ESRC SEDarc Doctoral Studentships 2026/27: Transformative PhD Funding for Future Social Science Leaders

ESRC SEDarc Doctoral Studentships 2026: Overview

The ESRC-funded SEDarc Studentship Competition offers up to 39 funded PhD studentships for September 2026 entry across partner universities. The programme provides world-class research training, a fully funded placement, and opportunities to conduct impactful research aligned with five interdisciplinary challenge-led pathways. Three studentships are ring-fenced for widening participation candidates (specific Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic groups) to promote diversity and equity in doctoral research.

Eligibility

• Open to UK and International applicants

• Applicants without a Master’s degree in social sciences may be funded to complete one before the PhD

• Ring-fenced scholarships available for widening participation candidates (criteria outlined on SEDarc website)

• Students must be nominated by one of the six partner universities

Benefits

• Full UK tuition fees

• Annual UKRI stipend (2025/26 example: £20,780; £22,780 with London weighting)

• Funding available full-time (3.5 years) or part-time equivalent

• Additional support for Master’s programme if required

• For successful international candidates, the university covers the difference between home and international fees

• 3-month professional placement as part of the programme

Programme Components

Research aligns with one of the five SEDarc pathways:

• Living Sustainably

• Healthy, Thriving Communities

• Inclusive Economic Growth

• Secure & Trusted Institutions

• Transformative Technologies for Society

Training focus areas include:

• Advanced Data Skills

• Advanced Quantitative Methods

• Interdisciplinary collaboration beyond social sciences

Application Requirements

• Must contact and be nominated by one of the six SEDarc universities

• Submit full institutional application (varies by university)

• Meets eligibility for PhD admission

• Widening participation evidence if applying for ring-fenced funding

Selection Criteria

• High-quality research proposal

• Academic capability

• Alignment with SEDarc priority pathways

• Commitment to impactful social science research

Application Process

1️⃣ Choose a SEDarc partner university
2️⃣ Contact its designated administrator
3️⃣ Complete institution’s internal nomination process
4️⃣ Submit application to SEDarc by the final deadline

Applying Institutions:

• Kingston University

• Royal Holloway, University of London

• University of Kent

• University of Reading

• University of Surrey

• University of Sussex

Important Dates