Funded studentships for PhD – SENSS competition open
ISER and the University of Essex are part of the South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) and the competition for fully-funded studentships is now open. You will need to approach an ISER academic to supervise your study before you apply for the funding. The deadline is 11 January 2027.
Why you should consider applying for SENSS funding?
- For further information on how SENSS funding works, please read the SENSS Funding fact sheet here
- You will be paid £21,805 per year (2026/27 academic year rates) to undertake postgraduate studies (plus an extra £2,000 per year if you study at a London-based university), and your tuition fees will be paid for you for the duration of your funding award.
- You will be guided by excellent supervisors and receive high quality advanced research training.
- You will be part of a postgraduate community spanning 8 universities and 6 interdisciplinary themes.
- You will make connections with our influential external partners including government departments, industry, and NGOs.
- This funding and these connections will help you launch your career.
- Our studentships are open to both “home” and “international” applicants.
What options does SENSS offer?
- The structure of the studentship offered will depend on your personal training needs. However, the minimum duration of a SENSS-funded studentship will be 3.5 years (unless you have already started your PhD): this covers a PhD and a mandatory placement of approximately 3 months. The maximum duration of a studentship will be 4.5 years: this covers a Masters degree followed by a PhD, as well as the mandatory 3-month placement.
- Full-time and part-time study.
- Studentships include the following for the duration of the award:
- A tax-free maintenance stipend to cover your living costs: this is set at £21,805 per year. For those studying at universities based in London, there is an additional £2,000 per year paid as London Weighting, given that the cost of living is higher for those living in London. If you are not studying at a London-based university, but still choose to live in London, you will not receive the London Weighting payment;
- Fees: whether home or international, no SENSS-funded student will have to pay any university tuition fees for the duration of their funding award.
- Access to research training support funds for the duration of your funding award; and,
- Access to other funds to support UK or overseas fieldwork, placements, overseas institutional visits, and language training.
- SENSS offers two different types of studentships:
- Student-led studentships: create your own research proposal, and work on it with your chosen supervisor; or,
- Collaborative studentships: work on a research project devised by a supervisor and an external partner.
Am I eligible?
- Residential criteria: studentships are available to all applicants, regardless of nationality or residency, across all 8 SENSS universities and 6 SENSS interdisciplinary Thematic Areas. However, there are only a limited number of studentships (approximately 10 each year) available to international applicants.
- You can view the full residential eligibility guidance here.
- Academic eligibility
- To apply for a Masters plus PhD (+4.5-year award), you will need: qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree (Honours).
- To apply for a PhD only (+3.5-year award), you will need: qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Masters degree, or a Masters degree and already have the research skills needed to successfully complete your research project.
- If you have already started your PhD, you are eligible to apply for SENSS funding, but only if you have not already completed a substantial proportion of your studies.
Self funded PhD?
If you would like to fund yourself to study here, supervised by our world-leading experts, please contact us to find out more.
For details of current fees and more about support available visit the University page on funding here
Masters courses funding opportunities
We offer Essex graduates an alumni discount and there’s also a wide range of scholarships and bursaries available to students from other institutions from all over the world, to help people from all backgrounds access these opportunities. Get in touch to find out more about fees for our Masters courses and financial support packages based on your resident status and background.