Fully funded SEDarc ESRC PhD Studentships

The South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) is pleased to offer Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding for up to 39 PhD students for September 2026 entry.

We welcome applications from talented individuals working across the social sciences to be based at one of six higher education institutions in London and the south-east:

• University of Kent
• Kingston University
• University of Reading
• Royal Holloway, University of London
• University of Surrey
• University of Sussex.

The world-class research and training environments of these institutions are enhanced by the partnership’s strategic relations with non-HEI partner organisations.

SEDarc’s vision is to offer a transformative social science training experience that combines leading-edge research skills training, high-quality placements for all, and an individual research project based in one of five interdisciplinary, challenge-led pathways. These include:

• Living Sustainably
• Healthy Thriving Communities
• Inclusive Economic Growth
• Secure, Effective, & Trusted Institutions
• Transformative Technologies for Society

SEDarc is committed to principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) throughout the student journey, from application to completion of the PhD programme. The DTP will reserve up to 3 ring-fenced scholarships for home students from certain Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic groups.

The standard SEDarc PhD is 3.5 years full-time including a 3-month placement (or part-time equivalent). Students who do not already possess a Master’s degree in the social sciences may also be eligible for funding to undertake an approved Masters course in the SEDarc consortium. Awards cover UK tuition fees and provide a stipend at the UKRI home rate on a full-time and part-time basis. For the academic year of 2025/26 the UK fees are £5,006 and the stipend is £20,780 (£22,780 if London weighting applies). The balance between home and international tuition fees will be paid by the SEDarc institutions for successful overseas applicants.

Eligibility criteria for ring-fenced studentships are available on the SEDarc website.

How to apply: Students must be nominated by one of the six SEDarc institutions to apply to the doctoral programme. The deadline for applications to SEDarc is 30 January 2026 at 16:00 (GMT).

Eligibility: These PhDs are open to UK and international students and consist of UK home fees and stipend awards.

Please contact the administrator at your chosen SEDarc university:

• Kingston University
• Royal Holloway, University of London
• University of Kent
• University of Reading
• University of Surrey
• University of Sussex