This allows the academic to ensure that the research also interests them and is something they feel comfortable supervising.

How you approach your potential supervisor will depend on your previous relationship with them, as well as on the type of research you wish to undertake. This is an important part of the JRA process, and something you should think about carefully. We know that this part of the process might sound daunting, so we’ve put together some guidance. If you're thinking of proposing your own project, see our guidelines for approaching a supervisor.

Once you have identified your supervisor and your research question, it is time to write your research proposal. This should be no longer than 1500 words and should be checked by your potential supervisor, but it may also be something that you work on together.

When you have finished your proposal, be sure to proofread it before adding it to your JRA application form, which will be submitted via CareerHub along with additional supporting documents.

A complete JRA application consists of four documents:

• A completed JRA application form or BSMS JRA application form, which will include your research proposal along with a research summary (no more than 150 words). There is also an optional Widening Participation statement, where you can detail any challenges you have overcome and provide additional information in support of your application (see FAQs for more details). If you are BSMS student then please ensure you apply using the separate BSMS application form.
• A Supervisor Statement to be completed by your potential JRA supervisor.
• Your current academic CV, which should be no more than two A4 pages in length, focusing on academic experience and including all modules and grades.
• An Academic Reference to be completed by an academic (not necessarily your potential supervisor), who knows you well and is able to comment on your previous academic performance.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your supervisor and referee are aware of these forms, and that they complete them by the application deadline. If your supervisor or referee are submitting their forms to us directly, then please let us know by email: undergraduate-research@sussex.ac.uk.

Applications must be received by the day and time specified, as any applications that arrive after that deadline will not be considered. You may also wish to review the Selection Criteria and Application Checklist to ensure that you submit all of the correct documents and information.

All applications must be submitted by the student via CareerHub. Supervisors and referees are permitted to send their statements directly, however they should not submit applications.

All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by mid-May.