About the opportunity
The South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) Doctoral Training Partnership offers fully-funded, student-led studentships for doctoral researchers to pursue projects they have designed themselves. These projects must align with one of six interdisciplinary themes and be conducted at one of the eight partner universities. Students are supported by an expert academic supervisory team and may incorporate collaborative partners such as businesses, charities, or think tanks. The program is designed to foster new knowledge and address major challenges. Successful applicants receive financial support for both a Master’s degree (if applicable) and a PhD. SENSS specifically encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and offers a ring-fenced award for asylum seekers or refugees.
Funding and benefits
- Full funding for doctoral studies
- Financial support for a Master's degree if the applicant holds only an undergraduate degree or equivalent
- Expert academic supervision
- Opportunities for collaboration with non-academic partners
- Access to data, equipment, and research participants
Who can apply?
- Applicants must have an undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience and skills
- Research project must align with one of the 6 SENSS interdisciplinary themes
- Applicants must secure a supervisor at one of the 8 SENSS partner universities before applying
- Open to both 'Home' students and international applicants (specific criteria apply)
- Special consideration for applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, asylum seekers, and refugees
Required documents
- Completed online application form via HEIApply
- Letter of support from a collaborative partner (if applicable)
- Supervisory statement (developed with the proposed supervisor)
When to apply
- Application deadline: 12:00 PM GMT on Monday, 11 January 2027
- Webinar for applicants: 14 October 2026, 4 November 2026, and 5 December 2026
- Webinar for supervisors: 25 November 2026
- Notification of results: Mid-April 2027
How to apply
- Identify a research topic and ensure it fits one of the 6 SENSS themes
- Contact a potential supervisor at a SENSS university to discuss the project
- Apply for a place to study at the chosen home university (check university-specific deadlines)
- Submit the SENSS funding application via the HEIApply platform by the 11 January 2027 deadline
Additional information
- SENSS ring-fences nine studentships annually for projects focused on Data Skills, Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM), and Interdisciplinarity
- Applicants do not need to have a placement confirmed at the time of application
- Applications are assessed first by the home university, then by a SENSS thematic panel, and finally by the SENSS Management Board
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 who have a clear, self-devised research vision and are ready to lead their own project.
- Excellent for candidates who value interdisciplinary research and want to work with expert supervisors at one of the eight partner institutions.
- A strong opportunity for those seeking to bridge the gap between undergraduate study and a PhD, as the program provides funding for both levels if necessary.
What should you think carefully about?
- The application process is highly decentralized; you must secure a supervisor at a specific university before you can submit your funding application.
- You must manage two separate application processes: one for university admission and one for the SENSS funding itself.
- The deadline is strict (12:00 PM GMT on 11 January 2027), and you must verify your chosen university's internal deadline, which may be earlier.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This program is a premier choice for those aiming to build a career in academia or research-intensive roles. By providing full funding for both Master's and PhD levels, it removes the financial barrier to entry for talented students who may not yet have a postgraduate degree. The emphasis on collaborative partnerships also makes it a great fit for those interested in applied research that engages with industry, policy, or the third sector.
Our take
Serious candidates should begin the supervisor-matching process immediately, as this is the most time-consuming and critical step. This program is less suitable for those who prefer a pre-defined research project or who are not prepared to navigate the dual-application requirements of both the university and the funding body.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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