The White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP) is inviting applications for ESRC-funded PhD studentships starting in October 2027. The applicant submission deadline is 17:00, 20 January 2027. These studentships support doctoral study in the social sciences at partner universities in the United Kingdom.
Application Deadline:
20 January 2027
Tell Me About The Award:
The White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP) ESRC Studentships provide funding for doctoral research students in the social sciences at seven partner universities in the UK.
The studentships are supported through the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and include several award routes designed for different academic backgrounds and research interests.
The available awards include:
- WRDTP Pathway Awards
- WRDTP/Stuart Hall Foundation Awards
- Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) Awards
- Advanced Data Analytics (ADA) Awards
- Collaborative Awards
The studentships are available for students beginning their studies in October 2027.
Which Fields are Eligible?
The programme supports social science research across the WRDTP’s interdisciplinary research pathways.
Research may involve areas such as:
- Social sciences
- Economics
- Politics
- Sociology
- Education
- Social policy
- Data analytics
- Quantitative social science
- Interdisciplinary social science research
- Advanced quantitative research
- Research using administrative, digital, commercial or other large-scale datasets
The AQM and ADA awards must address social science research questions.
Type:
Fully Funded PhD Studentship / Doctoral Research Funding
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should select the appropriate studentship structure based on their previous academic and research experience and in consultation with their proposed supervisor.
The programme offers three main study structures:
- +3.5 programme: A 3.5-year PhD, generally suitable for applicants with a social science master’s degree and at least 60 credits (or equivalent) of master’s-level social science research training.
- +3.75 programme: An integrated PGCert/PhD, generally suitable for applicants with a social science master’s degree but without the required core research training.
- 1+3.5 programme: A one-year master’s programme followed by a 3.5-year PhD, generally suitable for applicants without a social science master’s degree.
All award types are available on either a full-time or part-time basis.
The WRDTP/Stuart Hall Foundation Awards have additional eligibility requirements and are specifically for Black British students. International students are not eligible for these particular awards.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Selection depends on the type of studentship.
Pathway Awards are assessed by senior academic colleagues from the WRDTP partner universities.
AQM and ADA Awards require applicants to align their research with one of the WRDTP’s seven interdisciplinary training pathways while demonstrating the appropriate advanced quantitative or data-analytics component.
Collaborative Awards are supervisor-led projects developed with partners in the private, public or third sectors.
For the Stuart Hall Foundation Awards, a separate sub-committee considers nominations and makes recommendations to the WRDTP Academic Quality Committee, with representatives of the Stuart Hall Foundation consulted on award decisions.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Eligibility depends on the specific WRDTP studentship and the standard eligibility criteria.
The WRDTP/Stuart Hall Foundation Awards are specifically restricted to Black British students, and international students are not eligible for these awards.
Applicants should check the official WRDTP eligibility criteria for the relevant studentship before applying.
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
The studentships are available at the WRDTP’s seven partner universities:
- University of Bradford
- University of Hull
- University of Leeds
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- University of Sheffield
- Sheffield Hallam University
- University of York
How Many Awards?
The WRDTP offers several categories of studentships, including:
- Pathway Awards
- WRDTP/Stuart Hall Foundation Awards
- Advanced Quantitative Methods Awards
- Advanced Data Analytics Awards
- Collaborative Awards
The number of available studentships for the 2027 competition is provisional because ESRC Doctoral Training Partnerships are undergoing a mid-term review in 2026.
What Is the Benefit of the Award?
The studentships provide doctoral research funding through the WRDTP/ESRC.
Benefits and funding arrangements depend on the specific award and programme structure.
Additional support is available for AQM and ADA students through an enhanced Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) during the +3.5 stage.
The Stuart Hall Foundation awardees also gain access to the Foundation’s resources and networks, including its annual gathering of Stuart Hall Foundation Scholars and Fellows.
How Long Will the Award Last?
The duration depends on the programme:
- +3.5: 3.5 years of PhD funding.
- +3.75: Integrated PGCert/PhD programme.
- 1+3.5: 1 year master’s programme followed by 3.5 years of PhD study.
How to Apply:
Applicants should first identify the WRDTP partner university and prospective supervisor relevant to their proposed research.
They should then determine which studentship category and programme structure best match their academic and research background.
The available routes include:
- Pathway Awards
- WRDTP/Stuart Hall Foundation Awards
- Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) Awards
- Advanced Data Analytics (ADA) Awards
- Collaborative Awards
Applicants should review the eligibility requirements and application guidance before submitting their application through the relevant partner university.
For AQM and ADA applications, applicants should ensure their research proposal addresses a social science question and aligns with one of the WRDTP’s seven interdisciplinary training pathways.
👉 Visit the Application Webpage for Details
