PhD scholarships Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP in United Kingdom

The Midlands Graduate School ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (MGS DTP) is offering fully funded Masters and PhD scholarships for entry in October 2026 across eight leading UK universities: Aston University, University of Birmingham, De Montfort University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, and University of Warwick. The scholarships cover tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£19,237 per year for 2024/25), and additional research and professional development support. Both home and international students are eligible, with up to 30% of awards available to international applicants and most partner universities covering the difference in tuition fees.

Applicants must hold at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent and propose a research project within the ESRC's social sciences remit. A Masters is not required for application, and several awards are reserved for first-generation and undergraduate-only applicants. The program offers a wide range of training pathways, including Sociology, Political Science, Economics, Education, Psychology, Management, Environmental Science, Communication Studies, Statistics, Geography, Media Studies, Law, and Sports Science.

Applications involve selecting a pathway and university, applying for university admission by 1 December 2025, and submitting the MGS DTP funding application by 13 January 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the MGS DTP website.