University of Sussex Offers Fully Funded PhD Studentships in Politics (2026)

The University of Sussex, UK, has announced two fully funded PhD studentships under the prestigious NEWREPUBLIC European Research Council (ERC) project. These PhD positions focus on the ideas and philosophies driving anti-autocratic movements in Africa and will begin in September 2026.

This opportunity is ideal for students interested in politics, political theory, African studies, democracy movements, and qualitative research.

About the PhD Studentships

The NEWREPUBLIC project asks a critical question:
What ideas animate anti-autocratic movements in Africa, and how do these ideas shape democratic struggle?

Selected PhD candidates will join a five-member international research team led by Dr. Dan Paget and will design their own independent doctoral research project within the project’s broader framework.

Funding & Benefits

Each PhD studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years and includes:

• Full tuition fees (UK or international)

• Tax-free annual stipend of £20,780 (UKRI rate, rising annually)

• Research funding for at least 6 months of fieldwork

• Conference travel support

• Travel and participation in NEWREPUBLIC academic workshops and policy events

Research Focus Areas

PhD candidates may explore topics such as:

• How anti-autocratic movements in Africa critique autocracy and imagine democracy

• The role of ideas, ideology, and discourse in democratic struggle

• Political philosophy expressed through activism, texts, online culture, and practice

• Relationships between movements, allies, and transnational actors

A wide range of qualitative research methods is encouraged, including interviews, ethnography, discourse analysis, and text or image analysis.

Why Study at the University of Sussex?

• Home to a top-ranked Politics Department in the UK

• Hosts the Centre for the Study of Corruption (CSC)

• Close links with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) – ranked #1 globally

• Strong postgraduate training via the Sussex Researcher School

• Located near Brighton, one of the UK’s happiest and most liveable cities

Eligibility Criteria (Summary)

Applicants must:

• Start a full-time PhD in September 2026 (deferrals not allowed)

• Live in the UK during the study period (except fieldwork)

• Hold an excellent academic background in politics or related disciplines

• Demonstrate expertise in African politics or democratic movements

• Have B2-level proficiency in an African language (non-English preferred)

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the University of Sussex Postgraduate Application System.

• Select PhD in Politics (September 2026 entry)

• In the Finance & Fees section, choose:
  PhD Studentship in the Ideas of Anti-Autocratic Movements in Africa

Required documents include:

• Statement of interest (max 1,000 words)

• Research proposal (max 2,000 words)

• CV (2 pages max)

• Academic transcripts & certificates

• Two academic references

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 6 March 2026 (23:45)

• Shortlisting: by 20 March 2026

• Interviews: week of 13 April 2026

• Final decision: end of April 2026

Contact Information

• Admissions queries: [email protected]

• Research queries: Dr. Dan Paget – [email protected]