University of Sussex

PhD Wellbeing

University of Sussex

Course overview

The PhD in Wellbeing offers candidates the chance to pursue original research on aspects of wellbeing, working under the guidance of experienced supervisors within the Centre for Innovation and Research in Wellbeing (CIRW) at Sussex.

Students will develop deep specialist knowledge, advance research methods and make a lasting contribution to their chosen field of study. With full-time study typically lasting up to four years, assessment centres on the doctoral thesis, seminars, research dissemination and engagement with academic communities.

Entry requirements

Candidates are required to submit a personal statement in which they discuss their reasons for applying to the research degree and other relevant information regarding their prior studies. An academic and/or employer reference is also required. Students should upload a CV to show relevant academic, professional or research experience.

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants are normally expected to hold a Master’s degree and an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree in a related discipline.
  • Candidates without these qualifications may still be considered if they demonstrate substantial relevant professional or research experience.

English Language Requirements:

  • Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their English proficiency.
  • Though exact test scores may vary, a high standard of written and spoken English is required to succeed in doctoral-level research and writing.

Scholarships

  • Cate Haste Scholarship in History

    £3,000 tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £3,000

  • Cate Haste Scholarship in Media and Film

    £3,000 tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £3,000

  • Chancellor's International Scholarships

    £5,000 in the first year of full-time study.

    Up to £5,000

  • Chancellor's Masters Scholarship

    £3,000 for applicants assessed as 'Home' for fees or £5,000 for applicants assessed as 'Overseas' for fees.

  • Gazelle Twin Scholarship for Women in Music Technology

    £500 each year of study. The opportunity to organise an annual student music event.

    Up to £500

  • Jan Metzger Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence and Adaptive Systems MSc

    £12,550 fee waiver

    Up to £12,550

  • John Kinghorn Scholarship in Engineering

    £10,000 tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £10,000

  • MBA Impact Scholarship

    £2,500 - £5,000 towards tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £2,500

  • Professor Colin Eaborn Chemistry Scholarship

    Up to £2,000 for BSc students, up to £3,000 for MChem students.

  • Sanctuary Scholarship (Masters)

  • Sanctuary Scholarship (Undergraduate)

  • Shan Vaswani Borgartz Scholarship in Media

    £5,000 tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £5,000

  • Stuart Hall Scholarship

    £5,000 tuition fee discount.

    Up to £5,000

  • Sussex Alumni Scholarship

    £3,000 tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £3,000

  • Sussex Progressive Futures Scholarships

    £10,000 tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £10,000

  • The University of Sussex Business School International Masters Award

    £2,000 will be awarded as a fee waiver to all overseas fee-paying students who start a full-time Masters course at the Business school.

    Up to £2,000

  • The University of Sussex Engineering and Informatics International Masters Award

    £2,000 will be awarded as a fee waiver to all overseas fee-paying students who start a full-time Masters course at the School of Engineering & Informatics.

    Up to £2,000

Career opportunities

This PhD degree prepares students for advanced roles in research, policy, and practice around wellbeing and related fields. Career paths may include:

  • Senior Research Fellow in Wellbeing & Health
  • Academic Lecturer or Professor in Wellbeing Studies
  • Policy Advisor for Government or NGO in Wellbeing/Health
  • Consultant in Wellbeing Strategy and Evaluation
  • Research Lead in Public Health or Social Care Organisations

Cost of study

For international students, the full-time tuition fee for the PhD in Wellbeing at the University of Sussex is £23,500 per year. The tuition fee is subject to an annual increase.

Admission

Prospective candidates who are ready to embark on an ambitious research journey should apply through the university’s online portal and secure supervision in a relevant research area. For personalised help with your application, please speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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