North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) 2026
About this scholarship
NWSSDTP is an ESRC-funded doctoral training partnership supporting social science research degrees in North West England, with funded PhD and 1+3 studentships at partner universities.
The North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) is a major doctoral funding scheme in the United Kingdom, supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). It funds postgraduate research training in the social sciences across partner universities in North West England, including opportunities advertised by institutions such as the University of Liverpool and Lancaster University.
NWSSDTP studentships are typically available for PhD study and, in some cases, Master's plus PhD (1+3) pathways for applicants who need research training before starting doctoral study. The partnership supports a wide range of social science and interdisciplinary topics, with examples from recent postings including politics, housing and health inequalities, geography, urban accessibility, and applied linguistics linked to social science research.
Funding is generally fully funded. Reference postings show support can include tuition fees, a tax-free maintenance stipend, and additional help with research, training, conference, fieldwork, overseas visits, and sometimes placement-related costs. Some awards for international applicants may cover tuition only at the Home rate, so applicants should check the terms of the specific project or pathway.
Eligibility depends on the individual studentship and host department, but applicants usually need a strong academic background relevant to the proposed project. Some opportunities require a master's degree for a standard PhD route, while others accept strong bachelor's graduates for a 1+3 pathway. Both UK and international applicants are mentioned in recent NWSSDTP postings. Applicants normally apply first to the host university's research degree programme and then complete the relevant NWSSDTP or departmental funding process.
Because NWSSDTP is a partnership rather than a single-university scholarship, available subjects, supervisors, deadlines, and document requirements vary by project. Students should review the specific host university advert carefully and follow its application instructions.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Eligibility varies by project and pathway. Recent postings indicate the scheme is open to UK and international applicants. Applicants usually must secure admission to an eligible postgraduate research programme at a partner university and meet the academic background required for the project or subject area. Depending on the route, this may mean a strong honours degree, a relevant master's degree, or suitability for a 1+3 training pathway.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Language requirements
International applicants may need to meet the English language requirements of the host university.
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP).
