Middlesex University is inviting ambitious researchers from the UK and around the world to apply for fully-funded Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) PhD studentships beginning in October 2026. These prestigious awards, offered through the South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS), provide comprehensive funding, research training, and professional development opportunities for the next generation of social science scholars.

The studentships cover tuition fees, an annual maintenance stipend, and additional support for fieldwork, travel, and training. Applications close on 15 December 2025.

A Gateway to Transformative Research

Middlesex University is a proud member of SENSS, a Doctoral Training Partnership funded by the ESRC. The SENSS consortium brings together eight leading universities conducting internationally recognised research in the social sciences. Through this partnership, students benefit from access to advanced training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a wide professional network that extends beyond academia.

The university is seeking innovative and transformative research proposals rooted in economic, social, and business disciplines. Projects must align with one of the five SENSS thematic areas:

1. Sustainability and Climate Change

2. Health, Well-being, and Social Care

3. Justice, Institutions, and Social Change

4. Resolving Uncertainty and Addressing Crises

5. Advanced Methods for Social and Economic Research

These themes reflect areas of pressing national and global importance, offering scholars the opportunity to produce impactful research that informs real-world change.

Programme Details and Funding

Successful applicants will begin their studies on 1 October 2026 at Middlesex University’s London campus. SENSS studentships are available in two flexible pathways:

• +3.5 Studentship: PhD plus a mandatory three-month placement

• +4.5 Studentship: Master’s plus PhD programme with integrated training and placement

Both full-time and part-time applications are welcome, and current PhD students who will have at least 50% of their research period remaining by October 2026 may also apply.

Each studentship includes:

• Full tuition fee coverage (UK and international students)

• A maintenance stipend of £22,780 per year for 2025–26 (including London weighting, with annual increases)

• Additional funding for fieldwork, conference attendance, and research training

• Support for language development, travel, and placements

• Tailored research methods training and supervision by leading experts

• Accessibility funding for students with disabilities

International applicants awarded a SENSS studentship will receive a waiver for international tuition fees, ensuring equal access to this funding opportunity.

Eligibility Criteria

The SENSS ESRC PhD studentships are open to UK, EU, and international applicants who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong research vision.

Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications:

• A 2:1 or higher undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) and a relevant master’s degree for +3.5 PhD applications

• A 2:1 or higher undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) for +4.5 master’s plus PhD applications

Students who have already begun doctoral studies may still apply, provided that at least half of their fundable period of study remains at the time of the award. The SENSS partnership also accommodates flexible training durations (+3.75, +4, or +4.25 years) depending on the applicant’s academic background and research needs.

How to Apply

There is a two-stage application process:

1. Apply to Middlesex University for a place in the PhD programme, indicating that you are also applying for a SENSS studentship. Applications must be submitted by Monday 15 December 2025 at 12:00 PM (UK time).

2. Apply to SENSS for the ESRC studentship. SENSS applications open 1 October 2025 and close on Wednesday 14 January 2026 at 12:00 PM (UK time).

Before submitting your application, prospective candidates should review the SENSS website, familiarize themselves with eligibility criteria, and contact a potential supervisor at Middlesex University to discuss their proposed research project.

Why Apply

Pursuing a PhD through the SENSS Doctoral Training Partnership provides not only academic excellence but also a strong foundation for career development. Fellows benefit from:

• Interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship from world-class scholars

• Opportunities to engage with non-academic partners and apply research in real-world settings

• A supportive research community within a globally connected institution

This is an exceptional opportunity for researchers ready to advance social science knowledge and tackle the defining challenges of our time.

For further information, visit the Middlesex University SENSS page or contact the Doctoral Research Office.

For more opportunities visit the Opportunities For Youth page.