University of Leeds
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4 days ago
ESRC Centre for Digital Futures at Work Scholarship
PhD Scholarship in Digital Futures at Work, Digital Skills, and Good Work University of Leeds in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Sociology
Funding
Full academic fees and a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 in 2026/27 for 3.5 years (full-time; part-time pro-rata). Additional support is provided for consumables, training, and conference attendance. International relocation costs such as visa, insurance, NHS fees, and flights are not covered.
Deadline
Oct 31, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Leeds
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About this position
University of Leeds is offering the ESRC Centre for Digital Futures at Work Scholarship (PGR-F-449), a highly competitive PhD studentship based in Leeds University Business School within the ESRC Research Centre for Digital Futures at Work (Digit).
The project is titled “Building good work and digital skills within a regional digital eco-system”. It will examine how local authorities and regional agencies can build an inclusive digital and skills ecosystem in a regional labour market context. The research focuses on digital skills, digital adoption, AI adoption, regional economy restructuring, sustainable employment, and good work. The studentship will use qualitative methods and, where relevant, quantitative methods, including interviews with local policy actors, employers, and workers, and will involve collaboration and an internship with key local actors.
Supervision is by Professor Mark Stuart and Professor Charles Umney. The scholarship is part of Digit, a multi-institution research centre led from the Universities of Leeds and Sussex, and offers a supportive doctoral environment with networks for doctoral and early career researchers. Additional support is available for consumables, training, and conference attendance.
This award covers full academic fees and a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 in 2026/27 for 3.5 years (full-time; part-time pro-rata). It is open to home and international applicants. Applicants must hold the required undergraduate and master’s qualifications, meet the English language requirement (IELTS 7 overall with 6.5 in each component or equivalent), and must not already hold or be registered for a PhD.
The deadline is 31 October 2026. To apply, first secure a research place of study and student ID, then submit the scholarship application with transcripts, certificates, English test results if applicable, and a research proposal aligned to the advertised topic. The proposal should be no longer than six pages and clearly explain the project, its contribution, literature context, and methodology.
Funding details
Full academic fees and a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 in 2026/27 for 3.5 years (full-time; part-time pro-rata). Additional support is provided for consumables, training, and conference attendance. International relocation costs such as visa, insurance, NHS fees, and flights are not covered.
What's required
Applicants should have a first-class or upper second-class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, and a British Masters degree (or equivalent) or equivalent professional qualification. People, Work and Employment require a minimum average score of 60 percent (or equivalent) in the Masters degree in an appropriate academic discipline. Applicants must meet the English language requirement of IELTS 7 overall with at least 6.5 in each component or equivalent, with the test dated within 2 years of the course start. Candidates must not already hold a PhD or be currently registered for one; those who previously studied for a PhD but did not complete may be considered. Applicants should live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds while receiving the scholarship.
How to apply
First apply for a research place of study through the online application form and obtain a 9-digit student ID. State that the funding sought is “The ESRC Centre for Digital Futures at Work centre scholarship” and name Professor Mark Stuart as proposed supervisor. Submit all required supporting documents, including transcripts, certificates, English test results if applicable, and a research proposal, by the deadline.
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