Fully Funded ESRC PhD and Masters+PhD Studentships in Social Sciences at Leading UK Universities South-East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) partner universities (e.g., City St George, University of London; University of East Anglia; Cranfield University; Goldsmiths, University of London; University of Essex; University of Lincoln; University of Roehampton; Middlesex University) in United Kingdom

The South-East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS), in partnership with the UKRI Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), is offering fully funded PhD studentships for entry in October 2026 at leading UK universities. These prestigious studentships are open to both UK and international applicants and support doctoral research across a wide range of social science disciplines, including sociology, political science, economics, psychology, anthropology, and education. SENSS is a consortium of eight top universities in the South and East of England, providing a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. The studentships are available for both a standard 3.5-year PhD or a 4.5-year combined Masters+PhD route, depending on the applicant's prior qualifications.

Funding covers full tuition fees, a generous tax-free stipend (£20,780 per year, with an extra £2,000 for London-based students), and additional support for research training, fieldwork, placements, and language training. Successful candidates will join a vibrant postgraduate community, benefit from high-quality supervision, and have opportunities to connect with influential external partners in industry, government, and NGOs. Applicants must meet academic requirements (master's or bachelor's degree, depending on the route), and both full-time and part-time study options are available. The main application deadline is February 16, 2026, but candidates should check individual partner university deadlines.

To apply, candidates must first secure a place on a postgraduate research degree at a partner university and then apply for the SENSS studentship via the SENSS Funding Opportunities page.