Scholarship
The White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP) is inviting applications for ESRC-funded PhD studentships starting in October 2027. The applicant submission deadline is 17:00, 20 January 2027. These studentships support doctoral study in the social sciences at partner universities in the United Kingdom. Application Deadline: 20 January 2027 Tell Me About The Award: The White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP) ESRC Studentships provide funding for doctoral research students in the social sciences at seven partner universities in the UK. Applicants should select the appropriate studentship structure based on their previous academic and research experience and in consultation with their proposed supervisor. The programme offers three main study structures: +3.5 programme: A 3.5-year PhD, generally suitable for applicants with a social science master’s degree and at least 60 credits (or equivalent) of master’s-level social science research training. Applicants should first identify the WRDTP partner university and prospective supervisor relevant to their proposed research. They should then determine which studentship category and programme structure best match their academic and research background. The available routes include: Pathway Awards WRDTP/Stuart Hall Foundation Awards
A quick overview based on the listing. Review the full details below before applying.
Application link provided with this listing — verify the destination and requirements before submitting.
The White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP) is inviting applications for ESRC-funded PhD studentships starting in October 2027. The applicant submission deadline is 17:00, 20 January 2027. These studentships support doctoral study in the social sciences at partner universities in the United Kingdom.
The White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP) ESRC Studentships provide funding for doctoral research students in the social sciences at seven partner universities in the UK.
The studentships are supported through the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and include several award routes designed for different academic backgrounds and research interests.
The studentships are available for students beginning their studies in October 2027.
The programme supports social science research across the WRDTP’s interdisciplinary research pathways.
The AQM and ADA awards must address social science research questions.
Applicants should select the appropriate studentship structure based on their previous academic and research experience and in consultation with their proposed supervisor.
+3.5 programme: A 3.5-year PhD, generally suitable for applicants with a social science master’s degree and at least 60 credits (or equivalent) of master’s-level social science research training.
+3.75 programme: An integrated PGCert/PhD, generally suitable for applicants with a social science master’s degree but without the required core research training.
1+3.5 programme: A one-year master’s programme followed by a 3.5-year PhD, generally suitable for applicants without a social science master’s degree.
All award types are available on either a full-time or part-time basis.
The WRDTP/Stuart Hall Foundation Awards have additional eligibility requirements and are specifically for Black British students. International students are not eligible for these particular awards.
Selection depends on the type of studentship.
Pathway Awards are assessed by senior academic colleagues from the WRDTP partner universities.
AQM and ADA Awards require applicants to align their research with one of the WRDTP’s seven interdisciplinary training pathways while demonstrating the appropriate advanced quantitative or data-analytics component.
Collaborative Awards are supervisor-led projects developed with partners in the private, public or third sectors.
For the Stuart Hall Foundation Awards, a separate sub-committee considers nominations and makes recommendations to the WRDTP Academic Quality Committee, with representatives of the Stuart Hall Foundation consulted on award decisions.
Eligibility depends on the specific WRDTP studentship and the standard eligibility criteria.
The WRDTP/Stuart Hall Foundation Awards are specifically restricted to Black British students, and international students are not eligible for these awards.
Applicants should check the official WRDTP eligibility criteria for the relevant studentship before applying.
The number of available studentships for the 2027 competition is provisional because ESRC Doctoral Training Partnerships are undergoing a mid-term review in 2026.
The studentships provide doctoral research funding through the WRDTP/ESRC.
Benefits and funding arrangements depend on the specific award and programme structure.
Additional support is available for AQM and ADA students through an enhanced Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) during the +3.5 stage.
The Stuart Hall Foundation awardees also gain access to the Foundation’s resources and networks, including its annual gathering of Stuart Hall Foundation Scholars and Fellows.
+3.5: 3.5 years of PhD funding.
+3.75: Integrated PGCert/PhD programme.
1+3.5: 1 year master’s programme followed by 3.5 years of PhD study.
Applicants should first identify the WRDTP partner university and prospective supervisor relevant to their proposed research.
They should then determine which studentship category and programme structure best match their academic and research background.
Applicants should review the eligibility requirements and application guidance before submitting their application through the relevant partner university.
For AQM and ADA applications, applicants should ensure their research proposal addresses a social science question and aligns with one of the WRDTP’s seven interdisciplinary training pathways.
Applicants should select the appropriate studentship structure based on their previous academic and research experience and in consultation with their proposed supervisor.
+3.5 programme: A 3.5-year PhD, generally suitable for applicants with a social science master’s degree and at least 60 credits (or equivalent) of master’s-level social science research training. +3.75 programme: An integrated PGCert/PhD, generally suitable for applicants with a social science master’s degree but without the required core research training. 1+3.5 programme: A one-year master’s programme followed by a 3.5-year PhD, generally suitable for applicants without a social science master’s degree. All award types are available on either a full-time or part-time basis. The WRDTP/Stuart Hall Foundation Awards have additional eligibility requirements and are specifically for Black British students. International students are not eligible for these particular awards.
Applicants should first identify the WRDTP partner university and prospective supervisor relevant to their proposed research. They should then determine which studentship category and programme structure best match their academic and research background.
Applicants should review the eligibility requirements and application guidance before submitting their application through the relevant partner university. For AQM and ADA applications, applicants should ensure their research proposal addresses a social science question and aligns with one of the WRDTP’s seven interdisciplinary training pathways.
Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships offer funding awards to international students across a variety of postgraduate taugh...
The GREAT Scholarships programme at Robert Gordon University, launched by the British Council together with 60 UK universities, supports postgraduate stude...
Optiver Foundation Scholarships aim to increase the number of women from low- and middle-income countries taking up offers for postgraduate science courses...
Aston University offers various funded and self-funded PhD projects, providing scholarships that cover tuition fees and living costs. Eligible candidates i...
