2026 Fully Funded SENSS PhD Studentships – UK Opportunity
The South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) in the UK is offering fully funded PhD studentships beginning October 2026. Open to UK and international applicants, this is a chance to pursue top-level social science research across eight universities and multiple interdisciplinary themes.
Quick Insight: These studentships cover full tuition, living stipends, research training, and fieldwork support, enabling scholars to focus on research without financial burden.
1. Key Benefits
• Full tuition fees are paid for the entire duration of the PhD.
• A living stipend of approximately £20,780 per year, with an extra £2,000 per year if studying at a London-based university.
• Additional funds for research training, overseas study or fieldwork, language training, and placements.
• Flexible structure: +3.5 years for PhD alone, or +4.5 years for a combined Master’s + PhD pathway, depending on qualifications and research plans.
2. Eligible Universities & Themes
• Universities participating include Middlesex; City & St George’s, London; University of East Anglia; University of Essex; Cranfield; Goldsmiths, University of London; University of Lincoln; University of Roehampton.
• Six research themes are supported: Sustainability & Climate Change; Health, Well-being & Social Care; Justice, Institutions & Social Change; Digital Social Sciences; Resolving Uncertainty & Addressing Crises; Advanced Methods for Social & Economic Research.
3. Who Can Apply & Requirements
• Open to applicants from all nationalities.
• If applying for the +3.5-year PhD only route, a Master’s or equivalent qualification is required (or strong research experience).
• For the +4.5-year Master’s + PhD route, applicants need qualifications or experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree.
• Current PhD students may be eligible if having at least 50% of their research period remaining by 1 October 2026.
• Identify a suitable supervisor in one of the SENSS universities whose research interest aligns with your proposed topic.
4. Application & Deadlines
• The studentship competition opens in October 2025.
• For Middlesex University applicants, the internal PhD admission application closes 15 December 2025.
• The SENSS funding application deadline is **14 January 2026 at 12:00 PM GMT**.
• The award start date is slated for 1 October 2026.
