University of Brighton

The University of Brighton is a strong choice for postgraduate students looking to develop their professional careers, whether by advancing to the next level or changing the direction of their work entirely. Brighton has been rated 58^th in the UK for research quality according to Complete University Guide 2026.

Brighton has a lively academic community of around 3,000 postgraduate students, studying a wide range of subject areas, and working together to bring about positive change. They represent countries from all around the globe, sharing their global perspectives in a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

The city has been ranked one of the happiest and best in the world, and its students benefit from a superb coastal location, with beaches and rolling countryside on their doorstep. London is just a short train journey away, and Gatwick airport is even closer, offering ready access to international destinations.

Postgraduate

At the University of Brighton, postgraduate students can choose from over 120 courses which are accredited by over 50 professional organisations.

Programmes are flexible, so students can study alongside their other commitments. Many courses offer a choice of January and September start dates, as well as part-time modes of study. Depending on the course, those who wish to take a break from studies, or exit their programme entirely may also leave with a PGCert or PGDip, or take certain modules as stand-alone short courses.

Students are supported holistically throughout their degree. In addition to academic and wellbeing support, there are a range of financial support opportunities available to postgraduate students, including scholarships and bursaries.

Students may also be eligible for a postgraduate loan, offered by the UK government to fund master’s degrees. Students should check the government website for the latest information on the current value of these loans.

The University of Brighton offers taught and research programmes to postgraduate students. Options include master’s degrees, doctoral degrees and shorter courses such as postgraduate certificates and diplomas.

The university has links with hundreds of companies to help students build a professional network, building strong connections to their chosen career upon graduation. The university consistently provides a high level of student experience and outcomes, and has been recognised for this at the most recent Teaching Excellence Framework (2023), in which the university received an overall Silver Award.

Brighton’s Centres of Research and Knowledge Exchange Excellence are the beating heart of its internationally regarded research community, with lecturers highly qualified in their fields of expertise, and with an interdisciplinary approach that facilitates the sharing of ideas and collaboration between disciplines.

The latest Research Excellence Framework (2021) rates 98% of the University of Brighton’s research as world-leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised.

Postgraduate students gain expert insight and guidance from the inspiring academics who are behind the university’s research success.

Postgraduate entry requirements vary, but for taught courses these are typically dependent on the specifics of the level of study and chosen subject. Prospective applicants are able to find exact details relevant to their specific course on the university website.

For most postgraduate courses, students make their application directly to the university, but for some courses applications need to be made through UCAS, or the DfE for teacher training courses.

PhD applicants are required to submit a detailed research proposal. Students can make proposals in response to advertised research projects or can propose personally developed research projects. For the latter, candidates should approach a member of university staff to be their research supervisor before submitting their application.

International students may need to evidence their English language proficiency. English language requirements are typically:

Postgraduate taught courses: overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no component below 5.5

Research degrees: overall IELTS score of 7.0, with 7.0 in writing and no component below 6.5

Research degrees in applied sciences and technology and engineering: overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no component below 6.0

The University of Brighton holds a Silver award in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting the strength of its teaching and the positive learning outcomes achieved by its students. This recognition highlights the university’s commitment to high-quality learning and the support it provides throughout the postgraduate student journey. Brighton continues to build on this success, investing in modern facilities, backed by ample resources and a faculty of talented teaching staff to deliver a superb overall educational experience and ensure students are well prepared for their future career paths.

The university cultivates an innovative research environment, with its Centres of Research and Knowledge Exchange Excellence (COREs) being world-renowned.

Each centre undertakes focused research on contemporary societal challenges. They provide a rich and supportive learning environment for postgraduate students to study alongside the experts.

COREs at the University of Brighton include:

• Advanced Engineering Centre
• Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics
• Centre for Arts and Wellbeing
• Centre for Design History
• Centre for Environment and Society
• Centre for Lifelong Health
• Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices
• Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender

Students go further at the University of Brighton. They have the freedom to explore their interests, enhance their employability prospects and open doors to career-changing opportunities. Brighton & Hove has been named the ‘leading city in the UK for new economy businesses’ (Centre for Cities, 2025).

Brighton is one of the top universities in the UK for how well it works with businesses, communities and public organisations (KEF4). It has been recognised for making a significant positive impact on the local economy and helping drive real societal change. This connection to industry and the community really benefits students, facilitating networking and work opportunities.

A postgraduate degree at Brighton enables students to:

• Build professional networks through the links with companies and enterprises
• Gain concrete and transferrable skills, which can be applied to job roles upon graduation
• Benefit from flexible study, allowing students to study around their other commitments such as jobs, childcare or caring responsibilities
• Gain expert insights from the lecturers behind the university’s research success.

The university’s careers and employability team is on hand to offer students bespoke careers advice and guidance. Unlike other universities, Brighton’s careers guidance doesn’t expire after graduation – support is for life. 

“I think as an international student, having UK work experience is paramount. I’ve learned far more than I could’ve imagined [on my placement year]. I’ve actually just signed an offer letter for full-time, permanent employment with them, which is very exciting!”

MJ Tuttle, product marketing manager from the United States

Marketing (Branding and Communications) MSc

Student union

The University of Brighton Students’ Union is a democratically run organisation, with elected student officers overseeing its activities, campus life and community. BSU organises events and activities throughout the year and students can gain invaluable experience by getting involved in campaigns and volunteering opportunities. Students can access free, confidential advice whenever needed, and enjoy reasonably priced food, drink and retail options designed around everyday student life.

Clubs and societies

BSU runs more than 100 societies, covering a range of options from academic interests and faith groups to sports and a wide range of leisure activities. Postgraduate-only societies help new students settle in and meet others with similar experiences. The Students’ Union also provides a lively programme of events, from live music nights to seasonal activities across campus.

City life

Brighton is exciting, inclusive and friendly. It’s big enough to be inspiring and small enough to feel like home. Brighton is a place where everyone belongs. Students enjoy a thriving arts, culture and food scene, in the city that annually celebrates a range of music, arts, and cultural festivals, as well as its LGBTQ+ community through its summer Pride event.

Accommodation

Students are guaranteed an offer of a place in the university’s halls of residence which are located on or near to the campuses. All university-managed halls provide 24/7 security and support and include cleaning, utility bills and contents insurance.

Prospective students are recommended to check the accommodation page for the latest information on halls, other types of accommodation and costs. The university can also support with finding of private accommodation across the city, signposting students to groups where other students are looking for housemates.

Facilities

The University of Brighton campus is a comprehensive learning environment, offering its postgraduate community everything they need to live and study at the highest level. In the last ten years, there has been over £100 million of investment into campus facilities, ensuring that current and future students have the best tools available for their education.

The University of Brighton is mindful of wellbeing, so recent investment has gone towards improving the sport and fitness facilities. The latest addition to the facilities is the new sports complex with swimming pool which launched in January 2025. Students get discounted membership to use the sports facilities, including the gym.

Student mental health, wellbeing and safety is of paramount importance to the University of Brighton. Support services, including mental health and wellbeing, faith and LGBTQ+ support, are available to all students. Diversity and inclusion are at the centre of all activities, and the university prides itself on being an accessible learning environment.

All students have access to a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) and a personal academic tutor (PAT). SSGTs are dedicated to supporting any issues that might be impacting studies, wellbeing or student experience. PATs provide academic advice and work closely with the SSGTs to ensure that students are supported holistically.

Students at Brighton and Sussex Medical School receive dedicated support from a specialist advice team, which includes student advisers and two advice coordinators. The school also provides tailored assistance for those with additional needs, offering learning support plans, mentoring and other adjustments to teaching or assessment to ensure every student can study effectively.

The University of Brighton offers a range of scholarships to postgraduate students, including for talented students and those studying particular subject areas.

In recent years, the university has offered scholarships worth 20% of tuition fees for returning University of Brighton alumni.

Domestic students may be eligible for a postgraduate loan to fund their studies. The government offers loans for students who are under 60 and a UK or EU national living in England.

The university offers numerous scholarships to international students too. In the past this has included Vice Chancellor international scholarships, Commonwealth international scholarships and more.

Students are advised to check the university’s website for more information on scholarships and bursaries, as new ones may become available.

Taught

Master’s degrees are offered across the university’s specialist schools, as are postgraduate certificates (PGCert) and postgraduate diplomas (PGDip).

Brighton also offers MRes courses that combine taught and subject-specific modules, with the majority of credits earned through a research project, as well as PGCEs to those interested in studying teaching.

Research

The University of Brighton’s dynamic research environment is supported by national and international networks that promote collaboration and knowledge exchange. Research students benefit strong partnerships with industry, public services and professional bodies. The university’s Centres of Research and Knowledge Exchange Excellence (COREs) lead impactful, cross-disciplinary work addressing major global challenges.

Brighton’s commitment to socially and culturally relevant research is reflected in 98% of its work submitted to the REF 2021 being rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

Distance learning

While Brighton doesn’t offer distance learning, it does offer a diverse range of study options through which students can complete their studies. Many of the university’s postgraduate courses are available part-time, allowing students to balance their studies with their other commitments. Studying on a part-time basis may result in studies lasting longer or having different levels of tuition fees attached, so students should consult the relevant course page before making a decision.