Apply now for the ESRC Studentships at Middlesex University. This fully funded PhD Studentship offers tuition, stipend, and research support for social science scholars.

The ESRC Studentship opportunities at Middlesex University represent one of the most prestigious and comprehensive doctoral funding options in the UK. These fully funded PhD Studentships are part of the South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS), supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

This article explores what the Studentship offers, who can apply, and why this opportunity is a powerful path for those pursuing advanced research in the social sciences.

What the SENSS ESRC Studentship Offers

Middlesex University is a proud member of the SENSS consortium, a group of eight universities engaged in world-class social science research. Through this collaboration, Middlesex provides ESRC Studentships that combine financial support, advanced training, and real-world placements.

A SENSS Studentship covers:

• Full tuition fees (including international fee exemption)

• A generous annual stipend of around £22,780 (with London weighting)

• Funding for fieldwork, research travel, conferences, and language training

• Supervision by leading experts and structured research methods courses

The Studentship model allows flexibility: you can pursue a +3.5-year PhD Studentship or a +4.5-year Master’s plus PhD Studentship, depending on your previous qualifications. Each Studentship includes a compulsory 3-month placement, ensuring that academic research connects with real-world challenges.

Start date: 1 October 2026
Application deadline for Middlesex: 15 December 2025
SENSS funding deadline: 14 January 2026

Learn more on the official Middlesex ESRC Studentships page.

7 Key Features and Benefits of the ESRC Studentships

1. Fully Funded for All Applicants

Every Studentship is fully funded, covering tuition and living expenses. International applicants also receive a waiver for overseas fees, making this one of the most inclusive PhD Studentships in the UK.

2. Substantial Stipend and Additional Support

Each ESRC Studentship provides a competitive stipend and additional research funds to support fieldwork, training, and placements, ensuring candidates can focus fully on their research.

3. Flexible Pathways for Entry

Depending on your academic background, you can apply for a PhD-only Studentship (+3.5 years) or a Master’s plus PhD Studentship (+4.5 years). SENSS also offers intermediate routes (+3.75, +4, or +4.25 years) based on training needs.

4. Eligibility for Current PhD Students

If you are already studying for a PhD and have completed less than 50% of your course by 1 October 2026, you may still be eligible for a SENSS Studentship at Middlesex University.

5. Interdisciplinary and Thematic Focus

Your Studentship will be aligned with one of five SENSS research themes:

• 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

This ensures that each Studentship contributes to work of national and international significance.

6. Research Training and Placements

Every ESRC Studentship integrates professional training, research development, and a three-month non-academic placement — enabling you to apply your research skills in real settings.

7. Two-Stage Application Process

1. Apply to the Middlesex PhD programme, indicating your interest in the SENSS Studentship (by 15 December 2025).

2. Apply directly to SENSS for the ESRC award (by 14 January 2026).

This structured process ensures that all Studentship applications are reviewed both academically and thematically.

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify for an ESRC Studentship, applicants must:

• Hold (or expect to hold) at least a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent

• Demonstrate a strong background in social sciences or a related field

• Have at least 50% of fundable study time remaining (for current PhD students)

Research proposals must be primarily social science-focused (at least 50%).
More details are available on the Middlesex eligibility page.

Why Apply for a SENSS ESRC Studentship at Middlesex University

Few doctoral opportunities offer the same level of academic support, flexibility, and financial security as a SENSS ESRC Studentship. With a strong interdisciplinary culture, expert supervision, and access to vibrant research centres such as the Centre for Social and Criminological Research and the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), Middlesex provides an exceptional environment for growth.

Whether your interest lies in law, sociology, economics, or environmental studies, this Studentship offers you the tools, funding, and network to achieve meaningful research impact.

How to Begin

Visit the Middlesex University ESRC Studentships page to find detailed guidance on supervisors, themes, and how to apply.
Applications close 15 December 2025 (Middlesex) and 14 January 2026 (SENSS).

Apply here .

Final Note

The ESRC Studentship programme at Middlesex is not only a funding opportunity — it’s an invitation to join a global network of researchers shaping the future of the social sciences.

For more opportunities like this, visit our Opportunities page.