ESRC PhD Studentships at Middlesex University (Apply Now)

Applications are now open for the SENSS ESRC PhD Studentships at Middlesex University, offering fully funded opportunities for postgraduate research in the social sciences. These studentships, supported by the South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), are available for research addressing critical themes such as sustainability, health, justice, and more.

Open to both UK and international applicants, including current PhD students with at least 50% of their study remaining by 1 October 2026, the studentships cover tuition fees and provide a stipend (£22,780/year for 2025-26, to be updated for 2026). There is no application fee for applying to the Middlesex PhD programme or the SENSS studentship. Deadlines are 15 December 2025 for the Middlesex PhD application and 14 January 2026 for the SENSS funding application. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Start Date: 1 October 2026
• Location: London Campus
• Programme Type:
  • +3.5 years (PhD + 3-month placement)
  • +4.5 years (Master’s + PhD + 3-month placement)
• Mode of Study: Full-time or part-time
• Funding: Fully funded (tuition fees + stipend of £22,780/year for 2025-26, including London weighting, to be updated for 2026)
• Eligibility: UK and international applicants; current PhD students with ≥50% study remaining by 1 October 2026
• Application Fee: None
• Deadlines:
  • Middlesex PhD application: 15 December 2025, 12:00 PM UK time
  • SENSS funding application: 14 January 2026, 12:00 PM UK time
• Research Themes: Resolving uncertainty, sustainability, health, justice, advanced research methods
• Supported Disciplines: Social sciences (e.g., Sociology, Economics, Law, Criminology)

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Benefits of a SENSS Studentship

A SENSS ESRC studentship at Middlesex University provides:

• Full Funding: Covers tuition fees and a stipend (£22,780/year for 2025-26, including London weighting, to be updated for 2026)
• Expert Supervision: Work with internationally recognized researchers
• Tailored Training: Access to research methods training customized to your needs
• Interdisciplinary Focus: Research addressing key national and global challenges
• Placements: Opportunities to apply your research in real-world settings outside academia
• Additional Support:
  • Funds for fieldwork, conference attendance, language training, and overseas research visits
  • Extra support for students with disabilities
  • International students receive an exemption from international tuition fees

Flexible Pathways

SENSS offers flexible routes based on your background and research goals:

• +3.5 years: For applicants with a relevant master’s degree, covering a PhD and a 3-month placement
• +4.5 years: For those with an undergraduate degree, including a master’s followed by a PhD and a placement
• Custom Durations: Options like +3.75, +4, or +4.25 years may be offered based on training needs

If you’ve already started a PhD, you may still be eligible if at least 50% of your study period remains by 1 October 2026. Part-time students awarded funding can switch to full-time, with funding adjusted based on prior study time.

See also: Yenching Academy Scholarship in China (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria

• Home and International Applicants: Both are eligible
• Current PhD Students: Must have at least 50% of their programme remaining by 1 October 2026
• Academic Requirements:
  • +4.5 years (Master’s + PhD): Minimum 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent)
  • +3.5 years (PhD only): Minimum 2:1 honours degree and a relevant master’s degree
• Research must be predominantly in the social sciences (50% or more)

For detailed eligibility rules, visit the ESRC Studentship eligibility page.

Research Themes

SENSS funds research in five thematic areas addressing real-world challenges:

• Resolving uncertainty and addressing crises
• Sustainability and climate emergency
• Health, wellbeing, and social care
• Justice, institutions, and social change
• Advanced methods for social and economic research

Also check: France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program (2026)

Supported disciplines include:

• Earth Systems and Environmental Science
• Geography and Environmental Studies
• Economics and Econometrics
• Business and Management Studies
• Law
• Politics and International Studies
• Social Work and Social Policy
• Sociology
• Criminology

Also check: Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2026

How to Apply

The application process has two stages:

1. Apply to Middlesex University:
   • Submit your application for a PhD programme, indicating your interest in a SENSS studentship
   • Deadline: Monday, 15 December 2025, 12:00 PM UK time
2. Apply to SENSS for Funding:
   • Submit your ESRC studentship application through SENSS
   • Application Window: 1 October 2025 – 14 January 2026, 12:00 PM UK time

ALso check: Erasmus Mundus MESPOM Scholarship 2026-2028

Research Support at Middlesex

Middlesex fosters a collaborative research environment through:

• Graduate School: Offers academic and social events, a theory and methods hub, and a researcher development programme
• Research Centres: Engage with leading centres like:
  • Centre for Abuse and Trauma Studies (CATS)
  • Centre for Enterprise, Environment and Development Research (CEEDR)
  • Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (DARC)
  • European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC)
  • Flood Hazard Research Centre (FHRC)
  • Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC)
• Research Groups: Focus on areas like Business Ethics, Gender and Diversity, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development
• Academic Departments: Participate in events hosted by departments such as Accounting, Finance and Economics, Law and Social Sciences, and more