Eligibility criteria

Eligibility criteria

The WRDTP awards scholarships to students who can demonstrate consistently high academic performance. Students must have a good honours degree at first-class (1st) or upper second-class (2:1) level to apply.

If you are applying for the PhD (+ 3.5), you must be able to show that you have completed substantial social sciences training in research methods. You should have at least 60 credits at masters-level of core social sciences research methods training.

If you have a prior masters degree but without research methods training, you must take the +3.75 route, which integrates conceptual and general research units.

If you do not have a masters degree, you must apply for the 1+3.5 route, which includes an integrated MA in Social Research .

The awards are open to UK and International applicants.

The awards are available for full-time and part-time study. Part-time study will last between seven and nine years, depending on the route.

Programme Standard Duration (FT) Standard Duration (PT) 1+3.5 (Integrated PhD with MA Social Research with integrated placement) 4.5 years 2 years + 7 years 3.5 (standard PhD award with integrated placement) 3.5 years 7 years 3.75 (standard PhD award with integrated placement and integrated PGCert) 3.75 years 7.5 years

Please note, remote, online or distance-learning PhD programmes are not eligible for ESRC funding. For full details, please consult the WRDTP “Reasonable Distance” from Institution Policy .

Applicants who have already commenced a PhD are not eligible to apply for a WRDTP studentship, regardless of whether you are based in the UK or internationally, due to the programme’s specific requirements. If you currently hold a PhD offer with a start date prior to 1 October 2027, please contact your proposed supervisor to discuss deferral options if you wish to apply for WRDTP funding.

Research areas