ESRC Studentships

Individual programme entries detail which programmes are eligible for ESRC funding. Find your graduate programme.

ESRC Studentships are available in a number of programmes for UK and EU students. A minimum of 30 studentships are available each year. 

Funding can cover one year's research training master's linked to a three year PhD, two year MRes linked to two years of study or a three year PhD programme. Find out more about these different award types.

Each academic department is responsible for nominating students for funding.

LSE's DTP covers a large range of research programmes within the School, and awards are spread across departments.

The ESRC are keen to see students involved in collaboration with non Higher Education partners (charities, private sector, public sector) and if you have an existing involvement with an organisation which might support your research, and which might benefit from your work in doing so, you should flag this up on your application. 

Studentships are tenable for three or four years, depending on the programme of study and subject to satisfactory academic performance.

They cover full fees (UK and EU level) and an annual stipend, which for 2017 entry was £16,553.

LSE provides a separate stipend award of the same amount for any EU students selected who do not meet the ESRC eligibility criteria for a full award. This is assessed and set up automatically as part of the award process. 

There is additional DTP funding available during the research programme to support difficult language training, field work, overseas institutional visits (in particular to partner institutions in Africa and Asia), and all collaborative opportunities, established or new.

Applications for ESRC funding for master's programmes linked to a PhD

The 1+3 scheme provides funding for a one year research training master's linked to a PhD programme and is designed for students who have not already completed an ESRC recognised programme of research training.

If you would like to be considered for this, you should submit an application for the relevant master’s programme, including a research proposal for the PhD aspect of the pathway. You must also indicate your wish to be considered for the 1+3 pathway within your personal statement.

Applications for ESRC funding for direct entry to a PhD programme

Academic departments nominate students for consideration by a School panel for all PhD funding opportunities they may be eligible for. There is no separate application for the studentships.

To be considered for this funding, you must submit your complete application for admission to LSE by a specific date. This date differs by academic department. Refer to the individual programme page for the relevant deadline information. Find your graduate programme.

• deadline for MRes/PhD Economics for 2018 entry (including PhD Studentships and ESRC funding): 13 December 2017
• funding deadline for first round of PhD Studentships and for ESRC funding for 2018 entry: 8 January 2018

More information on how to apply for a place on a PhD programme.