Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

All three PhD pathways within the School - Human Geography, Sociology and Politics & International Relations - were recently approved by the ESRC as part of Newcastle's joint bid with Durham University for a Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) in the NorthEast.

The School of Geography, Politics and Sociology secured 12 new ESRC DTC studentships in September 2012, which is a tremendous outcome. This included 3 new students for Geography, 4 for Sociology and 5 for Politics.

DTC advert 2013/14

This advert details the Doctoral Training Centre available for 2013/14 cycle.

Newcastle University research institutes may also advertise specific bursaries and scholarship funding opportunities.

How to Apply

For more information and how to apply please visit the ESRC Studentship webpage

The deadline for expression of interest within the school is Friday 18th January 2013. The deadline for submission of applications within the school is Monday 18th February 2013.

International Students

International students will only be eligible for an ESRC award if they have a relevant connection with the UK. A relevant connection may be established if:

  • you have been ordinarily resident* in the UK or Islands throughout the three- year period immediately preceding the start of the course; and
  • you have not been resident in the UK, during any part of that three-year period, wholly or mainly for the purposes of full time education (EU students see below)
  • you have settled status in the UK within the meaning of the Immigration Act 1971 (i.e. you are not subject to any restriction on the period for which you may stay).

*Ordinarily resident is defined as a ‘habitual and normal residence from choice and for a settled purpose throughout the prescribed period, apart from temporary or occasional absences of the applicant, their spouse, civil partner or parent’.

Following the Bidar Judgement in 2005, EU nationals who have been resident in the UK for three years immediately preceding the date of an award, including for purposes of full time education, are now eligible for a full grant. Check the ESRC’s Guidance Notes for Applicants for more details.