NINE DTP ESRC Studentships 2027–28: Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in Social Sciences Across Seven Universities

Overview

The Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training Partnership (NINE DTP) offers fully funded ESRC doctoral studentships across seven partner universities: Durham University, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Teesside University, University of Sunderland, Ulster University, and Queen’s University Belfast. The partnership provides comprehensive support for social science researchers, combining financial coverage with structured training, supervision, and professional development.

Benefits

Tuition fee support covering home fees (with provisions for international candidates up to partnership limits).
A tax-free maintenance stipend (referenced at £21,805 for the 2026–27 academic year, subject to updates).
Additional funding for fieldwork, conference participation, overseas institutional visits, and training.
An integrated three-month Research in Practice placement.
DTP-wide research training across 18 accredited pathways.

Eligibility

Open to applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree; a prior Master's degree is not strictly required.
Available to both home and international candidates, subject to international award limits and fee arrangements.
Must propose research falling within the economic and social sciences remit.
Must secure support from a prospective supervisory team at a participating NINE DTP department or school.

How to Apply

The application process requires candidates to follow these core steps:

Identify a proposed research area and choose a relevant NINE DTP training pathway.
Contact and secure support from a prospective supervisor at one of the seven partner institutions.
Submit an independent application for admission to the chosen university.
Complete and submit the NINE DTP Stage 1 nomination form prior to the deadline, ensuring the primary supervisor finishes the supervisor approval form.
Successful candidates may be invited to progress to the Stage 2 competition.

Deadline

The Stage 1 nomination deadline is 27 October 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Overview

Benefits

Tuition fee support covering home fees (with provisions for international candidates up to partnership limits).

A tax-free maintenance stipend (referenced at £21,805 for the 2026–27 academic year, subject to updates).

Additional funding for fieldwork, conference participation, overseas institutional visits, and training.

An integrated three-month Research in Practice placement.

DTP-wide research training across 18 accredited pathways.

Eligibility

Open to applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree; a prior Master's degree is not strictly required.

Available to both home and international candidates, subject to international award limits and fee arrangements.

Must propose research falling within the economic and social sciences remit.

Must secure support from a prospective supervisory team at a participating NINE DTP department or school.

How to Apply

The application process requires candidates to follow these core steps:

Identify a proposed research area and choose a relevant NINE DTP training pathway.

Contact and secure support from a prospective supervisor at one of the seven partner institutions.

Submit an independent application for admission to the chosen university.

Complete and submit the NINE DTP Stage 1 nomination form prior to the deadline, ensuring the primary supervisor finishes the supervisor approval form.

Successful candidates may be invited to progress to the Stage 2 competition.