ESRC PhD Studentships in the Social Sciences
Fully funded PhD studentships across diverse social science disciplines at the Midlands Graduate School.
Best for:Best for high-potential graduates in social sciences seeking fully funded doctoral training in the UK.
Overview
The Midlands Graduate School Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is an ESRC-accredited collaboration between eight leading UK universities. They are seeking highly motivated candidates to pursue doctoral research across 17 diverse training pathways, ranging from applied linguistics to sustainable development. Studentships cover a maintenance stipend, tuition fees at the home rate, and comprehensive research training. The program is open to both home and international applicants, with specific awards ring-fenced for those transitioning directly from undergraduate studies.
What you'll do
- Conduct original doctoral research within a chosen social science training pathway.
- Participate in mandatory and elective research training programs provided by the DTP.
- Engage with interdisciplinary research communities across the partner institutions.
- Prepare and submit a high-quality doctoral thesis within the funded period.
- Collaborate with academic supervisors to develop and refine research proposals.
- Contribute to the academic life of the host university department.
Requirements
Degree required: Undergraduate degree or Master's degree in a relevant social science discipline.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency as required by the host university for PhD admission.
Instruction: English
- Strong academic potential for doctoral-level research.
- Ability to develop a coherent and innovative research proposal.
- Capacity for independent study and critical analysis.
- Demonstrated interest in the chosen social science training pathway.
- Open to both home and international applicants.
- No Master's degree required for entry.
- Available on a full-time or part-time basis.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2027-01-12 (GMT)
Applicants must first select a training pathway and university, then apply for PhD admission at that specific institution. Subsequently, a separate application for the ESRC studentship must be completed, which requires input from academic staff. Detailed instructions and guidance notes are available on the official MGS website.
- PhD admission application
- ESRC studentship application
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Contact
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