The University of Sussex is offering ESRC-funded studentships through the South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) partnership, available across Social Sciences PhD programmes starting in September 2026.<\/p>\n
SEDarc provides a transformative research training experience combining high-level academic training, a 3-month funded placement, and interdisciplinary research focused on major social challenges.<\/p>\n
Full tuition fees (UK or International rate)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Annual stipend of \u00a320,780 (UKRI rate)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Research and training expenses (e.g. conferences, fieldwork, placements)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
A funded 3-month placement<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Professional training: 200 hours per year<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
PhD duration: up to 3.5 years (or 4.5 years for Masters + PhD route)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Note:<\/strong> The scholarship does not cover relocation, visa, or NHS surcharge fees.<\/p>\n Applicants must align their projects with one of five challenge-led themes:<\/p>\n Living Sustainably<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Healthy Thriving Communities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Inclusive Economic Growth<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Secure, Effective and Trusted Institutions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Transformative Technologies for Society<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Projects involving Advanced Data Skills or Advanced Quantitative Methods are especially encouraged.<\/p>\n Open to UK and International students<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Applicants must hold (or be expecting) at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree<\/p>\n<\/li>\n PhD applicants should also hold a Social Sciences Master\u2019s degree<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Those without a Master\u2019s must apply for the Masters + PhD combined route<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Part-time study available (pro-rata funding for 6 years)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Apply for a PhD at the University of Sussex by 11 December 2025 (16:00).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Upload:<\/p>\n Completed SEDarc Application Form (available soon)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Detailed research proposal (max. 2,000 words)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Academic transcripts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Two references<\/p>\n<\/li>\n CV<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Indicate SEDarc \u2013 ESRC-funded Scholarship<\/strong> as your source of funding.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n For queries or confirmation, email pgr-scholarships@sussex.ac.uk<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n SEDarc is committed to equity and inclusion. Up to three awards are reserved each year for UK students of Black or Asian ethnicity, groups currently underrepresented at doctoral level.<\/p>\n Join the Applicant Webinar on Wednesday, 8 October 2025 | 14:30 \u2013 15:30 (UK time)
\nResearch Themes<\/h2>\n
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\nWho Can Apply<\/h2>\n
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\nKey Dates<\/h2>\n
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\n \nStage<\/th>\n Date<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Application deadline<\/td>\n 11 December 2025 (16:00 UK time)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Shortlisted applicants notified<\/td>\n 30 January 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Final results<\/td>\n End of March 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Programme starts<\/td>\n September 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nHow to Apply<\/h2>\n
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\nDiversity Commitment<\/h2>\n
\nLearn More<\/h2>\n
Book your place here<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\nReady to Apply?<\/h2>\n