This application programme is for students looking to apply for ESRC studentship funding to undertake a PhD research project of their own design (starting in the academic year 2025/26). To ensure you have the best chance of success please review the competition guidance in advance of submitting an application.
You may submit 1 application to 1 challenge-pathway (or none), to one single institution.
Stage 1 Applications:
- Firstyou will be asked to complete is our Equality Opportunities Monitoring Form. Please note, this information is kept private and is not considered by reviewers during the competition process.
- Next, complete the “Student-led Open Competition – Applicant Information” section. This will let you and us know if you are eligible to apply and/or if you are a home or international student (according to UKRI guidance).
- Next, complete the “Student-led Open Competition – Supervisory Team Details” section. Your First Supervisor must be based at the institution to which you are applying.
- Next, complete the “Student-led Open Competition – First Supervisor Details” section. This section will be for your first supervisor to complete as it will confirm their eligibility with us.
Next, complete the “Student-led Open Competition – Studentship Details” section. In this section you will answer questions regarding the award length, challenge led pathways, project title, placements, DNA, etc.
Next, complete the “Student-led Open Competition – Project Details” section. In this section you will answer questions regarding the lay summary, preparedness to undertake and complete a PhD, research proposal, etc.
Next, complete the “Student-led Open Competition References” section by inputting the contact details for two referees. SGSSS Apply will automatically send your referees an email requesting their submission of reference for you. It is important that you complete this step as soon as possible to allow your referees time to respond before the deadline. Please see section 3 below for full details on references, including how to manage your reference requests. These are due on the same day as your application, 21 December 2024 at 5 p.m.
Next, upload your transcripts (where available), as well as any confirmation of academic prizes, e.g., certificates and/or award letters, and your CV (academic where applicable) – all in pdf format
We strongly encourage you to review our competition guidance in detail before starting your application.
Stage 2 Applications:
Once the initial HEI Review Stage begins, you may be contacted by your HEI should you be shortlisted, to upload a Supervisor Statement of Support and Disciplinary Statement of Support. Applicants will have until 18 February 2025 to complete this stage.
Please note that besides uploading the documents, applicants will not be able to make any further application updates, with the exception of updates to the supervisory team (when needed). If you are in this situation, please CC team@sgsss.ac.uk in any communications to the HEI Admin Lead of the corresponding institution you are applying to.
The deadline for Stage 1 applications is 5pm (GMT) on 21 November 2024. Please note, late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
24/25 - SGSSS Student-led Open Competition
This application programme is for students looking to apply for ESRC studentship funding to undertake a PhD research project of their own design (starting in the academic year 2025/26). To ensure you have the best chance of success please review the competition guidance in advance of submitting an application.
You may submit 1 application to 1 challenge-pathway (or none), to one single institution.
Stage 1 Applications:
- Firstyou will be asked to complete is our Equality Opportunities Monitoring Form. Please note, this information is kept private and is not considered by reviewers during the competition process.
- Next, complete the “Student-led Open Competition – Applicant Information” section. This will let you and us know if you are eligible to apply and/or if you are a home or international student (according to UKRI guidance).
- Next, complete the “Student-led Open Competition – Supervisory Team Details” section. Your First Supervisor must be based at the institution to which you are applying.
- Next, complete the “Student-led Open Competition – First Supervisor Details” section. This section will be for your first supervisor to complete as it will confirm their eligibility with us.
Next, complete the “Student-led Open Competition – Studentship Details” section. In this section you will answer questions regarding the award length, challenge led pathways, project title, placements, DNA, etc.
Next, complete the “Student-led Open Competition – Project Details” section. In this section you will answer questions regarding the lay summary, preparedness to undertake and complete a PhD, research proposal, etc.
Next, complete the “Student-led Open Competition References” section by inputting the contact details for two referees. SGSSS Apply will automatically send your referees an email requesting their submission of reference for you. It is important that you complete this step as soon as possible to allow your referees time to respond before the deadline. Please see section 3 below for full details on references, including how to manage your reference requests. These are due on the same day as your application, 21 December 2024 at 5 p.m.
Next, upload your transcripts (where available), as well as any confirmation of academic prizes, e.g., certificates and/or award letters, and your CV (academic where applicable) – all in pdf format
We strongly encourage you to review our competition guidance in detail before starting your application.
Stage 2 Applications:
Once the initial HEI Review Stage begins, you may be contacted by your HEI should you be shortlisted, to upload a Supervisor Statement of Support and Disciplinary Statement of Support. Applicants will have until 18 February 2025 to complete this stage.
Please note that besides uploading the documents, applicants will not be able to make any further application updates, with the exception of updates to the supervisory team (when needed). If you are in this situation, please CC team@sgsss.ac.uk in any communications to the HEI Admin Lead of the corresponding institution you are applying to.
The deadline for Stage 1 applications is 5pm (GMT) on 21 November 2024. Please note, late or incomplete applications will not be considered.