The Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) postgraduate research (PGR) programme reflects the School's distinctive position as a partnership between the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex. Since its establishment in 2003, BSMS has delivered doctoral research degrees through a collaborative model that draws on the strengths, expertise and research environments of both universities.
To engage most effectively with opportunities for international medical postgraduate research funding, from October 2027 BSMS PGR students will register with the University of Sussex. Students will maintain existing BSMS funding arrangements and the joint nature of the BSMS doctoral award will be preserved. The change will improve and simplify access to global funding bodies and research partners.
The change in registration arrangements will enable the School to grow PGR student numbers, supporting the ambition to attract around 30 additional funded PGR students per year. It is hoped that this, alongside updates to the wider application pipeline and enhanced collaboration, will enhance BSMS's competitiveness in international research partnerships, and contribute to increased research capacity, supervision opportunities, and Research Excellence Framework-related activity across the medical school.
Further information will be made available on the BSMS website for applicants once the arrangements have been confirmed. In the meantime, any queries can be directed to researchdegrees@bsms.ac.uk.