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ESRC PhD Studentships at Middlesex University 2026

Applications are open for the SENSS ESRC PhD Studentships at Middlesex University. These awards support postgraduate researchers in the social sciences and offer full funding for students beginning their programme in October 2026. The studentships are backed by the South and East Network for Social Sciences and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. They support research that addresses important issues such as sustainability, public health, social justice, and the development of advanced research methods.

The opportunity is open to applicants from the United Kingdom and beyond. It also includes students who are already enrolled in a PhD, provided they will have at least half of their study remaining by October 2026. The funding covers tuition fees and provides a yearly stipend. For 2025–26, the stipend is set at £22,780 with London weighting, and it will be updated for the 2026 academic year. Middlesex University does not charge an application fee, and SENSS does not charge one either, which allows applicants to apply without added financial burden.

The application deadline for the Middlesex PhD programme is 15 December 2025. The second step, which is the SENSS ESRC funding application, closes on 14 January 2026. Both dates fall at noon UK time. These timelines give applicants enough room to prepare strong research proposals and supporting documents.

Key Information

Start Date

1 October 2026

Location

Middlesex University, London Campus

Programme Routes

+3.5 years

PhD plus a three-month placement+4.5 years

Master’s, PhD, and placement for applicants who need additional training

Mode of Study

Full-time or part-time

Funding

Fully funded. Tuition fees and an annual stipend. The 2025–26 stipend is £22,780 and includes London weighting.

Eligibility

Open to home and international applicants. Current PhD students may apply if they have at least half of their programme remaining by the start date.

Deadlines

Middlesex PhD application: 15 December 2025, 12:00 PM UK time

SENSS funding application: 14 January 2026, 12:00 PM UK time

Research Themes

Uncertainty and crisis
Sustainability
Health and wellbeing
Justice and social change
Advanced social and economic research methods

Supported Disciplines

Fields across the social sciences. Examples include Sociology, Law, Economics, Criminology, and related areas.

Benefits of a SENSS ESRC Studentship

These studentships offer strong academic, financial, and professional advantages. They allow researchers to pursue their work in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Full Financial Support

The award covers the full cost of tuition and provides a yearly stipend. This makes the programme accessible to candidates who might not otherwise afford postgraduate study in London.

Supervision by Leading Scholars

Students work closely with experienced academics whose research interests align with their projects. This mentorship guides the development of strong, original research.

Research Training

Students receive training tailored to their academic background and research needs. This includes methods workshops and professional development opportunities.

Interdisciplinary Focus

Many projects cross subject boundaries, allowing candidates to explore solutions to issues that span society, policy, and the environment.

Placement Opportunities

A three-month placement helps students apply their research in practical settings. These placements may be with public organisations, business groups, nonprofits, or research bodies.

Additional Support

Funding is available for conference travel, fieldwork, overseas study visits, and language training. Students with disabilities may receive further support. International students also receive an exemption from international tuition fees.

Flexible Pathways to Suit Different Backgrounds

SENSS provides several training routes to support a wide range of applicants.

+3.5 Years

For applicants with a relevant master’s degree. This route focuses on PhD study and the placement period.

+4.5 Years

For applicants with an undergraduate degree but without a research-focused master’s qualification. This pathway includes a year of master’s study.

Custom Durations

Some students may be offered slightly longer pathways such as +3.75, +4, or +4.25 years if their training needs call for it. Those already enrolled in a PhD may be eligible if they have at least half of their programme remaining by the start date. Students funded part-time may shift to full-time work, with funding adjusted accordingly.

Eligibility Requirements

Home and International Applicants

Both groups may apply. International students benefit from a fee exemption, which places them on equal footing with UK students.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must show evidence of strong academic performance.

For the +4.5 route, a minimum 2:1 honours degree is required. For the +3.5 route, applicants must hold a 2:1 honours degree and a relevant master’s degree. Projects should be based mainly in the social sciences.

Main Research Themes

SENSS supports research in areas that respond to national and global concerns.

Uncertainty and Crises

Research may focus on political instability, economic change, or rapid technological shifts.

Sustainability

Topics include climate change, resource management, environmental policy, and sustainable development.

Health and Wellbeing

Projects may explore healthcare systems, social care, mental health, or population health trends.

Justice and Social Change

Research might examine legal systems, policing, human rights, or community change.

Advanced Research Methods

Students may develop new tools or approaches that improve social and economic research.

Supported disciplines range from Environmental Studies to Business, Law, Politics, Social Policy, Sociology, and Criminology.

How to Apply

The application involves two distinct steps.

Step One

Submit an application to Middlesex University for the PhD programme. You must indicate your interest in a SENSS ESRC studentship. The deadline is 15 December 2025 at noon UK time.

Step Two

Apply to SENSS for ESRC funding. This application opens on 1 October 2025 and closes on 14 January 2026 at noon. Candidates must prepare a research proposal and supporting documents that meet SENSS requirements.

Applicants are advised to start preparing early. A strong proposal, clear research aims, and evidence of suitable academic preparation increase the likelihood of success.

Research Support at Middlesex University

Middlesex University offers a strong research environment that supports academic growth.

Graduate School

The Graduate School provides events, training sessions, writing workshops, and opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange.

Research Centres

Students may work with centres such as the Centre for Abuse and Trauma Studies, the Centre for Enterprise, Environment and Development Research, the Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre, the Flood Hazard Research Centre, and the Social Policy Research Centre.

Research Groups

These groups focus on areas such as business ethics, gender studies, human rights, and sustainable development.

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ESRC PhD Studentships Middlesex University PhD

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ESRC PhD Studentships at Middlesex University 2026