SEDarc ESRC PhD Studentships 2027 at the University of Surrey

The South East Doctoral Training Arc, or SEDarc, is an ESRC-funded doctoral training partnership between six universities in the south east. The University of Surrey offers a number of its ESRC studentships for entry in 2027. Awards suit research in business and management, hospitality and tourism, economics, linguistics, politics and international relations, psychology, sociology and related multidisciplinary topics.

Who can apply

The studentship is open to UK or international candidates, and international students receive a full fee waiver. One limit matters for African applicants: there is a 30% cap on international studentships across the whole consortium, so competition is stiff. The page lists no specific nationalities.

What it offers

Awards pay a stipend at the UKRI rate and cover tuition. For the 2026/27 year the stipend was GBP 21,805, or GBP 23,805 with London weighting, and the rate for 2027/28 had not been announced. Every studentship includes a professional placement of three months if you study full time, with partners from the public, private or academic sectors.

Deadline and how to apply

The deadline is 18 January 2027 at 4pm. Applications go through Surrey first, not directly to SEDarc. Speak to a prospective supervisor, complete the SEDarc application form, apply for a Surrey PhD with an October 2027 start, and send the form to the postgraduate director. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to apply to the SEDarc panel.