PhD Studentship in Family Psychology – PhD Studentship

RFCSR; Brighton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

UKRI stipend

Tuition fees coverage

Training allowance

Job summary

The University of Sussex invites applications for a funded PhD Studentship in Family Psychology in Brighton. The project sits within a longitudinal study of single mothers by choice, exploring parenting, development and family diversity with qualitative and quantitative methods.

You will receive supervisory support and opportunities for professional development. Eligibility includes an undergraduate degree with a strong classification and/or a Master’s degree in psychology, neuroscience or

Qualifications

• Applicants should hold a First or high Upper Second Class Honours degree and/or a Master’s degree in psychology, neuroscience or related discipline.
• Strong interest in developmental psychology and family diversity research.
• International applicants are eligible but must relocate to Sussex.

Responsibilities

• The project involves qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
• You will be part of an internationally recognised research team with supervisory support and professional development opportunities.

Skills

Research design

Qualitative methods

Quantitative analysis

Interdisciplinary interest

Education

Honours degree in psychology or related field

Master’s degree in psychology, neuroscience or related discipline

Job description

PhD Studentship in Family Psychology – PhD Studentship

University of Sussex
Brighton, United Kingdom

General Description – including all available relevant information of this position
The University of Sussex School of Psychology is offering a funded doctoral research opportunity centred on family psychology. This studentship is embedded within a major longitudinal study of single mothers by choice and their children, following participants into adulthood and addressing pressing questions about parenting, development and family diversity. The PhD project will involve both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, with scope for the successful candidate to shape aspects of the research in line with their theoretical interests and methodological strengths. Throughout the studentship, you will be part of an internationally recognised research team and benefit from structured supervisory support, professional development opportunities and integration into a UK-wide network of scholars and practitioners focused on family research. The programme fosters an environment that supports advanced training, conference attendance, and engagement with real-world policy and practice implications of research on contemporary families. Education and teaching experience as a Doctoral Tutor is also possible, with options to gain formal teaching accreditation and paid teaching activities during the PhD.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or high Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree and/or a Master’s degree in psychology, neuroscience or a related discipline. A strong interest in developmental psychology and family diversity research is essential, and interdisciplinary interests that bridge developmental and applied social psychology are encouraged. The University values diversity, equality and inclusion and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds. International applicants are eligible for the studentship but must relocate to Sussex and may not register as distance learners.

Require expertise, skills
Successful applicants will bring a solid academic foundation in psychology or related fields, research interests aligned with family diversity and development, and the ability to contribute to both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the project. Enthusiasm for collaborative research, engagement with academic and professional networks, and skills in research design and analysis are important for success in this role.

Salary details –
The studentship includes a UKRI-aligned annual stipend of £20,780 per year over three years, full coverage of UK or international tuition fees and an annual research/training allowance of £900. Additional paid teaching opportunities are available through the Doctoral Tutor scheme.

Application Deadline –
Applications are due by 20 February 2026 at 23:30 (GMT).