University of Sussex PhD Scholarship in Economics 2026 – Fully Funded

Applications are now open for the Digit PhD Studentship in Economics at the University of Sussex, focusing on The Impact of Digital Transformation on Skills, Wages, and Career Trajectories in the United Kingdom. This is a fully funded PhD opportunity (covering full tuition fees for up to 4 years — open to both UK/Home and International students — plus a generous annual stipend). It is part of the ESRC Centre for Digital Futures at Work (Digit) and the Economics PhD programme at the University of Sussex Business School, with entry in 2026.

The application deadline is 28 January 2026 at 17:00 (UK time). There is no application fee for this studentship application (submit via email as one PDF). This scholarship is ideal for those interested in labour economics, digital technologies’ effects on work, skills demand, wages, and policy, with opportunities for quantitative research, policymaker engagement, and a placement at the UK Low Pay Commission.

Key Details

• Programme: PhD in Economics
• Project Title: The Impact of Digital Transformation on Skills, Wages, and Career Trajectories in the United Kingdom
• Funding Body: ESRC via Digit Centre + University of Sussex
• Duration: Up to 4 years
• Start Date: 2026 (typically September/October)
• Location: University of Sussex, UK
• Funding Type: Fully funded (full tuition + stipend)
• Open To: UK (Home) and International students
• Application Fee: None
• Deadline: 28 January 2026, 17:00 UK time

What This Scholarship Offers

• Full coverage of tuition fees for up to 4 years (Home or International rate)
• Annual stipend equivalent to UKRI rate: £21,383 per year (for 2026/27 entry; subject to any final UKRI confirmation)
• Access to advanced training in quantitative methods through the SEDarc (South East Doctoral Training Arc) programme
• Placement opportunity with the UK Low Pay Commission
• Membership in the Digit Doctoral Network and early-career researcher support
• Engagement with policymakers on labour market issues
• Integration into research networks and forums at Sussex Business School

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Eligibility Criteria

• A Master’s degree in Economics or a closely related field (completed or in progress), with at least a Merit (60% or equivalent non-UK grade)
• Proof of English language proficiency meeting University of Sussex requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
• Open to both UK and International applicants (no nationality restrictions)
• Strong interest in labour economics, digital transformation, skills, wages, or related areas

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Details of the Project

Project Title: The Impact of Digital Transformation on Skills, Wages, and Career Trajectories in the United Kingdom
Supervisors:

• Prof Richard Dickens
• Dr Wenchao Jin (Economics, University of Sussex)

This PhD project investigates how the spread of advanced digital technologies (e.g., AI, automation, robotics, and digital platforms) is reshaping the UK labour market. Key focus areas include:

• Why employers face persistent shortages of workers with advanced digital skills, even as overall educational levels rise and young graduates struggle in the job market
• How technology adoption changes the demand for specific skills and competencies
• The effects on individual wages, career progression, and long-term employment trajectories
• Variations across sectors, regions, and industries — and how differences in workforce composition, industrial structure, and access to skills training create inequalities in pay and job opportunities
• Use of rich quantitative and administrative datasets, including the Digit Employers’ Survey and other large-scale sources

You are invited to propose your own research angle within this theme — making it a flexible opportunity to contribute original insights to labour economics and debates on the future of work.

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How to Apply

Submit your application as one single PDF file by email to Professor Richard Dickens at [email protected] before the deadline.

Required documents:

• Statement of interest (maximum 1 page): Explain why you want this studentship and project
• Research proposal outline (1-2 pages): Describe your proposed research focus within the project theme
• CV (2-3 pages)
• Degree transcripts and certificates
• One piece of written work (e.g., essay, dissertation, or project from your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree)
• Names and contact details for two academic referees

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Successful applicants will then need to formally apply to the PhD programme at the University of Sussex (no separate fee).

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