The White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP) has opened its 2027/28 Studentship Awards competition, offering fully funded PhD scholarships for outstanding social science researchers across seven leading UK universities.
Funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the programme supports doctoral research through multiple scholarship schemes, including Pathway Awards, Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM), Advanced Data Analytics (ADA), and Collaborative Awards. Successful candidates receive a generous annual stipend, full tuition coverage, research training support, and access to interdisciplinary research networks.
International students are eligible, with participating universities covering the difference between UK and international tuition fees.
The White Rose DTP is a regional consortium of seven research-intensive universities:
- University of Sheffield
- University of Leeds
- University of York
- University of Bradford
- University of Hull
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Sheffield Hallam University
The partnership delivers world-class doctoral training across a broad range of social science disciplines while encouraging interdisciplinary research that addresses global societal challenges.
Studentship Schemes Available
For the 2027/28 intake, the WRDTP plans to offer:
| Award | Available Places |
|---|---|
| WRDTP Pathway Awards | Up to 38 |
| Interdisciplinary Research Awards | 2 |
| Stuart Hall Foundation Awards | 2 |
| Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) | Up to 2 |
| Advanced Data Analytics (ADA) | Up to 2 |
| Collaborative Awards | Up to 9 projects |
Award numbers are provisional and subject to ESRC funding confirmation.
Funding and Benefits
Successful students receive comprehensive financial support throughout their doctoral studies.
Funding includes:
- Annual stipend (2026/27 rate: £21,805)
- Full tuition fees
- International fee difference covered by participating universities
- Research Training Support Grant (up to approximately £2,800)
- Access to specialist doctoral training and mentoring
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across the WRDTP network
The updated stipend rate for 2027/28 will be announced by UKRI in early 2027.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Hold or secure an offer for a PhD in an eligible department at one of the seven WRDTP universities.
- Propose a research project within the ESRC social sciences remit.
- Demonstrate strong academic achievement and research potential.
- Align their research with at least one WRDTP interdisciplinary training pathway.
International applicants are welcome, although ESRC regulations limit international awards to 30% of the overall cohort.
Stuart Hall Foundation Awards
The WRDTP continues its partnership with the Stuart Hall Foundation to offer two dedicated studentships for Black British applicants.
These awards aim to address structural inequalities in higher education while supporting exceptional doctoral researchers committed to advancing social science scholarship.
Research Themes
Applications should clearly demonstrate their relevance to one or more interdisciplinary pathways, including themes related to:
- Inequality and social justice
- Communities and culture
- Education and lifelong learning
- Environment and sustainability
- Health and wellbeing
- Digital society and data
- Governance, policy and global challenges
Interdisciplinary proposals are particularly encouraged.
How to Apply
Students do not apply directly to the WRDTP. Instead, applications are submitted through the relevant university, department, or doctoral school.
Applicants will need to prepare:
- WRDTP Studentship Application Form
- PhD offer letter
- Degree transcripts (including interim transcripts where applicable)
- Supporting documentation required by the nominating department
Departments shortlist candidates before submitting official nomination packs to the WRDTP.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Student application deadline | 20 January 2027 (5:00 PM) |
| Department nominations close | 24 February 2027 |
| Assessment period | March 2027 |
| Results released to universities | Week commencing 12 April 2027 |
| Applicants notified | 23 April 2027 |
Applicants should also check for earlier internal deadlines set by their chosen university.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Given the competitive nature of WRDTP funding, strong applicants should:
- Develop a clear and original research proposal with strong ESRC relevance.
- Demonstrate interdisciplinary impact and societal significance.
- Secure committed supervisors within an eligible department early.
- Show methodological rigor and a well-defined theoretical framework.
- Attend the WRDTP applicant information session in October 2026 to understand the assessment process.
Early engagement with your prospective department is highly recommended, particularly for international applicants whose universities may operate additional selection processes.
Why This Studentship Is Valuable
The WRDTP is one of the UK’s largest ESRC-funded doctoral training partnerships, providing more than financial support. Scholars benefit from advanced research methods training, interdisciplinary collaboration, international networking opportunities, and extensive professional development that prepares graduates for careers in academia, government, industry, and the nonprofit sector.
