Each year the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funds a number of scholarships for research in the social sciences, via the South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) partnership.
Potential IDS PhD researchers can apply via our partner the University of Sussex but should note that the usual January deadline for applications has been brought forward to 16:00, Friday 13 December.
As an IDS PhD researcher, you will join a thriving research community comprising more than 70 research staff and 50 postgraduate researchers. You will have access to research and teaching opportunities, as well as a substantial series of seminars presented by leading development professionals and practitioners.
Find out more about our Research Fellows and their interests here.
About the scholarship
SEDarc researchers must propose a research project around one of their five interdisciplinary themes addressing major social sciences challenges:
- Living Sustainably
- Healthy Thriving Communities
- Inclusive Economic Growth
- Secure, Effective and Trusted Institutions
- Transformative Technologies for Society
This year SEDarc is particularly keen to fund projects involving Advanced Data Skills and Advanced Qualitative Methods and there is more information on these priorities in the Applicant Guidance.
Deadline
16:00 on Friday 13 December 2024
How to apply
If you wish to apply for an ESRC SEDarc studentship you must apply for a place on a PhD course at IDS (via our partner the University of Sussex here) by the above deadline.
If you already have an offer in place for a September 2025 start, then please complete the application form (follow this link and download the attachment at the bottom of the page) and upload to your Sussex application via pg apply but also email [email protected] to inform them that you have applied.
You should indicate in the Sources of Funding section of the application that you are applying to SEDarc for a fully funded scholarship and upload the following attachments to the online portal:
- The SEDarc application form (available to download at the bottom of this page). The main part of this is your detailed research proposal where you must describe your proposal in a way that could be read by a general academic audience in a maximum of 2,000 words. Your proposal should follow this structure: i) research background and fit to the selected challenge-led theme; ii) research questions and aims; iii) research plan (including methods); iv) proposed impact; v) proposed timeline. Supervisors of shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete the supervisor statement so this section can be left blank.
- Current degree transcript(s) with full details of performance on all completed courses.
- Two academic references.
- An up-to-date CV.
- A guidance document for applicants is also available to download at the bottom of this page.
Click here for more information
For queries about SEDarc funding for IDS PhD Programme applications, please contact Stephanie Watson.
A link to other PhD funding opportunities can be found here PhD funding : Fees and funding : Study with us : University of Sussex
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