- Fully funded PhDFunding Type
- UKRI-rate stipend (~£21,805/yr est.)Stipend Provided
- Tuition fees coveredTuition Coverage
- 3.5 years durationProgramme Length
- 3-month professional placementProfessional Development
- Open to UK and international students (30% cap)Eligibility
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
All countries
Country
University of Surrey
Provider
The University of Surrey offers the South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) PhD Studentships, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). These fully-funded opportunities support high-quality postgraduate research across a broad spectrum of social science disciplines. The studentships are tenable at the University of Surrey in Guildford, UK, and are available to both UK and international students commencing doctoral study in October 2027. SEDarc is a collaborative Doctoral Training Partnership involving six UK universities, including the Universities of Kent, Kingston, Reading, Royal Holloway, Surrey, and Sussex. Successful candidates at the University of Surrey can pursue PhD research in various fields such as business and management, economics, hospitality and tourism, linguistics, politics and international relations, psychology, and sociology. The programme typically lasts 3.5 years, or 1+3.5 years depending on prior master's study, and includes a three-month professional placement. The funding covers UK tuition fees and provides a stipend at the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rate, which was approximately £21,805 for 2026/27, potentially rising to £23,805 with London weighting. Over the years, the ESRC has supported numerous doctoral researchers, fostering critical research that addresses major social, economic, environmental, and technological challenges. The SEDarc consortium ensures a diverse research environment, with a 30% cap on international studentships. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Tuition Fees — Covers UK tuition fees for the duration of the PhD programme. For international students, the University of Surrey waives the difference between home and overseas tuition fee rates.
- Living Stipend — An annual stipend is provided at the applicable UKRI rate. For 2026/27, this was approximately ~GBP 21,805, or ~GBP 23,805 where London weighting applies (est.).
- Professional Placement — Includes a mandatory three-month professional placement (or part-time equivalent) within the public, private, or academic sectors.
- Research Training — Access to interdisciplinary research training and doctoral development opportunities through the SEDarc consortium.
- Supervision — Guidance and mentorship from an academic supervisor at the University of Surrey.
How to apply
The application process for the SEDarc PhD Studentships at the University of Surrey involves several distinct stages, requiring coordination with both a prospective supervisor and the University's postgraduate administration.
- Identify a Supervisor — Before applying, identify a prospective academic supervisor at the University of Surrey whose research expertise aligns with your proposed PhD project. Discuss your research proposal with them.
- Complete SEDarc Application Form — Fill out the SEDarc Doctoral Training Partnership application form, seeking input and guidance from your proposed supervisor.
- Apply for a Surrey PhD Course — Submit an application for an eligible University of Surrey PhD course, specifying an October 2027 start date.
- Submit SEDarc Form — Submit your completed SEDarc application form to the relevant postgraduate director at the University of Surrey and inform them that you are seeking SEDarc funding. Ensure your interview with the proposed supervisor is completed by the application deadline.
Eligibility
NationalityOpen to both UK and international students. Note there is a 30% cap on international studentships across the SEDarc consortium.
Study LevelCandidates must be applying for an eligible PhD/Doctoral research programme at the University of Surrey with an October 2027 start date.
Research ProjectApplicants must develop a research project that aligns with relevant Surrey subject areas and SEDarc's five major research themes.
Supervisor EngagementProspective students must identify and engage with an appropriate academic supervisor at the University of Surrey before submitting their application.
Meeting these eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding, as the studentship is highly competitive. International applicants should be particularly aware of the international studentship cap.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
October 20272027-01-18
Selection
Candidates are initially shortlisted by the University of Surrey based on the strength of their research proposal, academic background, and alignment with SEDarc themes and supervisor expertise. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to submit their application to the broader SEDarc consortium, allowing for refinement based on panel feedback. Final selection is highly competitive, focusing on a clear research question, strong methodological thinking, and the potential impact of the proposed professional placement.
Verified sources
- University of Surrey SEDarc PhD Studentships 2027surrey.ac.ukofficial
- University of Surrey SEDarc PhD Studentships 2027 – Fully Funded UK PhD Opportunitiesglobalsouthopportunities.comannouncement
About the provider
The University of Surrey is a public research university located in Guildford, Surrey, England. Founded in 1891, it received its royal charter in 1966. It is a member of the SETsquared group of research-intensive universities and focuses on research and teaching that benefits society and the economy.
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 is the University of Surrey SEDarc PhD Studentship?
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This is a fully-funded PhD opportunity at the University of Surrey, supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of the South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) consortium. It covers tuition fees and provides a living stipend for doctoral study in social science disciplines.
What does the SEDarc PhD Studentship cover?
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The studentship covers UK tuition fees, with the University of Surrey waiving the difference for international students. It also provides an annual stipend at the UKRI rate and includes a mandatory three-month professional placement.
What is the value of the award?
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The award covers tuition fees and an annual stipend. For the 2026/27 academic year, the estimated UKRI stipend was approximately ~GBP 21,805, or ~GBP 23,805 if London weighting applies. These figures are subject to change for the 2027/28 cycle.
Who is eligible to apply for this studentship?
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Both UK and international candidates are eligible to apply. Applicants must be seeking to undertake an eligible PhD research programme at the University of Surrey, starting in October 2027, and have a research project aligned with SEDarc themes.
Which countries are eligible for this scholarship?
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This scholarship is open to students from all countries. However, please note that there is a 30% cap on the number of international studentships awarded across the entire SEDarc consortium.
Which study levels are supported by this studentship?
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The SEDarc Studentships are exclusively for PhD (Doctoral Research) level study at the University of Surrey.
What is the application deadline for the 2027 intake?
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The application deadline for submitting your Surrey PhD application and the SEDarc form is 18 January 2027, by 4:00 PM. You must also have been interviewed by your proposed supervisor by this date.
How do I apply for the SEDarc PhD Studentship?
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You must first identify and engage with a prospective supervisor at the University of Surrey. Then, complete the SEDarc Doctoral Training Partnership application form and apply for an eligible Surrey PhD course with an October 2027 start date. Finally, submit the completed SEDarc form to the relevant postgraduate director.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents typically include the SEDarc Doctoral Training Partnership application form, the University of Surrey PhD application, a research proposal, academic transcripts, a CV, and references. Details should be confirmed with the University of Surrey.
How are recipients selected for the studentship?
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Selection involves an initial shortlisting by the University of Surrey based on the strength of the research proposal and supervisor recommendation. Shortlisted candidates proceed to a second stage, submitting their application to the SEDarc consortium, with final decisions based on academic merit and research alignment.
What is the duration of the studentship and is it renewable?
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The studentship typically has a duration of 3.5 years. For programmes that include a master's year before the PhD, it can be 1+3.5 years. The studentship is for the specified duration of the doctoral programme and is not typically renewable beyond this period.
Where can I confirm the latest details and apply?
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You should confirm all current-cycle details, including funding rates, application requirements, and programme information, directly with the University of Surrey on their official postgraduate admissions or SEDarc studentship pages before submitting your application.