PhD Studentship - Postgraduate Research Training in Social Sciences (ESRC funded)
Royal Holloway, University of London
The South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) is pleased to offer Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding for PhD students for September 2027 entry. We welcome applications from talented individuals working across the social sciences to be based at one of six higher education institutions in London and the south-east: University of Kent Kingston University University of Reading Royal Holloway, University of London University of Surrey University of Sussex The world-class research and training environ...
The South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) is pleased to offer Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding for PhD students for September 2027 entry. We welcome applications from talented individuals working across the social sciences to be based at one of six higher education institutions in London and the south-east: University of Kent Kingston University University of Reading Royal Holloway, University of London University of Surrey University of Sussex The world-class research and training environ...
Opportunity details
The South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) is pleased to offer Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding for PhD students for September 2027 entry. We welcome applications from talented individuals working across the social sciences to be based at one of six higher education institutions in London and the south-east: University of Kent Kingston University University of Reading Royal Holloway, University of London University of Surrey University of Sussex The world-class research and training environments of these institutions are enhanced by the partnership’s strategic relations with non-HEI partner organisations. SEDarc’s vision is to offer a transformative social science training experience that combines leading- edge research skills training, high-quality placements for all, and an individual research project based in one of five interdisciplinary, challenge-led pathways. These include: Living Sustainably Healthy Thriving Communities Inclusive Economic Growth Secure, Effective, & Trusted Institutions Transformative Technologies for Society SEDarc is committed to principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) throughout the student journey, from application to completion of the PhD programme. The DTP will reserve up to 3 ring-fenced scholarships for home students from certain Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic groups. The eligibility criteria for these ring-fenced studentships are available on the SEDarc website. The standard SEDarc PhD is 3.5 years full-time including a 3-month placement (or part-time equivalent). Students who do not already possess a Masters degree in the social sciences may also be eligible for funding to undertake an approved Masters course in the SEDarc consortium (see website for details). Awards cover UK tuition fees and pro...
Eligibility
If you have any queries about applying for a studentship award, please contact the administrator at your chosen SEDarc university in the first instance: Kingston University: hssce-research@kingston.ac.uk Royal Holloway, University of London: esrcdtp@rhul.ac.uk University of Kent: kentgrc@kent.ac.uk University of Reading: doctoralstudentshipsofficer@reading.ac.uk University of Surrey: doctoralcollege@surrey.ac.uk University of Sussex: pgr-scholarships@sussex.ac.uk Please note: ESRC DTPs are subject to a mid-term review in 2026, and studentship numbers may be revised based on the review findings. Allocations for the 2027 cohort are expected to be confirmed around January 2027.
Requirements
If you have any queries about applying for a studentship award, please contact the administrator at your chosen SEDarc university in the first instance: Kingston University: hssce-research@kingston.ac.uk Royal Holloway, University of London: esrcdtp@rhul.ac.uk University of Kent: kentgrc@kent.ac.uk University of Reading: doctoralstudentshipsofficer@reading.ac.uk University of Surrey: doctoralcollege@surrey.ac.uk University of Sussex: pgr-scholarships@sussex.ac.uk Please note: ESRC DTPs are subject to a mid-term review in 2026, and studentship numbers may be revised based on the review findings. Allocations for the 2027 cohort are expected to be confirmed around January 2027.
Funding and benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students. Funding amount: £21,805 Stipend (£23,805 if London weighting applies).
How to apply
The deadline for applications to SEDarc is 29th January 2027 at 16:00 (GMT). Eligibility: These PhDs are open to UK and international students and consist of UK home fees and stipend awards. If you have any queries about applying for a studentship award, please contact the administrator at your chosen SEDarc university in the first instance: Kingston University: hssce-research@kingston.ac.uk Royal Holloway, University of London: esrcdtp@rhul.ac.uk University of Kent: kentgrc@kent.ac.uk University of Reading: doctoralstudentshipsofficer@reading.ac.uk University of Surrey: doctoralcollege@surrey.ac.uk University of Sussex: pgr-scholarships@sussex.ac.uk Please note: ESRC DTPs are subject to a mid-term review in 2026, and studentship numbers may be revised based on the review findings. Allocations for the 2027 cohort are expected to be confirmed around January 2027.
Open the official application information
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Source and verification
Check the current official call before applying
Recorded source check: September 14, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students. Funding amount: £21,805 Stipend (£23,805 if London weighting applies).
Eligibility summary
If you have any queries about applying for a studentship award, please contact the administrator at your chosen SEDarc university in the first instance: Kingston University: hssce-research@kingston.ac.uk Royal Holloway, University of London: esrcdtp@rhul.ac.uk University of Kent: kentgrc@kent.ac.uk University of Reading: doctoralstudentshipsofficer@reading.ac.uk University of Surrey: doctoralcollege@surrey.ac.uk University of Sussex: pgr-scholarships@sussex.ac.uk Please note: ESRC DTPs are subject to a mid-term review in 2026, and studentship numbers may be revised based on the review findings. Allocations for the 2027 cohort are expected to be confirmed around January 2027.
Requirements
If you have any queries about applying for a studentship award, please contact the administrator at your chosen SEDarc university in the first instance: Kingston University: hssce-research@kingston.ac.uk Royal Holloway, University of London: esrcdtp@rhul.ac.uk University of Kent: kentgrc@kent.ac.uk University of Reading: doctoralstudentshipsofficer@reading.ac.uk University of Surrey: doctoralcollege@surrey.ac.uk University of Sussex: pgr-scholarships@sussex.ac.uk Please note: ESRC DTPs are subject to a mid-term review in 2026, and studentship numbers may be revised based on the review findings. Allocations for the 2027 cohort are expected to be confirmed around January 2027.
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