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- Tasks: Engage in interdisciplinary research combining computational science and social science challenges.
- Company: Swansea University, a leading institution in innovative research.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD with tax-free stipend and research training support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on society by exploring human behaviour through digital analytics.
- Qualifications: Honours degree or master's level qualifications; non-traditional backgrounds welcome.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for home and international students.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 £ per year.
Organisation/Company Swansea University Department Central Research Field Computer science Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 11 Dec 2025 – 23:59 (Europe/London) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number RS886 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
This pathway is looking for students and applications that are interested in pursuing interdisciplinary projects incorporating elements of computational science methodologies in the context of social science challenges spanning the remits of the UK Research Institute’s ESRC and EPSRC. The pathway is seeking to develop expertise in researching human behaviour, combining advanced quantitative and digital analytical methods, applied to data generated through digital footprints, with qualitative research on interaction in on-line spaces. Projects should include some strategies ranging from the analysis of social media posts to the passive capture of movements via accelerometer data and evaluate how current and emerging socio-technical systems respond to and influence situated particulars in human-algorithm interaction. Furthermore, projects that at how the desire for new ways of expressing economic and social needs can drive developments in digital technology and their applications is similarly in scope. Substantive areas of focus for projects include: problems of health and social care; constrained communities; business and innovation; cyber security; and crime and safety.
Students benefit from co-supervision by multidisciplinary teams within HEIs and between them. The pathway is supported by departments: Social Sciences (Cardiff); Computer Science; Law (Swansea, with funding from Innovate UK and NIHR); and by centres: Computational Foundry; EPSRC EPIC CDT (Swansea); Social Data Science Lab and Hate Lab (both ESRC data investments); and the Digital Transformation Institute (Cardiff). It continues the successful collaboration between Cardiff and Swansea in DTP2
To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equal to an honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters from a UK academic research organisation. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.
Note for international and European applicants: details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on our Country Specific Entry Requirements page.
studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.
Additional Information
The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £20,780 for 2025/26) and includes a Research Training Support Grant.
To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equal to an honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters from a UK academic research organisation. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.
Note for international and European applicants: details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on our Country Specific Entry Requirements page.
studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.
Selection process
Please see our website for more information.
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Fully funded PhD Scholarship in the ESRC Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) [...] employer: Swansea University
Contact Detail:
Swansea University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fully funded PhD Scholarship in the ESRC Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) [...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty at Swansea University. They can give you the inside scoop on what the programme is really like and might even help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into your research interests. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with the interdisciplinary projects mentioned in the job description. Show us your passion for combining computational science with social challenges!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! Follow Swansea University’s social media channels and participate in discussions. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you stay updated on any events or opportunities that could boost your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Use our website to apply! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to make your application stand out. Let’s get you that scholarship!
We think you need these skills to ace Fully funded PhD Scholarship in the ESRC Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) [...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the interdisciplinary projects mentioned in the job description. We want to see your passion for combining computational science with social science challenges!
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly outline your qualifications or experience that meet the requirements for the studentship funding. If you have a non-traditional background, don’t hesitate to explain how it has prepared you for this opportunity. We value diverse experiences!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and make sure your ideas flow logically. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swansea University
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific research areas mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with interdisciplinary projects that combine computational science and social sciences, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the methodologies used in current projects or how the multidisciplinary teams collaborate. It shows you’re engaged and eager to learn more about the environment you’ll be working in.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your qualifications and experiences that align with the requirements. Highlight any relevant projects or research you've done, especially those involving quantitative and digital analytical methods, as these are key for this position.
✨Practice Your Presentation
If you have to present your research ideas or past work, practice makes perfect! Make sure you can clearly articulate your thoughts and findings, as effective communication is crucial in a research setting.
