SENSS ESRC
SENSS ESRC Studentships 2027/28 – Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in the UK
- Fully fundedFunding Type
- ~£21,805/year (est.)Annual Stipend
- 8 partner universitiesParticipating Institutions
- ~10 awards for international studentsInternational Allocation
- 3.5-4.5 yearsDuration
- October 2027 (est.)Start Date
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
All countries
Country
SENSS ESRC
Provider
The SENSS ESRC Studentships are fully funded PhD scholarships offered by the South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) in the United Kingdom. These studentships support postgraduate researchers starting their studies in October 2027 at one of eight partner universities, across six interdisciplinary thematic areas. The programme provides comprehensive financial support for doctoral research in the social sciences, including an annual tax-free stipend of ~£21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year, with an additional ~£2,000 London Weighting for students at London-based institutions. These studentships cover full tuition fees for the duration of the award, for both home and eligible international students. While open to all nationalities, the number of awards for international students is limited to approximately 10 each year. The programme emphasizes advanced research training, experienced supervision, and access to a wider postgraduate community, alongside opportunities for fieldwork, placements, and collaboration with external organisations. SENSS studentships offer flexible study options including both full-time and part-time study, with durations ranging from a minimum of 3.5 years (for PhD-only) to a maximum of 4.5 years (for Master's plus PhD). These durations include a mandatory placement component of approximately three months, designed to provide experience beyond the university research environment. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Annual Tax-Free Stipend — A living stipend of ~GBP 21,805 per year based on the 2026/27 academic year rate.
- London Weighting Allowance — An additional ~GBP 2,000 per year for students studying at a London-based partner university.
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage — Tuition fees are fully covered for the duration of the SENSS funding award, including for eligible international students.
- Research Training Support Funds — Funds are provided to support research training activities throughout the award period.
- Additional Funding Opportunities — Further funding is available for UK and overseas fieldwork, placements, overseas institutional visits, and language training.
How to apply
Prospective applicants should first determine which SENSS studentship route aligns with their academic and career goals. It is crucial to review the detailed funding guidance and eligibility requirements provided by SENSS before initiating an application.
- Choose Studentship Route — Decide between a student-led studentship (develop your own proposal) or a collaborative studentship (undertake a pre-defined project).
- Identify University and Supervisor — For student-led, identify a suitable supervisor and partner university. For collaborative, review available projects and their associated supervisors.
- Develop Research Proposal (Student-Led) — Prepare a comprehensive research proposal outlining your intended doctoral study.
- Check University Admission Requirements — Ensure you meet the specific admission criteria for your chosen partner university, as SENSS funding does not guarantee university admission.
- Consult Official Competition Portal — Access the official SENSS competition and application portal for specific submission requirements and the applicable deadline.
- Submit Application — Complete and submit your application through the designated portal according to route-specific instructions.
Eligibility
NationalityAll nationalities and residency statuses are eligible, with limited awards for international students.
Study LevelApplicants must be seeking to pursue a PhD, either directly (3.5-year award) or as part of a Master's plus PhD programme (4.5-year award).
Academic Standing (4.5-year award)Qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree with Honours.
Academic Standing (3.5-year award)Qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Master's degree, or a Master's qualification with required research skills.
Current PhD StudentsMay apply if they have not yet completed a substantial proportion of their doctoral studies.
Applicants must identify an appropriate partner university, research area, and supervisory arrangements before applying. University admission is not guaranteed by SENSS funding alone.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
October 2027 (est.)2027-01-20
Selection
Recipients are selected based on their research proposal's quality, academic qualifications, and the suitability of their chosen research area and supervisory arrangements within the SENSS framework. Collaborative studentships also consider alignment with pre-defined project objectives. The selection process takes into account the limited number of awards available for international applicants.
Verified sources
- SENSS ESRC DTPukri.orgofficial
- SENSS ESRC Studentships 2027/28 – Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in the UKglobalsouthopportunities.comannouncement
About the provider
The South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) is one of 14 Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Established to provide high-quality training for the next generation of social science researchers, SENSS partners with eight UK universities.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are the SENSS ESRC Studentships?
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These are fully funded PhD scholarships offered by the South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for doctoral research in the social sciences in the UK, commencing in October 2027.
What does the scholarship cover?
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The scholarship covers full tuition fees, an annual tax-free stipend, research training support funds, and additional funding for fieldwork, placements, and language training. An extra London Weighting allowance is provided for students at London-based universities.
What is the award value of a SENSS ESRC Studentship?
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The annual tax-free stipend is ~£21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year rate. An additional ~£2,000 London Weighting per year is provided for those studying at a London-based partner university.
Who is eligible to apply for these studentships?
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The studentships are open to applicants of all nationalities and residency statuses. However, international applicants are subject to a limited allocation of approximately 10 awards per year.
Which countries are eligible for this scholarship?
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Applicants from all countries are eligible to apply. The scholarship is tenable at one of the eight partner universities in the United Kingdom.
Which study levels are supported by this scholarship?
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The scholarship supports postgraduate research at the PhD level. There is a 3.5-year route for PhD-only and a 4.5-year route that includes a Master's degree followed by a PhD.
When is the application deadline for the 2027/28 cycle?
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Applicants should consult the official competition and application portal for the exact deadline, which is estimated to be around January 2027 for an October 2027 start.
How do I apply for a SENSS ESRC Studentship?
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You must first select a studentship route (student-led or collaborative), identify a suitable university and supervisor, and meet the university's admission requirements. Applications are submitted via the official SENSS application portal.
What documents are required for the application?
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Typically required documents include a research proposal (for student-led), academic transcripts, degree certificates, a CV, references, and proof of English language proficiency.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
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Selection is based on academic merit, the quality and fit of the research proposal, and the alignment with SENSS's interdisciplinary thematic areas and partner university expertise.
What is the duration of the studentship and can it be renewed?
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The minimum duration is 3.5 years for PhD-only, and the maximum is 4.5 years for Master's plus PhD, both including a mandatory placement. The funding duration is fixed for the award and not typically renewed beyond these terms.
Where can I confirm the current-cycle details for this scholarship?
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All current-cycle details, including exact deadlines and specific requirements, should be confirmed on the official SENSS ESRC Studentships website or the UKRI website.