The structure and duration of the studentship offered will depend on a candidate's previous academic experience, and social research training & experience. ESRC studentships are applicable to both full-time and part-time study. We can discuss part-time options with you if you are interested in applying.
Training is delivered through a flexible portfolio of options.
Fractional Awards
Where a student lacks some of the core (conceptual, general research and subject / field knowledge) skills required to commence a PhD they may be allocated funding to enable them to undertake the additional training requirements as well as their PhD, for example 3.75 or 4 years.
Applications for ESRC funding for MSc or MRes programmes linked to a PhD (1+3.5 or 2+2.5)
The 1+3.5 or 2+2.5 scheme provides funding for a one- or two-year research training master's (MSc or MRes) 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 MSc or MRes programme, including a research proposal for the PhD element of the programme (but check whether the programme you are applying for has specific instructions about this). You must also indicate your wish to be considered for 1+3.5 or 2+2.5 funding in your personal statement.
There is no separate application for the studentship as such, but you must submit your application for the MSc or MRes programme by a specific deadline (see below).
Applications for ESRC funding for direct entry to an MPhil/PhD programme (+3.5)
There is no separate application for the studentship as such, but you must submit your application for the MPhil/PhD programme by a specific deadline( see below)
- deadline for programmes in the Departments of Economics and International Development for 2025 entry (including PhD Studentships and ESRC funding): 18 December 2024
- deadline for all other departments for 2025 entry: 15 January 2025