Key information
- Duration:
- Up to 5 years full time, 10 years part time
- Start date:
- September 2025
- Apply by:
- 1 month before start (UK), 3 months before start (international)
- 1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
- 1st in the UK among science and technology policy think tanks for SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit (Global Go To Think Tank Index Report 2020)
- 1st in the UK for annual research income (Chartered Association of Business Schools 2025)
From science and technology capability building in developing countries to policy and regulation in energy and high technology industries to rethinking sustainable development – our current research projects fall under three main headings:
- Governance and Sustainability
- Innovation in Firms and Industries
- National and International Science and Technology Systems.
At SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit, you’ll work with internationally recognised experts employing an issue-focused interdisciplinary approach to innovation and industrial policy.
You’ll become a skilled research practitioner with a broad set of advanced skills to help you address global challenges. Your training on this integrated PhD will enable you to effectively engage with – and shape – socioeconomic policies. This includes areas such as innovation, entrepreneurship, inclusive trade, minimum wage, education and development.
Find out more about research at the University of Sussex Business School
What is an integrated PhD?
An integrated PhD includes taking Masters-level modules in your first year as preparation for PhD-level research.
The taught year will help develop your research skills, ready for your PhD. It covers:
- quantitative, qualitative and analytical methods
- empirical design
- programming.
Through the taught modules, you’ll gain a meaningful progression point and all the support you need for your PhD. Once you’ve successfully completed the taught element of the degree, you’re ready to progress to the research phase of your PhD including your research thesis.
During your PhD, you’ll continue to receive training. You’ll develop more advanced research and publishing skills including:
- writing
- winning grants
- stakeholder engagement.
The integrated PhD offers the depth rigour and focus of a PhD, while developing your research and employability skills.
How my PhD helps me connect technological, social, political and policy processes – Alexander Ghonis
Accreditation
You’ll join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex 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.
Explore our free PhD webinars
Courses, applying and masterclasses – find out about postgraduate research at Sussex
March to July 2025
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 | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
Please select your country from the list.
Argentina
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado/Titulo with a final mark of at least 7.5-8.5 depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Australia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with second-class upper division. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Azerbaijan
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Magistr or Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 4 or 81% |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bahrain
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.0/4.0 (Grade B). |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bangladesh
| Undergraduate degree requirement | A 4-year Bachelor degree with GPA of at least 3.3/4.0 |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brazil
| 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 | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brunei
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second class upper division or CGPA 3.1/4.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Canada
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.3/4.0 (grade B+). |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Chile
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 5-5.5/7 depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
China
| 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 | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Colombia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad' and a CGPA of 3.5. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Cyprus
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a final mark of at least 7.5. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Denmark
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 7 (Good Performance). |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ecuador
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 17/20. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Egypt
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree from a university with an overall grade of at least 70-75% depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licence with mention bien or Maîtrise with a final mark of at least 13. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a final mark of 2.4 or better. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ghana
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree from a public university with second-class upper division. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Ptychion from an AEI with a final mark of at least 7. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 55-70% depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Indonesia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with CGPA 3.0/4.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a final mark of at least 15. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Italy
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Diploma di Laurea with an overall mark of at least 105. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Jordan
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 80%. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kazakhstan
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of 4.0/5 or CGPA 3.33/4 |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kenya
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a second-class upper division. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kuwait
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or B+. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lebanon
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA 3.5/4.0 or 14/20. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malawi
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Masters degree, depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malaysia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Mexico
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 8/10. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nepal
| Undergraduate degree requirement | A 4-year Bachelor degree with GPA of at least 3.3/4.0 |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nigeria
| 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 | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Norway
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall grade of B. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Oman
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Pakistan
| 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 | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Palestine
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with at least 80% or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Paraguay
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors with a final mark of at least 7.5/10. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Peru
| 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 | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Philippines
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Masters degree with 1.5/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.7/4.0 |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Qatar
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall CPGA of at least 3 (on a scale of 4). |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Russia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 4. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Saudi Arabia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of 3.5/5.0 or 3/4.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Singapore
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a second-class upper division or CAP 4.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Africa
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (honours) degree with a second-class division 1. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Korea
| 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 | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Spain
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 2/4 or 7/10. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sri Lanka
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors Special degree with an upper second honours. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Switzerland
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licence or Diplôme with 5/6 or 8/10. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Taiwan
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 67%-80% depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Thailand
| 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 | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Turkey
| 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 | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
United Arab Emirates
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
USA
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Uzbekistan
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 80%. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Vietnam
| 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 | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zambia
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Masters degree with GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zimbabwe
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
| 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 | Your qualification should be in a field related to science and technology policy. You may also be considered for the degree if you have several years of equivalent professional experience. |
|---|
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. Find out more about IELTS
We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.
We accept IELTS Online.
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. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced
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. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency
Duolingo English test
High level (120 overall, with no component score below 110)
Duolingo English test scores are valid for two years from the test date. Find out more about the Duolingo English test
You will need to share your results with the University of Sussex.
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. Find out more about LanguageCert Academic SELT
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. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT
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. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)
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. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)
We accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.
The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex 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 Home Office, not by the University of 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
** 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 pre-sessional course
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa
Admissions information for applicants
| Research proposal | If you are applying for an Integrated PhD, you will need to write a research proposal. Find out how to write a research proposal. |
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If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
Modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
All year
Autumn teaching
Pathway
Alongside your core modules, you take the pathway modules below.
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
- Advanced Qualitative Methods (for Innovation, Management and Policy Pathway)
- Analytical Methods and Research Design
- Quantitative Methods for Management, Innovation and Policy
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
How to apply
If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:
- browse funded projects in this subject area
- browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.
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
How my idea of rethinking the role of science, technology and innovation in society led me to my PhD – Melina Galdos Friscancho
Our supervisors
Explore our research interests and find potential supervisors.
- Experts delivering your taught year
Prof Vasiliki Bamiatzi
Professor of Strategy and International Business
Contact
Prof Sambit Bhattacharyya
Professor of Economics
Contact
Prof Chirantan Chatterjee
Professor of Development Economics, Innovation and Global Health
Contact
Prof Gonul Colak
Professor of Accounting and Finance
Contact
Prof Andrew Davies
RM Phillips Freeman Chair in InnovationManagement
Contact
Prof Richard Dickens
Professor of Economics
Contact
Dr Pawel Dziewulski
Associate Professor in Economics
Contact
Prof Catherine Liston-Heyes
Professor of Business and Government
Contact
Dr George Mackerron
Associate Professor in The Economics of Environment, Energy & Climate Change
Contact
Prof Stephan Manning
Professor of Strategy and Innovation
Contact
Dr Marianna Marra
Associate Professor in International Business and Innovation
Contact
- Experts supervising PhD research
Dr Saurabh Arora
Associate Professor in Technology and Innovation for Development
Contact
Dr Gary Bell
Associate Professor in Project Management with Innovation Studies
Contact
Dr Noam Bergman
Lecturer in Energy Policy
Contact
Dr Marie Claire Brisbois
Associate Professor in Energy Policy
Contact
Dr Roberto Camerani
Associate Professor in Economics of Innovation
Contact
Prof Chirantan Chatterjee
Professor of Development Economics, Innovation and Global Health
Contact
Dr Tommaso Ciarli
Principal Research Fellow
Contact
Dr Philippa Crane
Research Fellow in Medical Innovation
Contact
Dr Chux Daniels
Senior Research Fellow
Contact
Prof Andrew Davies
RM Phillips Freeman Chair in InnovationManagement
Contact
Dr Rachael Durrant
Senior Research Fellow
Contact
Prof Adrian Ely
Professor of Technology and Sustainability
Contact
Prof Tim Foxon
Professor of Sustainability Transitions
Contact
Prof Jeremy Kent Hall
Professor of Innovation Studies
Contact
Dr Sabine Hielscher
Visiting Fellow
Contact
Dr Ralitsa Hiteva
Principal Research Fellow
Contact
Prof Michael Hopkins
Professor of Innovation Management
Contact
Dr Philip Johnstone
Principal Research Fellow
Contact
Prof Matthew Lockwood
Professor of Energy and Climate Policy
Contact
Dr Katherine Lovell
Senior Research Fellow in Energy Transitions
Contact
Prof Gordon Mackerron
Professor Of Science And Technology Policy
Contact
Prof Fiona Marshall
Professor of Environment & Development
Contact
Prof Ben Martin
Professor of Science & Technology Policy Studies
Contact
Prof Mari Martiskainen
Professor of Energy and Society
Contact
Dr Alberto Marzucchi
Visiting Fellow
Contact
Prof Paul Nightingale
Professor Of Strategy
Contact
Dr Katerina Psarikidou
Assistant Professor in Sustainable Development
Contact
Dr Matias Ramirez
Reader in Science, Technology, Innovatio
Contact
Prof Karoline Rogge
Professor of Sustainability Innovation and Policy
Contact
Prof Daniele Rotolo
Professor in Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy
Contact
Prof Maria Savona
Professor of Economics of Innovation
Contact
Dr Divya Sharma
Assistant Professor in Sustainable Development Studies
Contact
Dr Josh Siepel
Associate Professor in Management
Contact
Prof Adrian Smith
Professor of Technology and Society
Contact
Prof Steven Sorrell
Professor of Energy Policy
Contact
Prof Benjamin Sovacool
Professor of Energy Policy and Bennett Institute for Innovation and Policy Accel
Contact
Prof Ed Steinmueller
Emeritus Professor
Contact
Prof Andrew Stirling
Professor of Science & Technology Policy
Contact
Prof Nachiappan Subramanian
Professor of Operations & Logistics Management and Supply Chains
Contact
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.
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Bennett Institute PhD Studentship in AI Governance OR Geospatial AI
3.5 years Bennett Institute PhD Studentship in AI Governance OR Geospatial AI, stipend in line with UKRI and full tution fee waiver.
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Sports Scholarships Scheme
Cash scholarships available for students who have demonstrated sporting excellence
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
Home students: £5,005 per year for full-time students
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £5,005 per year for full-time students
International students: £22,575 per year for full-time students
Home 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.