ESRC DTP 2026
About this scholarship
ESRC DTP studentships fund doctoral research in the social sciences through regional training partnerships in the United Kingdom. Awards commonly cover tuition, a UKRI-rate stipend, and research training support.
ESRC DTP refers to doctoral studentships funded by the Economic and Social Research Council through accredited Doctoral Training Partnerships across the United Kingdom. These partnerships bring together universities and external organisations to support high-quality PhD training in social science and interdisciplinary fields. The reference postings here especially show opportunities within the Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) ESRC DTP, but ESRC DTP funding also exists in other regional consortia.
ESRC DTP awards are primarily for PhD study, sometimes including collaborative or pathway-based projects linked to government, charities, NHS bodies, or other partners. Based on the postings, funded projects can span areas such as economics, education, psychology, public health, data science, environment and planning, behavioural science, and management.
Funding is typically fully funded for successful candidates. The postings indicate that awards commonly include full tuition fees, an annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI minimum rate, and additional support such as a Research Training Support Grant. Some projects also include placements or collaborative training opportunities. In the WGSSS examples, international students may be eligible and are not necessarily charged the difference between home and international tuition fees, though applicants must still meet the relevant UKRI and partnership eligibility rules.
Applicants generally need qualifications equivalent to a UK first-class or upper second-class honours degree, and in many cases a master's degree or relevant research experience is welcomed. Non-traditional academic backgrounds may also be considered. Required documents often include an application form, CV, covering letter or research statement, references, transcripts, degree certificates, and proof of English language competence where relevant.
ESRC DTP opportunities are usually advertised by the host university and the relevant DTP consortium website. You should identify a suitable project or pathway, check the specific eligibility and document requirements carefully, and apply through the host institution or partnership instructions for that studentship.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Eligibility varies by Doctoral Training Partnership and project. In the reference postings, applicants typically need qualifications or experience equivalent to a UK honours degree at first or upper second-class level, and sometimes a master's degree. Non-traditional academic backgrounds may be welcomed. International applicants may be eligible, subject to UKRI and partnership-specific rules.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Language requirements
Proof of English language competency may be required by the host university for applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency.
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting ESRC DTP.
