Psychology PhD studentship

Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship - How does a 4 day working week change mind, brain, and body? (2025)

What you get

• A stipend for 3 years (tied to the UKRI studentship rates, currently £19,237 per year) to cover living costs.
• UK or International fees are covered for 3 years.
• Research/training costs of £900 per year are also covered for 3 years, and enhanced costs are provided for some neuroscience projects.
• School-funded Postgraduate Researchers have the opportunity to take up Doctoral Tutoring during your PhD with a range of modules to choose from. This work is currently paid at Grade 6 which is currently £17.38 per hour, and covers contact time, preparation and marking.

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

Funding type

School funded

PhD project

I study mind-brain-body interactions, and the biological basis of wellbeing.

Our research group is interested in how lifestyle - in particular, working patterns and employment - affects mental health, physiology, and brain function. We are conducting a major project on the 4 day working week, examining how workplace performance, mental health, and brain function change when employees in local businesses switch from working full-time to working a 4 day week. We are using occupational psychology assessments, wellbeing and mental health questionnaires, physiological measurements, and structural and functional MRI brain scanning to measure the changes that take place when workers reduce time at work with no loss of salary.

I would be delighted to receive PhD applications from students who are interested in understanding how a 4 day working week changes workplace performance, mental health, physiology, and brain function.

The student will have opportunities to learn and use advanced research techniques in occupational psychology, psychophysiology, and MRI brain scanning, applied to a real-world research question.

You can read more about our work on the lab website, and on our Sussex 4 Day Week study project website.

Doctoral Tutor role: 

If you choose to undertake a  Doctoral Tutor role you will receive training and begin teaching in the first term of your studies. You will be encouraged to study for a formal teaching accreditation (Associate of the Higher Education Academy), enrolling on a ‘Starting to Teach’ module in the first term.  

Eligibility

• Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a First or a high Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, and/or a Master’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience or a related discipline.
• The University of Sussex believes that the diversity of its staff and student community is fundamental to creative thinking, pedagogic innovation, intellectual challenge, and the interdisciplinary approach to research and learning. We celebrate and promote diversity, equality and inclusion amongst our staff and students. As such, we welcome applications from all, regardless of personal characteristics or background.
• This award will pay fees at the Home or International rate. International students must move to Sussex for the duration of the PhD and will not be permitted to register as Distance Learners. The studentship does not include additional funding towards the costs of visas or travel to the UK for International students.

Number of scholarships available

One scholarship

Deadline

How to apply

• Please read Some questions we are often asked before you start your application.
• Please submit your application online for 'PhD in Psychology' for entry in September 2025.

• In the Supervisor suggested by applicant section of your application, put Charlotte Rae
• In the Proposed source of funding section of your application, please put Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship – Charlotte Rae - ringfenced

Candidates should provide: 

• A research proposal that outlines your knowledge of the research area, hypotheses that could be addressed in your PhD, and an outline of potential methods. The scope of the proposed work should be appropriate for a 3-year PhD research programme. The research proposal should be approximately 1,000 to 1,500 words in length and not exceed 3 pages, including references. It should be set at a minimum of 10 font type with margins a minimum of 1cm.
• Current degree transcript(s) with full details of performance on all completed courses. 
• Two academic references.
• An up-to-date CV.
• A document summarising any teaching experience you have and illustrating your suitability for a Doctoral Tutor role. 

Overseas applicants please read our International Requirements to assist with preparing your application.

Contact us

For queries with respect to the application process please contact:  psychologyphdadmin@sussex.ac.uk 

To discuss the details of this project further please contact:  
Dr Charlotte Rae c.rae@sussex.ac.uk  

Timetable

Deadline for applications:  14 February 2025 23:59.
Interviews likely to take place week beginning 10 March with with notifications expected early March.