Bourses de doctorat SENSS ESRC 2027/28

Contexte

The South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) has opened applications for its ESRC Studentships 2027/28, supporting postgraduate researchers starting their studies in October 2027. The studentships are available across eight partner universities and six interdisciplinary thematic areas. SENSS funding is open to both home and international applicants, although the number of awards available to international students is limited to approximately 10 studentships each year. The programme provides funding for doctoral research in the social sciences while giving students access to advanced research training, experienced supervisors, research support and a wider postgraduate community.

Missions et responsabilités

• Undertake doctoral research in the social sciences across six interdisciplinary thematic areas.
• Participate in advanced research training and supervision.

Complete a mandatory placement of approximately three months.

• Engage with external partners across government, industry and the NGO sector through collaborative projects or placements.
• Contribute to the wider postgraduate research community spanning eight partner universities.

Profil recherché

• Open to applicants of all nationalities and residency statuses (subject to an allocation of approximately 10 international studentships per year).
• For the 4.5-year award (Master’s plus PhD): qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree with Honours.
• For the 3.5-year award (PhD only): qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Master’s degree, or a Master’s qualification together with the research skills required to successfully complete the proposed project.
• Applicants who have already started a PhD may also apply, provided they have not already completed a substantial proportion of their doctoral studies.
• Candidates must identify the appropriate university, research area and supervisory arrangements before applying.
• Candidates must meet their intended university’s admission requirements independently of receiving SENSS funding.

Conditions et avantages

• Annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 based on the 2026/27 academic year rate.
• Additional £2,000 London Weighting per year for students studying at a London-based partner university (subject to study location conditions).
• Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the SENSS funding award, including for eligible international students.
• Research training support funds throughout the award.
• Additional funding opportunities for UK and overseas fieldwork, placements, overseas institutional visits and language training.
• Access to advanced research training, supervision, and collaboration opportunities with government departments, industry and non-governmental organisations.
• Study options include both full-time and part-time formats, with durations ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 years depending on the chosen route (student-led or collaborative).

Dossier de candidature

• Research proposal (for student-led studentships).
• Application submitted via the official competition and application portal.
• Proof of meeting the intended university’s admission requirements.
• Route-specific submission requirements as detailed on the official portal.

Comment postuler

Applicants should determine which SENSS studentship route matches their research interests and career objectives. Those pursuing a student-led studentship need to develop a research proposal and identify a suitable supervisor. For collaborative studentships, applicants should review the available supervisor-led research projects and follow the relevant application instructions. Candidates should also check their intended university’s admission requirements because receiving SENSS funding does not automatically guarantee admission to a university programme. Applicants are encouraged to review the SENSS funding guidance and eligibility requirements before submitting an application. Applicants should consult the official competition and application portal for the applicable deadline and route-specific submission requirements. VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY