About the opportunity
The White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP) provides ESRC-funded PhD studentships starting in October each year across its partner universities, including Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Manchester Metropolitan, Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam, and York. The partnership offers a range of social sciences PhD pathways and awards, including Pathway Awards (such as Interdisciplinary Research Awards and WRDTP/Stuart Hall Foundation Awards for Black British students), Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) Awards, Advanced Data Analytics (ADA) Awards, and Collaborative Awards. Awards are structured according to previous academic and research experience into +3.5, +3.75, and 1+3.5 programmes, available on both a full-time and part-time basis.
Funding and benefits
- Tuition fees covered
- Stipend for living expenses
- Enhanced Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) for AQM and ADA studentship award holders during the +3.5 stage
- Access to core research skills training, professional development networks, and institutional resources
Who can apply?
- Open to doctoral research students commencing studies in October 2027
- Applicants should choose a programme (+3.5, +3.75, or 1+3.5) based on prior academic and research experience
- WRDTP/Stuart Hall Foundation Awards are specifically open to Black British students (Black or Black British African, Black or Black British Caribbean, Black or Black British other, or Mixed Black or Black British); international students are not eligible for these specific awards
- Must meet all standard ESRC and WRDTP eligibility criteria
Required documents
- Research proposal (for student-led pathway, AQM, and ADA awards)
- Application forms as specified in the call for nominations and guidance documents
- Self-identification and disclaimer (for Stuart Hall Foundation awards)
When to apply
- Studentships commence in October 2027
- Applications and nominations take place ahead of the start date, typically with deadlines in early Spring for collaborative projects and standard nomination timelines managed by partner universities
How to apply
- Review the Guidance for Applicants and consult with a proposed supervisor
- Choose a suitable award type and programme structure (+3.5, +3.75, or 1+3.5)
- Submit nomination or application through the designated partner university or WRDTP channels
Additional information
- All ESRC DTPs undergo a mid-term review in 2026, meaning listed studentship numbers are provisional and subject to adjustment.
- Partner universities include the University of Bradford, University of Hull, University of Leeds, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, and University of York.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for prospective doctoral researchers pursuing social sciences degrees with a focus on interdisciplinary topics, advanced quantitative methods, or advanced data analytics.
- Well-suited for candidates seeking fully funded support with structured pathways tailored to their prior research and master's-level training background.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must coordinate with partner universities and proposed supervisors to align with specific thematic pathways and institutional requirements.
- Provisional studentship numbers are subject to change following the ESRC mid-term review.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity supports career advancement in academic and professional research by providing comprehensive funding and structured training for social science doctoral candidates.
Our take
Prospective social science PhD candidates looking for structured funding across participating White Rose universities should review the specific pathway requirements and consult potential supervisors early.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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