We offer PhD in Economics, PhD in Survey Methodology, PhD in Health Research and PhD in Applied Social and Economic Research, with our world class experts to guide you through your studies. Our PhD students are part of our research teams from the outset, with their own office space, a lively common room and access to support from fellow researchers and our dynamic professional services colleagues.
Interested? Read more about our PhD offers here.
Find out more about each PhD programme and the list of supervisors here.
The ESRC studentship for full fees and £19,237 tax-free for your living costs each year, is available through the South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS). You must apply by 22 January 2025 to start in October 2025.
Why you should consider applying for SENSS funding?
- You will be paid £19,237 per year (2024/25 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.
- 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” students.
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: 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 £19,237 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; and,
- Access to other funds to support overseas fieldwork, overseas institutional visits, and language training.
- Access to additional funding to support your research, UK or overseas fieldwork, international study 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 and cross-disciplinary Pathways. However, there are a limited number of studentships (approximately 10 each year) available to international applicants.
- You can view the full residential eligibility guidance here.