NWSSDTP Opens 2026 Funding Competition for Postgraduate Studentships

North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) Opens 2026 Funding Competition for Postgraduate Studentships

The North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) has officially opened its annual postgraduate studentship competition for the 2026 academic year, offering an opportunity for aspiring researchers to access fully funded support for master’s and doctoral-level study. Applications are now being accepted from candidates across partner institutions and subject pathways, with a submission deadline set for 5:00 p.m. on February 2, 2026.

The NWSSDTP, which is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), provides financial and academic support to students pursuing research across a range of social science disciplines. Successful applicants will receive comprehensive funding packages that include payment of Home tuition fees, a generous annual maintenance stipend of £20,780 for full-time students (or £10,390 for part-time students in the 2025/26 academic year), as well as access to research and travel grants. These grants cover essential research costs through the Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) and offer opportunities to apply for additional funding for fieldwork, internships, and overseas institutional visits.

Candidates may apply for funding for combined master’s and doctoral study or doctoral study only, but the NWSSDTP does not fund standalone master’s programmes. Applications must be submitted through one of the NWSSDTP’s designated subject pathways, each of which includes eligible programmes and institutions. The list of pathways and detailed eligibility information can be found on the NWSSDTP’s website. The partnership also welcomes applications from candidates interested in part-time study, ensuring accessibility and flexibility across all institutions and subject areas.

To apply, prospective candidates are required to complete the NWSSDTP Standard Studentship Application Form and the accompanying Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, both of which are available in Word and PDF formats. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the NWSSDTP Standard Studentship Guidance before submission to ensure they meet all academic and administrative requirements.

In addition to the general competition, the NWSSDTP has reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusion through its Global Majority Commitment and Directed Studentships initiative. In alignment with the consortium’s equity and representation values, two studentships are ring-fenced each year for Black British applicants and two for Asian British applicants. Moreover, at least 20% of all studentships will be awarded to candidates who identify as being from Global Majority backgrounds, whether British or international. This initiative underscores the partnership’s ongoing efforts to diversify postgraduate research communities within UK higher education.

The NWSSDTP has also highlighted its Priority Areas for the 2026 funding cycle, as designated by the ESRC. Each year, nine “steered awards” are allocated to proposals that align with these thematic areas. The current Priority Areas include:

• Advanced Quantitative Methods (3 awards)

• Data Skills (3 awards)

• Interdisciplinary research that crosses research council remits (3 awards)

Applicants whose research proposals align with one or more of these priority areas are encouraged to indicate this within their applications, as alignment may enhance their competitiveness during the selection process.

To support prospective applicants, the NWSSDTP provides a wide range of online resources and examples. These include sample successful applications, guidance on preparing strong statements, and example referee references available on the NWSSDTP website. Furthermore, a dedicated applicant workshop for 2026 entry was held in October 2025, specifically designed to assist individuals from groups traditionally under-represented in doctoral research—such as Global Majority candidates, disabled students, first-generation scholars, and those returning to education after a long break. The workshop recording remains available via YouTube, and participants have access to a follow-up drop-in session in late November for additional guidance.

The NWSSDTP’s inclusive approach reflects its mission to foster a research environment that values diversity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and methodological innovation. By combining financial support with professional development opportunities, the partnership aims to cultivate the next generation of social science researchers equipped to address complex global and societal challenges.

Prospective candidates are strongly advised to begin preparing their applications early to allow sufficient time for review by their School Postgraduate Research (PGR) Administrators before the February 2, 2026 deadline. Detailed information on eligible pathways, application documentation, and guidance materials can be found on the NWSSDTP’s official website at www.nwssdtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply/.