Person on a bike by Brighton pier

Brighton named one of Time Out’s 50 best cities in the world for 2025

Brighton ranks 34th on Time Out’s 2025 list of the world’s 50 best cities, making it the third-highest ranked city in the UK.

The definitive annual list is published every year, based on feedback from tens of thousands of city-dwellers across the globe. This year, over 18,000 participants shared their thoughts on key aspects of city life such as food, nightlife, culture, affordability, happiness, and overall atmosphere.

Claiming the 34th spot globally, Brighton secured its place among the globe’s go-to destinations as the third highest-ranked UK city, behind only London and Edinburgh, and one of just six UK cities to make it into the top 50.

Time Out highlights the city for its unique blend of metropolitan features and welcoming, laid-back beach attitude, stating:

“Brighton has essentially plucked all the important parts of a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis (connections to London in under an hour, an array of properly excellent restaurants, energetic late-night spots) and paired it with the easy-breezy beachy attitude to life that makes you feel welcome in an instant.”

Brighton stood out as the second-most walkable of all cities surveyed, and Brighton locals were the third-most likely to call the city ‘diverse and inclusive’, with 64% of residents saying it’s a lively place to be.

The beach was praised for its ‘standout restaurants’, ‘buzzy bars’ and ‘new active venues’, meanwhile the food scene was lauded as being one ‘where diners can also enjoy DJs, dancefloors and cocktails, all in one place.’

The city’s beloved North Laine was also praised for its ‘hippy-esque beating heart’ and ‘city-wide passion for sustainability, emphasised through everything from vegetarian eateries such as Iydea to homeware shops like Dowse.’

The University of Brighton is proud to call this dynamic city home, sharing its values of community engagement, creativity, and sustainability. As Brighton continues to flourish, it remains a hub for students and residents to engage with a rich array of cultural and social opportunities.

Other UK cities on the list include London in fifth place, Edinburgh at 13th, Glasgow in 36th, Belfast in 47th, and Bristol in 48th.

Read the full article.

Paul Cottingham Trust scholarship

University of Brighton announces one of the UK’s first scholarships focused on the study of trans inclusion

A PhD scholarship focused on trans and non-binary inclusion has been launched by the University of Brighton in collaboration with The Paul Cottingham Trust.

The scholarship will provide a talented researcher with financial support and access to world-class resources, to develop a project focusing on trans and non-binary inclusion within the broad remit of supporting health, wellbeing, and dignity in health and social care. It will be awarded to a candidate who is committed to making a difference to the wider trans community and will provide a unique opportunity for in-depth research that can explore the issues and opportunities for trans people.

This landmark initiative reflects the University of Brighton’s ongoing commitment to advancing research, fostering social change, and championing equality.

Logo for the Paul Cottingham Trust

The scholarship is overseen by the University’s Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender (CTSG), an internationally recognised research centre known for its pioneering work in LGBTQIA+ lives and communities. The centre’s researchers employ innovative methods and creative approaches, to produce work that informs policy and practice. The centre also champions anti-racist and gender-inclusive research, providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for its thriving community of early-career researchers and students.

Professor Nigel Sherriff, Professor of Public Health and Public Promotion and Director of CTSG at the University of Brighton said:

“The scholarship represents a unique opportunity to contribute to a vision for the future that transforms trans and non-binary inclusion at every level. It will be awarded to a candidate who demonstrates a strong commitment to driving social change, advancing trans rights, and championing inclusion for trans and non-binary communities, particularly their most marginalised members. It represents an exciting chance to contribute to a vision that translates into tangible improvements in the lives of trans and non-binary individuals.”

Funding for the PhD is provided by The Paul Cottingham Trust, founded in memory of actor, singer, fundraiser and charity supporter Paul Cottingham. Established by Lord Michael Cashman CBE (Paul’s husband) and fellow Trustees, the Trust is dedicated to promoting LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion globally, focusing on initiatives that create meaningful change for marginalised communities.

Lord Michael Cashman CBE said:

‘We are proud to join the Uni of Brighton in this innovative and exciting project which embodies our shared commitment to achieving an inclusive and equal society where everyone can achieve their unique potential and enjoy the same rights, obligations and privileges as others.’

Click here for more information on the scholarship and how to apply.

Person on a computer using Chat GPT

Artificial Intelligence: What is its place in academia and how can we understand it better?

The piece below was written by Creative Writing BA(Hons) student Erin Bell as part of their Literature in Practice module. Erin dissects AI’s place and impact on academia and explores the ethical and creative dilemmas it presents. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has swiftly laid its claim on the world and the internet over the past few years and with that has come a widespread concern about its development and what it’s capable of as its integrated into society. Siri and spellcheck are one thing, but generated AI programmes like ChatGPT have been given the spotlight and many wonder what this means for students and academia. Continue reading “Artificial Intelligence: What is its place in academia and how can we understand it better?”

Sustainable campus in Falmer

Brighton jumps into top 30 in new university sustainability league table

The University of Brighton has climbed an impressive 16 places to secure a spot in the top 30 of the latest People & Planet University League, a prestigious ranking of 165 UK universities based on their environmental and ethical performance.

Brighton’s achievement also places it as the fourth most sustainable university in the South East, showcasing its leadership in sustainability within the region.

Continue reading “Brighton jumps into top 30 in new university sustainability league table”

Pioneering digital experience opens a window into the home and history of Shakespeare’s eldest daughter

A ground-breaking new online archive created by University of Brighton’s Dr Ailsa Grant Ferguson in collaboration with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust offers a unique, immersive way to explore Hall’s Croft, the home of Susanna, eldest daughter of Anne and William Shakespeare. Continue reading “Pioneering digital experience opens a window into the home and history of Shakespeare’s eldest daughter”

people in group

Top Reasons to Study Criminology and Sociology at Brighton

Choosing the right degree is a big decision, especially when it comes to criminology and the social sciences. If you’re interested in understanding society, social issues, and how crime intersects with social justice, our Criminology and Sociology degrees offer an exciting and enriching academic journey.

Continue reading “Top Reasons to Study Criminology and Sociology at Brighton”

Claire Wintle, Karina Rodriguez Echavarria, Mr. Purnmal Ji (left to right) in Jawaja, 2024 © Tim Weyrich, CC BY

University of Brighton champions UK-India collaboration to tackle environmental, economic, and social challenges

The University of Brighton is at the forefront of two groundbreaking research initiatives that unite the UK and India to address some of the world’s most pressing issues.

From rethinking housing design by learning from grassroots builders to empowering traditional artisans with contemporary tools, the two major research projects led by the University of Brighton highlight how creative innovation, sustainability and heritage can work hand-in-hand to build a better future and address urgent global challenges. Continue reading “University of Brighton champions UK-India collaboration to tackle environmental, economic, and social challenges”

Check if you’re eligible for £1,250 and a lower grade offer

At the University of Brighton, we’re here to support you in making the best start to your university journey. With our new postcode checker, you can quickly see if you’re eligible for our Brighton Boost financial support package, designed to help you with the cost of living and make everyday things just that little bit easier.   Continue reading “Check if you’re eligible for £1,250 and a lower grade offer”

Looking back on our 2024: A year of innovation, creativity and impact

As we wrap up 2024, we want to take a moment to reflect on the past year’s achievements, milestones and stories that have shaped the year here at the University of Brighton.  

There’s so much to celebrate – we’ve seen groundbreaking research, community impact and inspiring student success across every area of the university.   Continue reading “Looking back on our 2024: A year of innovation, creativity and impact”

Learning and growing though Social Work placement opportunities

One of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of the Social Work course here at the University of Brighton is the opportunity to take part in a diverse range of placements.  

We make sure that we offer placement opportunities in a wide range of social work sectors including child protection, mental health, support for asylum-seeking individuals and advocacy for vulnerable adults.   Continue reading “Learning and growing though Social Work placement opportunities”

What to Expect from the Social Work Interviews: Hear from our Students

Your journey to starting the Social Work course here at Brighton begins with an interview. This is a chance to go beyond your grades on paper and helps us find out more about your motivations and readiness to work in the field. But that’s not all, the interview is also for you. It’s an opportunity for you to find out more about what the course is all about and allows you to get more of a feel for studying here at Brighton.    Continue reading “What to Expect from the Social Work Interviews: Hear from our Students”

The Welcome Week Experience for Brighton’s Social Work BSc Students

Starting university is a big step and here at Brighton we aim to make sure that every student feels supported and excited about starting this journey with us.  

Our Welcome Week helps form a sense of belonging, giving you opportunities to get to know your fellow peers on the Social Work BSc course and ease the transition into university life.   Continue reading “The Welcome Week Experience for Brighton’s Social Work BSc Students”

Hopeful Justice Collective logo

University of Brighton researcher part of team examining transformative justice for women

An arts-based approach to Transformative Justice can improve social cohesion and shows promise for reintegrating women with convictions into their communities, according to new report.

Hopeful Justice Collective logo

Women with convictions, including those who have served custodial sentences, have complex needs. They account for 13% of deaths of people on post-release supervision yet women represent under 5% of the prison population. Community responses are identified as the most effective to prevent reoffending, but community provision is inconsistent.
Continue reading “University of Brighton researcher part of team examining transformative justice for women”

Screen shot of the podcast cover from YouTube

Podcast guest spot for lecturer

Principal lecturer, Dr Anthony Leaker, recently appeared as a guest on a Heterodox Academy podcast.

Anthony is the author of Against Free Speech and for the podcast was in conversation with John Tomasi.

Anthony and John explore how free speech and reason, historically viewed as pillars of liberal democracy, can sometimes obscure deep-seated structural inequalities.
Continue reading “Podcast guest spot for lecturer”

student in counselling session

Counselling PGDips online event

Join us at our online event on 30 October between 2pm and 4pm to learn more about:

During the event you will be able to:

  • watch live presentations
  • have the opportunity to ask your questions.
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy logo

Accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, our PGDips prepare you to work as a professional counsellor.

Learn more and book your place. 

harry hillery's memorial page

How Brighton’s Creative Writing MA inspired Harry Hillery’s ongoing work

“My favourite part of the course was the Writer in Residence module because this established that there was an appetite for remembrance work around the HIV / AIDS epidemic in the Brighton area, which became the basis for my dissertation and led me to create an archive and remembrance page for Brighton.”

Continue reading “How Brighton’s Creative Writing MA inspired Harry Hillery’s ongoing work”

spycops book cover

Criminology lecturer looks at undercover policing in new book

Dr Raphael Schlembach has published a new book Spycops, written from the perspective of the ‘policed’ and in it he draws on his first-hand experience of police infiltration through his participation in climate campaigns. Join him and author and trade union activist Donna McLean at the launch on 17 May.

Continue reading “Criminology lecturer looks at undercover policing in new book”

pavlov's dog exhibition poster

Brighton Fringe exhibition showcases psychology lecturer’s eye-opening work on Pavlov’s Dogs

Dr Matt Adams’ work is being shown as part of this year’s festival in the exhibition Pavlov and the Kingdom of Dogs that tells an untold story from the history of science and psychology (9 May – 7 June at 35 North Gallery).

Continue reading “Brighton Fringe exhibition showcases psychology lecturer’s eye-opening work on Pavlov’s Dogs”