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South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership
SENSS ESRC Student-Led Studentships 2027/28 (South and East Network for Social Sciences DTP)
We found and reviewed this scholarship through an external listing. Confirm current details with the provider.
A student-led studentship competition supporting doctoral researchers to develop and undertake their own research projects in social sciences and related interdisciplinary fields at SENSS universities. Depending on the applicant’s background and award structure, funding may support a PhD or a Master’s followed by a PhD.
Do I qualify 0 requirements for everyone + route options
Do I qualify
These eligibility rules were checked against the official page. They still need to match your own circumstances.
These depend on how you qualify. The provider describes several ways, and you will not need all of them. The official page shows which applies to you.
- proposed research fits at least one of the six SENSS Themes Exact current official rule
- degree qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree with Honours Exact current official rule
- degree qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Master's degree Exact current official rule
- degree Master's degree and research skills needed to successfully complete the research project Exact current official rule
- enrolment applicant has already begun a PhD
- enrolment at least 50% of the period of study remains at the start of the award in October 2027 Exact current official rule
- institution already studying at a SENSS university Exact current official rule
- current research project fits one of the six SENSS Themes Exact current official rule
+3 more requirements
- current research project does not need substantial change to fit a SENSS Theme Exact current official rule
- research falls within the ESRC remit and at least one other UKRI research council remit Exact current official rule
- social sciences account for at least 50% of the project Exact current official rule
Preferences and flexible criteria (5)
- nationality all nationalities and citizenships
- residence all places of residence
- particular ethnic background, grew up in a less affluent area, disability, carer, was in care as a child
- refugee status asylum seeker, refugee
- international applicants may receive at most 30% of total studentship awards
- Level of study
- Master's, PhD
- Fields of study
- Social sciences
What's covered Fully funded
- Funding type
- Fully funded
- Funding details
- No university tuition fees for SENSS-funded students, whether home or international, for the duration of the award. Tax-free maintenance stipend of £21,805 per year, plus £2,000 per year London Weighting at London-based universities. Access to research training support funds and to funds for UK or overseas fieldwork, placements, overseas institutional visits and language training. Awards last 3.5 to 4.5 years. Funding cannot cover visa fees or medical surcharges.
- Duration
- Duration of programme
- Host country
- United Kingdom
- Host institution
- Eight SENSS partner universities
What I need English proficiency required—evidence not specified
- English requirement
- English proficiency required—evidence not specified
- In-person requirements
- In-person requirement unclear
The full document list lives on the official page — we do not republish it, because it changes between cycles.
Apply On heiapply.com
How to apply
These required steps were checked against official details for this cycle.
- Identify and directly contact the proposed primary supervisor to discuss your research topic. If you need help identifying a supervisor, contact the Operational Lead at your chosen university with your SENSS theme, research area, and topic; then contact a proposed supervisor before starting the SENSS online application. Required Open this official step
- After establishing a supportive supervisory relationship, submit a separate application for a postgraduate place at your chosen SENSS university. Check that university's own admission deadline; it is separate from and may be earlier than the SENSS funding deadline. Required
- Before drafting the SENSS funding application, read the applicant guidance notes and discuss the application with your proposed supervisor; consult the supervisor during drafting as required. Required Open this official step
- Complete the separate SENSS student-led funding application online through HEIApply. Required Open this official step
- Complete the Equal Opportunities form in HEIApply; the guidance says it is required to submit the application. Required
- Submit the completed SENSS funding application through HEIApply by the funding deadline. Printouts and other forms of the application are not accepted. Required
- Coordinate with your proposed primary supervisor to ensure they write and submit the required supporting statement. Its stated deadline is 12pm GMT on Wednesday 13 January 2027. Required
- Deadline
- 11 January 2027
- Deadline notes
- The chosen university’s application deadline comes first and is set separately by that university; the source says these deadlines fall earlier than the SENSS deadline. The SENSS funding application closes at 12pm GMT on Monday 11 January 2027. The proposed primary supervisor’s supporting statement is due by 12pm GMT on Wednesday 13 January 2027.
- Application cycle
- 2027 application cycle
- Notes
- All awards include a mandatory placement of up to three months. Applicants must apply separately to their chosen university and to SENSS; only one student-led application may be submitted to one SENSS university. A university interview may be virtual or face-to-face. SENSS does not cover visa or associated costs.
Details to confirm
- Some hard eligibility requirements are incomplete in the captured source.
- Some eligibility wording is ambiguous in the source — read the exact wording on the official page.
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