ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership

Supporting postgraduate research in social sciences in the north-west.

The North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) is a collaborative initiative between five universities in North West England. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the programme offers postgraduate studentships with a focus on high-quality research training in social sciences.

With strong connections to public, private, and third-sector organisations, NWSSDTP provides a world-class research environment that prepares students for impactful careers in social science research.

On this page:

Related pages:

• Funding
• Pathway information
• Applying
• Key dates
• Keep up-to-date
• Contact us
• Funding and fees
• Understanding funding
• Funded programmes
• Fees and costs
• Other funding support

Fully funded studentship

ESRC funding provides full support for:

Financial support towards training costs (equipment, surveys, conference attendance, etc) can be sought through the NWSSDTP following registration onto the PhD.

• tuition fees at home or international rate;
• an annual tax-free maintenance stipend.

CASE studentship competition

The North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) also runs an annual collaborative studentship competition (CASE) where academics from the four NWSSDTP institutions can apply for funding towards postgraduate projects that will be co-supervised with a representative from a non-HEI partner organisation. For more information see the NWSSDTP website .

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ESRC NWSSDTP pathways

Within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, you can choose a project from one of the following pathways; Social Work, Health and Wellbeing, Psychology, and Social Studies of Science, Technology and Medicine.

Criminology, Social Policy and Social Work

In the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, we work closely with applicants whose interests are within the area of social work.

Pathway lead: Dr Eon Kim ( eon.kim@manchester.ac.uk )

Admissions contact : esrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk for returning completed ESRC NWSSDTP application forms and supporting documents

Relevant PhD Programmes :

For more information on this pathway please see the ESRC webpage: Criminology, Social Policy and Social Work | North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership .

• PhD/MPhil Social Work

Health and Wellbeing

Pathway lead: Dr Lynsey Warwick-Giles ( lynsey.warwick-giles@manchester.ac.uk )

Admissions contact: esrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk for returning completed ESRC NWSSDTP application forms and supporting documents

Relevant PhD Programmes:

For more information on this pathway please see the ESRC webpage: Health and Wellbeing | North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership

• PhD/MPhil Primary Care and Health Services Research
• PhD/MPhil Health Economics

Psychology

Pathway lead: Dr Alissa Ferry ( alissa.ferry@manchester.ac.uk )

Admissions contact: esrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk for returning completed ESRC NWSSDTP application forms and supporting documents

Relevant PhD Programmes:

For more information on this pathway please see the ESRC webpage: Psychology | North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership

• PhD/MPhil Psychology
• PhD/MPhil Cognitive Neuroscience
• PhD/MPhil Experimental Psychology
• PhD Clinical Psychology
• PhD/MPhil Health Psychology

Social Studies of Science, Technology and Medicine

Pathway lead: Dr Simone Turchetti ( simone.turchetti@manchester.ac.uk )

Admissions contact: esrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk for returning completed ESRC NWSSDTP application forms and supporting documents

Relevant PhD Programmes:

For more information on this pathway please see the ESRC webpage: Social Studies of Science, Technology and Medicine | North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership

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• PhD/MPhil History of Science, Technology and Medicine

What you need to know about applying for the NWSSDTP

The deadline for applications is Monday 22 February 2027.

Find out what you need to do before you apply and how to apply with our step-by-step guide.

Choose pathway and programme

Browse the pathways and PhD programmes listed on this page , and choose the most suitable pathway and programme for you.

Prepare a research proposal

Discover more about proposing your own research project in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health by visiting our self-proposed PhD page which includes step-by-step tips and guidance.

Learn more about proposing your own project

Find a supervisor

Use our Research Explorer to find a supervisor. This page lists all academics in the Faculty that are open to accepting PhD students. You can find a supervisor working in your specific area of interest by filtering by 'research beacon, institute and platforms' or 'concepts'.

If you choose to search by keyword, you'll need to add the 'Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health' and 'Accepting PhD Students' filter to access relevant academics.

Browse supervisors

Apply online

Submit an online application no later than 5pm GMT, 22 February 2027.

Please note all deadlines are strict and applications received after 5pm will not be included in the competition.

You'll need to complete our online application form to apply for a postgraduate research programme.

Section 9 of the application asks for your funding intentions. Please add a funding source, and populate the fields below:

Apply online

• Type of Funding: Research Council
• Awarding Body: ESRC NWSSDTP
• Status of Funding: Intend to Apply

Supporting documents

Your application will need to include all necessary supporting documents.

Learn more about applying

• A 1,500-word PhD research proposal .
• A personal statement .
• A copy of your bachelor's academic transcript and certificate .
• A copy of your master's academic transcript and certificate . If your master's degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript.
• If you have completed more than one bachelor's or master's degree, please provide evidence for each. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must provide an official English translation. If your weighted average mark or GPA is not included on these documents, please also include an official document from your university verifying this information.
• An up-to-date academic CV summarising your academic record, employment history, and publications and highlighting experience demonstrating your research potential.
• The names of two academic referees , including one from your most recent institution. Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following the submission of your application form.
• A certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency if applicable.

Submit application form

Submit the ESRC NWSSDTP Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to esrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk no later than 5pm (GMT), 22 February 2027.

Please note all deadlines are strict and applications received after 5pm will not be included in the competition.

The academic transcripts and references submitted with your programme application will be attached to your ESRC NWSSDTP application form and provided to the panels for review.

Please note that you must hold an academic offer by 1 April 2027 to be considered for the final round of the ESRC NWSSDTP funding competition.

Visit ESRC NWSSDTP website for more information

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Dates for 2027 entry

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• Programme application deadline: Monday 22 February 2027
• ESRC NWSSDTP Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form submission deadline: Monday 22 February 2027
• Deadline for candidates to have received an academic offer: Thursday 1 April 2027
• Funding decision: Wednesday 21 April 2027
• Deadline for candidates to confirm acceptance of the award: Wednesday 5 May 2027

Sign up for updates

Be the first to hear about funded programmes and funding opportunities when they launch.

You’ll receive our monthly newsletter for prospective applicants which includes updates on featured projects, our latest events and application tips.

Register your interest

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Have any questions? Get in touch.

If you have a question about this programme, please email our Doctoral Academy Admissions team:

Email: fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

See more contact information .

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Research areas