SEDarc ESRC PhD Studentships 2027 in the UK

The South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) is offering Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funded PhD studentships for researchers seeking to begin doctoral study in the United Kingdom in September 2027. The programme supports research across the social sciences and brings together six universities in London and South East England.

The SEDarc studentships are open to both UK and international applicants who meet the academic and research requirements of their chosen university. Successful applicants receive funding for doctoral tuition at the UK home fee rate and a living allowance at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rates. For eligible international students, SEDarc institutions generally cover the difference between home and international tuition fees, although the University of Reading is an exception.

The programme combines doctoral research with advanced research training, professional development and a funded placement. Students undertake an individual research project within one of five interdisciplinary pathways addressing major social, economic, environmental, institutional and technological challenges.

The participating universities are the University of Kent, Kingston University, the University of Reading, Royal Holloway, University of London, the University of Surrey and the University of Sussex. Applicants must first apply through their chosen institution and secure nomination before submitting their final SEDarc application.

About the PhD Studentships

SEDarc is a Doctoral Training Partnership funded through the ESRC and UKRI. Its doctoral training model combines an individual research project with specialist skills development and a placement outside or within academia.

The standard doctoral studentship has a minimum funded duration of 3.25 years, with up to three additional months available for a placement. Applicants without a relevant social science Master’s degree may be eligible for an integrated Master’s and PhD route, which can extend the funding period to a maximum of 4.25 years plus the placement period.

SEDarc supports research across fourteen social science disciplines organised into five interdisciplinary thematic pathways. These pathways are designed to encourage research that addresses complex real world challenges through collaboration across disciplinary boundaries.

Opportunity Benefits

• PhD tuition fees at the UK home fee rate

• Living allowance at UKRI rates

• International tuition fee difference covered by participating institutions, except the University of Reading

• Additional research and training funding

• Support for eligible UK or overseas fieldwork

• Funding for overseas institutional visits where applicable

• Support for difficult language training where relevant

• Funded placement in academia, government, policy, business or the third sector

• Approximately 200 hours of general skills training during the first year

• Approximately 200 hours of specialist skills training during the second and third years

• Individual doctoral research and supervision

• Professional development and employability preparation

Participating Universities

• University of Kent

• Kingston University

• University of Reading

• Royal Holloway, University of London

• University of Surrey

• University of Sussex

SEDarc also works with partner organisations outside higher education to expand research, training and placement opportunities for doctoral students.

Research Pathways

Applicants should develop research that fits within one of the five SEDarc interdisciplinary pathways.

• Living Sustainably

• Healthy Thriving Communities

• Inclusive Economic Growth

• Secure, Effective and Trusted Institutions

• Transformative Technologies for Society

These pathways provide a broad framework for research addressing social, economic, environmental, institutional and technological challenges.

Potential research areas vary between universities and departments. They can include disciplines such as economics, sociology, politics, international relations, geography, psychology, criminology, business, environmental studies and other related social science fields.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to UK and international students

• Applicants must meet the academic entry requirements of their selected university and doctoral programme

• Applicants must identify a suitable PhD programme within the SEDarc consortium

• Applicants must identify an appropriate research supervisor

• Proposed research should fit within a relevant SEDarc interdisciplinary pathway

• Applicants should demonstrate strong potential for doctoral research

• Applicants must complete the institutional application process before nomination

• Applicants without a relevant social science Master’s degree may be eligible for the integrated Master’s and PhD route

• Applicants must not already have started their PhD, as SEDarc funding is for new doctoral entrants

• International applicants must satisfy the immigration and admission requirements of their chosen university

Application Process

SEDarc does not operate as a simple direct application scheme. Applicants must first go through the relevant university and department.

The general process is:

1. Choose one of the six participating SEDarc universities.
2. Identify a suitable doctoral programme and research area.
3. Review the department specific admission requirements and deadlines.
4. Identify and contact a potential research supervisor.
5. Apply for admission to the selected PhD programme through the university.
6. Complete the university’s internal SEDarc application process.
7. If shortlisted, complete or revise the SEDarc application as instructed.
8. The university nominates its strongest candidates to the SEDarc consortium.
9. Submit the final SEDarc application by the consortium deadline