City, University of London and the South-East Network for Social Science invite applications for Economic and Social Research Council PhD studentship awards.
City, University of London is proud to be involved in the South and East Network for Social Sciences funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
SENSS is a consortium of 8 leading universities across the South and East of the UK promoting inventive and inclusive research training and collaboration.
Fully funded ESRC studentships are currently available to Doctoral Researchers for entry in October 2025.*
Benefits
As a SENSS student at City you will have opportunities and access to training and development activities across the consortium.
If you are successful in attracting a SENSS studentship you will:
- Have your fees paid and receive a stipend to cover your living expenses.
- Be eligible to apply for further financial support for training and research expenses, such as conference trips, overseas fieldwork and learning a language or other skill integral to your research project
- Benefit from an inspiring research training environment that empowers you to develop your skills and knowledge and contribute to City's body of research Programme
- Benefit from City's location in central London which puts you at the heart of business, finance, the creative industries, law and government.
Eligibility
Applicants for social science-led research or interdisciplinary research crossing into social sciences can apply for funding across 6 thematic pathways.
- Sustainability and Climate Emergency
- Justice, Institutions and Social Change
- Resolving Uncertainty and Addressing Crises
- Health, Wellbeing and Social Care
- Digital Social Sciences
- Advanced Methods for Social and Economic Research.
Full information about eligibility and guidance, including links to webinars and to the applicant portal can be found on the SENSS website.
Potential supervisors can find information and guidance around their eligibility to supervise a SENSS funded project from our For Research Supervisors page.
How to apply
The process for application requires you to first apply for a place to study on a Postgraduate Research Degree at City, University of London.
Secondly you will need to apply to SENSS for the studentship via the SENSS Funding Opportunities page.
The deadline for applications to SENSS for the student-led competion is 12pm (noon) on Wednesday 22 January 2025.
For the collaborative studentship competition the deadline for applying to City, University of London for a place is 23.59 GMT on Friday 21st February 2025 and the application for SENSS funding on HEI Apply is 12pm (noon) on Monday 24th February 2025.
Duration
The structure of the studentship offered will depend on your personal training needs. However, the minimum duration of a SENSS funded studentship will be 3.5 years, covering the PhD and a mandatory placement of around 3 months. The maximum duration of the studentship will be 4.5 years.
Value
The studentship covers tuition fees and a stipend, currently £21,237 per year for full time study including London weighting. It also includes access to training and development funds.
* Please note that if you have already started doctoral study you may still be eligible for SENSS studentship funding providing that, at the start of the SENSS award, you will have at least 50% of your fundable period of study remaining (this does not include unfunded/writing up periods of study).