Applications open for 2026 Midlands Graduate School / SHF studentships

We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Midlands Graduate School, an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) that brings together eight leading universities across the Midlands, to offer two ESRC-funded studentships with aim to increase diversity in awards made, particularly in relation to UK students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Midlands Graduate School is looking to recruit top-quality social science PhD students to commence study in October 2026 across a range of subjects and interdisciplinary training pathways. These ESRC studentships – covering a maintenance stipend, payment of tuition fees at the home fee rate (please see the eligibility guidance for further information), and support for innovative research training – provide exceptional opportunities for highly motivated individuals who can demonstrate strong potential for PhD study, including opportunities for collaboration. These studentships are open to both home and international applicants. Successful applicants for the studentship will be invited to join the Stuart Hall Foundation Peer Network where they can benefit from its programme, which includes regular events and opportunities to develop their career and research profile.

A Masters degree is not a prerequisite for applying to the Midlands Graduate School DTP, with some studentship awards specifically ring-fenced for students applying for funding straight from an undergraduate degree. As well as undergraduate candidates, Midlands Graduate School encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

Studentships are available as PhD-only funding, or with a Masters in Social Science Research included in the first year (1+3.5). Details of when Masters + PhD funding should be applied for, and when additional research training may be required as part of a PhD-only award, are available in the Guidance Notes. All studentships are also available on a full-time or part-time basis and are open to applicants straight from undergraduate study.

The closing date for completed studentship applications is midday (12pm GMT) on Tuesday 13 January 2026.

For more information on the Midlands Graduate School ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership and applying for funding, please visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk.