Science and Technology Policy Studies PhD

Key information

Duration:
Up to 4 years full time, 6 years part time
Start date:
Choose to start in January 2025 or April 2025
Apply by:
1 month before start (UK), 3 months before start (international)

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.

Find out more about research at the University of Sussex Business School

We expect successful applicants to be admitted to the Integrated PhD. This provides the rigorous research training you need to become a skilled practitioner. If you’re unsure which route to apply for, please apply for the Integrated PhD.

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.

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    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.

    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 do not accept IELTS Online.

     

    Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

    Alternative English language qualifications

    Proficiency tests

    English language qualifications

    Country exceptions

    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 a PhD, you will need to write a research proposal. Find out how to write a research proposal.

    If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

    How to apply

    If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:

    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

    PhD or MPhil?

    You can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil. PhD and MPhil degrees differ in duration and in the extent of your research work.

    • For a PhD, your research work makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field.
    • For an MPhil, your work is an independent piece of research but in less depth than for a PhD. You’ll graduate with the degree title Master of Philosophy. You might be able to change to a PhD while you study for an MPhil.

    How my idea of rethinking the role of science, technology and innovation in society led me to my PhD – Melina Galdos Friscancho

    Our supervisors

    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.

    Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2024/25.

    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: £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

    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.

    Living costs

    Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

    Find out about our terms and conditions

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