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- Tasks: Engage in transformative social science research to tackle real-world challenges.
- Company: Join the prestigious ESRC White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD opportunities with a competitive stipend and research support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on society while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: First-class or upper second-class honours degree required.
- Other info: Collaborate with top universities and experts across various disciplines.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 £ per year.
Are you passionate about solving real-world challenges through social science research? The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP) is opening its doors for 2026/27 entry, inviting ambitious international scholars to pursue funded PhDs at the University of Leeds and partner universities across Northern England. This opportunity empowers exceptional minds to explore transformative questions about society, economy, technology, and environment—all while being fully supported by the UK’s premier research council.
About the Program
The ESRC, the UK’s largest funding body for social and economic research, supports world-class doctoral training. Through the White Rose DTP collaboration, universities including Leeds, Sheffield, York, Bradford, Hull, Sheffield Hallam, and Manchester Metropolitan offer research pathways that shape future policymakers, economists, educators, and social innovators. The program welcomes applications from both UK and international candidates (including EU nationals). With multiple fully funded PhD studentships available, this initiative aims to train the next generation of researchers capable of addressing the world’s most pressing social challenges.
White Rose Studentship Funding Package
Successful candidates receive full financial support:
- Tuition Fees – Covered at standard UKRI rates.
- Annual Stipend – £20,780 for 2025/26 (subject to annual increase).
- Research Training Support Grant – Covers travel, data collection, and research-related costs.
Please note: international students must self-fund relocation, visa, and health-related costs.
Available Studentships
Applicants can choose from a range of flexible award structures:
- 1+3.5 Studentships – One year of Master’s training followed by 3.5 years of PhD research.
- +3.5 Studentships – Direct PhD funding for 3.5 years (for those with a strong social science Master’s background).
- +3.75 Studentships – Integrated PGCert/PhD pathway (for candidates with partial research training).
Special awards include:
- WRDTP Pathway Studentships – Develop your own research proposal within a thematic pathway.
- Advanced Quantitative Methods Studentships (up to 2) – For data-driven social science research using cutting-edge quantitative tools.
- Advanced Data Analytics Awards (up to 2) – For researchers using big data and novel analytical techniques.
- WRDTP/Stuart Hall Foundation Studentships (up to 2) – Dedicated to Black British scholars to promote diversity in research.
- Collaborative Studentships – Joint projects between academia and external organizations (details coming Spring 2026).
Where You Can Study?
The University of Leeds offers diverse research areas across:
- Institute for Transport Studies
- School of Computer Science
- School of Earth and Environment
- School of Education
- School of Law
- School of History
- School of Media and Communication
- School of Politics and International Studies
- School of Sociology and Social Policy
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, among others.
This interdisciplinary setup means you’ll work alongside experts across the social sciences and collaborate with researchers shaping global policy.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must hold a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent). English proficiency requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. International degrees are accepted if equivalent to UK standards.
When to Apply?
Applicants interested in the ESRC White Rose DTP Studentships 2026/27 should first submit their PhD program application (Stage 1) by 7 January 2026 to ensure eligibility for the funding round. The studentship application (Stage 2) must then be completed and submitted by Wednesday, 21 January 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (UK Time). The final results will be announced between mid and end of April 2026, giving candidates time to prepare for their research journey. Successful applicants will begin their funding from Thursday, 1 October 2026, while those undertaking the 1+3.5 awards will start their program in September 2026.
ESRC White Rose DTP Studentships 2026 Available employer: Daadscholarship group
Contact Detail:
Daadscholarship group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land ESRC White Rose DTP Studentships 2026 Available
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with current students and faculty at the universities you're interested in. They can provide insider info and might even give you a heads-up on opportunities before they’re publicly announced.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your research proposal sorted! Tailor it to align with the themes of the White Rose DTP. Make sure it’s clear, concise, and showcases your passion for tackling real-world challenges through social science.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated! Follow the ESRC White Rose DTP on X (formerly Twitter) for the latest news and tips. Engaging with their posts can also help you get noticed by the selection committee.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to make your submission stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace ESRC White Rose DTP Studentships 2026 Available
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Programme: Before you start writing, take some time to really understand the ESRC White Rose DTP programme. Familiarise yourself with the research areas and funding structures so you can tailor your application to show how you fit in perfectly!
Craft a Compelling Research Proposal: Your research proposal is your chance to shine! Make sure it’s clear, concise, and showcases your passion for social science research. Highlight how your work can address real-world challenges and align with the programme's goals.
Show Off Your Academic Achievements: Don’t be shy about your academic background! Clearly outline your qualifications, including your degree and any relevant experience. This is your moment to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready for this exciting opportunity.
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready to submit your application, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Daadscholarship group
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the specific research areas offered by the ESRC White Rose DTP. Familiarise yourself with the faculty members and their work, especially those whose interests align with yours. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you articulate how your research proposal fits within their framework.
✨Prepare Your Proposal
Craft a clear and concise research proposal that highlights your unique perspective on social science challenges. Be ready to discuss your methodology and how it aligns with the funding priorities of the ESRC. Practising this will help you communicate your ideas confidently during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for social science research shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that led you to pursue this path. This connection can make a lasting impression on the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to making an impact.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the programme, such as opportunities for collaboration or support for international students. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the programme is the right fit for you. Plus, it opens up a dialogue that can make the interview feel more like a conversation.