NINE DTP Fully Funded PhD Studentships 2027 to 2028

The NINE Doctoral Training Partnership (NINE DTP) is inviting applications for its 2027 to 2028 PhD studentship competition, offering postgraduate research funding through seven universities across the United Kingdom. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the partnership supports doctoral researchers undertaking research in the social sciences and related fields.

The programme brings together Durham University, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Teesside University, the University of Sunderland, Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast. Applicants can pursue doctoral study on a full time or part time basis, subject to the requirements of their chosen university and research pathway.

NINE DTP assesses applicants through an open competition that considers the quality of the candidate, the proposed research project and the training programme. In addition to its main competition, the partnership operates an Action for Equality initiative offering four full scholarships to nominees from specified underrepresented groups.

About the Opportunity

NINE DTP is a collaborative doctoral training partnership designed to develop high quality researchers through academic supervision, research training and collaboration across participating institutions. Its annual studentship competition gives prospective doctoral researchers the opportunity to undertake a PhD while benefiting from the wider partnership’s training and research community.

Successful candidates join a network of postgraduate researchers, academics and external partners. They can access training opportunities offered across the partnership and may receive additional funding for eligible fieldwork, research activities and placements.

Applicants should identify a suitable university, academic department and research pathway before beginning the nomination process. The proposed project should demonstrate academic quality, clear research aims and a strong fit with the relevant department and training environment.

Opportunity Benefits

• Coverage of tuition fees at the UK home fee rate, listed as £5,238 for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

• Tax free annual stipend of £21,805 at the 2026 to 2027 rate.

• Additional funding for eligible fieldwork and research activities.

• Potential support for eligible research placements.

• Access to training opportunities across the seven university partnership.

• Collaboration with postgraduate researchers, academics and external partners.

• Opportunities to develop research skills and strengthen academic and professional experience.

• Full time or part time doctoral study, subject to the relevant programme arrangements.

• Four full scholarships available through the Action for Equality initiative for nominees who meet its specific criteria.

International applicants should note that the standard tuition coverage is based on the home fee rate. Additional international fee support may depend on agreements with individual universities and is not automatically guaranteed for every applicant.

Participating Universities

Applicants can explore doctoral study through the following institutions:

• Durham University

• Newcastle University

• Northumbria University

• Teesside University

• University of Sunderland

• Ulster University

• Queen’s University Belfast

Prospective applicants should review each university’s departments, research strengths, supervisors and available training pathways to identify a suitable academic home for their proposed PhD.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate the following:

• A strong academic background appropriate for doctoral study.

• A well developed research proposal that demonstrates academic quality and relevance to the chosen pathway.

• A clear research and training plan.

• A suitable primary supervisor at the intended university who is willing to support and nominate the applicant.

• The ability to meet the university’s admission requirements.

• A commitment to undertaking the proposed doctoral research on a full time or part time basis, as permitted by the programme.

Applicants interested in the Action for Equality initiative should consult its separate guidelines. This scheme is designed to support British and Irish applicants from Black, Asian, Roma, Traveller or mixed ethnic backgrounds.

International candidates are encouraged to contact their intended university to establish whether additional funding is available to cover international tuition fees and to clarify any other conditions that may apply.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare the information and supporting documents required by their chosen university and the NINE DTP nomination process.

• University application for the intended doctoral programme.

• Proposed PhD research project and relevant research information.

• Details of the intended primary supervisor.

• Stage 1 nomination form completed with the necessary applicant information.

• Supervisor approval form submitted by the proposed primary supervisor.

• Referee details and supporting letters, where required.

• Collaborative partner details and supporting letters, where applicable.

Selection Criteria

NINE DTP uses an open competition and states that funding decisions are based on clear assessment criteria. Key considerations include:

• The academic quality and potential of the applicant.

• The quality and relevance of the proposed research project.

• The strength and clarity of the research plan.

• The suitability of the proposed training programme.

• The fit between the candidate, research project and chosen pathway.

Applicants should make their research objectives clear and demonstrate why their proposed project is suitable for doctoral study at the intended institution.

How to Apply

1. Explore the participating universities. Review Durham University, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Teesside University, the University of Sunderland, Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast to identify a suitable research pathway.
2. Apply to your chosen university. Follow the institution’s admission process and check any department specific requirements for doctoral applicants.
3. Identify a primary supervisor. Contact an appropriate academic, discuss your research project and secure their agreement to support your nomination.
4. Prepare the Stage 1 nomination. Work with your proposed supervisor to complete the nomination form and assemble the information required for the competition.
5. Submit before the deadline. The Stage 1 nomination deadline is 27 October 2026 at 4:00 pm. The nomination is not complete until the supervisor has submitted the required approval form.
6. Coordinate supporting references. Ensure that referees and any relevant collaborative partners receive their requests and understand the requirements for supporting letters.
7. Check the next stage. Applicants whose nominations succeed in their departmental and pathway competitions will be invited to submit Stage 2 applications for the final studentship panel competition.