NWSSDTP ESRC Doctoral Studentships 2027 in the UK North West

The North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) runs an annual competition for postgraduate studentship funding in the social sciences. Candidates can apply for master's and doctoral study combined, or for doctoral study only. The partnership does not fund standalone master's programmes. Applications go through one of its subject pathways, for an eligible programme at a partner university.

Who can apply

The partnership welcomes applications from international and British candidates and actively encourages applicants from groups under-represented in postgraduate research in the UK. It ring-fences two studentships each year for students who identify as Black British and two for students who identify as Asian British, and has committed to awarding a share of all studentships to applicants from Global Majority backgrounds, international or British. Part-time study is welcome. Check the pathway pages for eligible subject areas and programmes.

What the studentship covers

The fully funded ESRC studentships cover tuition fees for the duration of the studentship at the Home tuition fee rate, an annual stipend of GBP 21,805 for full-time students, reimbursement of research expenses through the Research Training Support Grant, and opportunities to apply for extra funding for internships, fieldwork and overseas visits. Because fees are paid at the Home rate, international applicants should confirm with their chosen university how any fee difference is handled.

Deadline

Applications must reach your School PGR Administrator by 5 pm on 22 February 2027. Applicants must also submit an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.