The Midlands Graduate School (MGS) ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is now inviting applications for fully funded Masters and PhD studentships for October 2026 entry. This prestigious program offers aspiring researchers across the social sciences an opportunity to pursue postgraduate study at one of eight leading UK universities, with full financial support that includes tuition fees, a living stipend, and a research training grant.

If you hold a Bachelor’s degree, you can apply directly for this scholarship — no prior Master’s degree is required. The MGS DTP provides several funding routes, including the popular 1+3.5 pathway, which covers one year of Master’s study in Social Science Research followed by a three-and-a-half-year PhD program.

The application deadline is Tuesday, 13 January 2026 at 12:00 GMT, and successful applicants will begin their studies in October 2026.

What the Scholarship Covers

All successful candidates will receive a full award, which includes:

• Tuition fees paid directly to the host university.

• A maintenance stipend of £19,237 per year (2024/25 rate).

• Access to a research training grant and professional development support.

Both home and international students are eligible to apply. Up to 30% of the total awards will be offered to international applicants each year. Importantly, most partner universities cover the difference between home and international tuition fees, ensuring that international scholars can study without additional financial burden.

Participating institutions include:

• Aston University

• University of Birmingham

• De Montfort University

• University of Leicester

• Loughborough University

• University of Nottingham

• Nottingham Trent University

• University of Warwick

About the Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP

The Midlands Graduate School is a consortium of eight universities working together to deliver world-class training in the social sciences. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the DTP awards a significant number of studentships every year to outstanding applicants pursuing both disciplinary and interdisciplinary research.

Applicants can choose from 17 training pathways, covering fields such as sociology, economics, education, psychology, politics, and more. Each pathway is designed to equip students with advanced research skills and connect them to a network of academic mentors, professional development programs, and collaborative opportunities.

Some studentships will also be project-led, meaning applicants can apply for pre-defined research projects in collaboration with external partners. Details of these collaborative and strategic joint studentships will be announced in January and February 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold at least an upper-second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent.

• Propose a research project that falls at least 51% within the ESRC’s scientific remit (social sciences).

• Be eligible for home or international student status under UK funding rules.

• Apply full-time or part-time (distance learning programs are not eligible).

• Not already hold a PhD or be receiving equivalent funding from another source.

Applicants may apply directly after undergraduate studies, and several awards are specifically reserved for first-generation and undergraduate-only applicants. Read more here.

How to Apply

The process consists of three main steps:

1. Select a Training Pathway and University
   Review the list of available pathways and institutions on the MGS DTP website to identify which aligns with your research interests. You may only apply to one pathway at one institution.

2. Apply for Admission to the University
   Submit a PhD admission application to your chosen university by 1 December 2025. You do not need to hold an offer at this stage, but your application must be submitted before you apply for funding.

3. Apply for the ESRC Studentship
   Complete the MGS DTP online funding application through your chosen university’s page. You will need to provide a research proposal, transcripts, references, and a supporting statement from your prospective lead supervisor.

Applications close on 13 January 2026 (12:00 GMT). Results will be announced in mid-April 2026. Click here for more information.

Why Apply

The Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP offers a life-changing opportunity for aspiring social scientists—especially first-generation students and international scholars—to gain world-class research training in the UK. With generous funding, tailored supervision, and access to an extensive academic network, successful applicants will be well-prepared to contribute to global debates on social change, policy, and innovation.

For full details, eligibility guidance, and access to application materials, visit the official Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP website.

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