SWDTP opportunities

Fully funded PhD studentships in social sciences at the 91porn
South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) logo
There are opportunities to apply for fully-funded PhD studentships in a range of disciplines at the 91porn.
Funded by the ESRC’s , these studentships cover tuition fees, a stipend and bench fees.
The closing date for applications is Friday 9 January 2026 at 12:00 (noon) GMT.

Applications for September/October 2026 entry are now open

The closing date for applications is Friday 9 January 2026 at 12:00 (noon) GMT.
 

About the SWDTP

The is one of the largest doctoral training providers for social scientists in the UK. This strategic partnership is formed by the Universities of 91porn, Bristol, Bath, Exeter, UWE, Bath Spa, 91porn Marjon and Bournemouth and brings together social science academic leaders across our 18 disciplinary and interdisciplinary pathways, and representing one of the largest groupings of social scientists in the country.
The SWDTP has been accredited by the to offer a hub of world-class social sciences research, and has been allocated 34 ESRC studentships annually. It is part of a national network that is training a new generation of social scientists.
The standard funding offer for PhD studentships (excluding any masters year) is typically three years and three months plus three months ‘Research in Practice’, although this will end sooner if the student completes and submits their thesis for examination well ahead of their funded period.
Where a student comes to the SWDTP with a prior masters or equivalent professional experience but where that does not fully meet the ESRC’s training requirements set out in (2022), then the student is required to undertake ‘top up’ training during their PhD, which may extend the length of the funding. The need for any ‘top up’ training is determined from ongoing Development Needs Analysis (DNA), beginning at the point of application.
The expectation is that you complete all assessment associated with these programmes and modules and pass them in the time frame specified at a minimum of your institutional pass mark, if a Masters is required, or the institutional pass mark per module, if standalone training has been specified as a condition of continued funding. This must be completed in the first year of your PhD, or part time equivalent, unless specifically stated otherwise.
It supports doctoral students by developing not only their research skills, but by offering a wide range of training, placements, activities and events as well. Working in a collaborative way across the five institutions to form part of your cohort.
Hand holding mobile phone