The South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) has opened applications for its ESRC Studentships 2027/28, supporting postgraduate researchers starting their studies in October 2027. The studentships are available across eight partner universities and six interdisciplinary thematic areas. SENSS funding is open to both home and international applicants, although the number of awards available to international students is limited to approximately 10 studentships each year. The programme provides funding for doctoral research in the social sciences while giving students access to advanced research training, experienced supervisors, research support and a wider postgraduate community. Financial Benefits SENSS-funded students receive comprehensive financial support for the duration of their award. The benefits include: Annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 based on the 2026/27 academic year rate. Additional £2,000 London Weighting per year for students studying at a London-based partner university. Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the SENSS funding award, including for eligible international students. Research training support funds throughout the award. Additional funding opportunities for UK and overseas fieldwork, placements, overseas institutional visits and language training. Access to advanced research training and supervision. Opportunities to collaborate with government departments, industry and non-governmental organisations. The London Weighting allowance applies based on the university where the student studies. Students studying at a non-London university who choose to live in London do not receive the additional £2,000 payment. Studentship Duration and Study Options SENSS offers both full-time and part-time study. The minimum SENSS-funded studentship lasts 3.5 years, unless the applicant has already started a PhD. This structure covers a PhD together with a mandatory placement of approximately three months. The maximum studentship duration is 4.5 years. This option covers a Master’s degree followed by a PhD and includes the mandatory three-month placement. There are two main studentship routes: Student-led studentships: Applicants develop their own research proposal and work with a chosen supervisor. Collaborative studentships: Applicants undertake a research project developed by an academic supervisor in partnership with an external organisation. Eligibility Requirements SENSS studentships are available across all eight partner universities and six interdisciplinary thematic areas. Nationality and residency: Applicants of all nationalities and residency statuses may apply. However, SENSS indicates that approximately 10 studentships per year are available to international applicants, making international funding subject to the available allocation and applicable eligibility rules. Master’s plus PhD: Applicants seeking the 4.5-year award need qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree with Honours. PhD only: Applicants seeking the 3.5-year award need qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Master’s degree, or a Master’s qualification together with the research skills required to successfully complete the proposed project. Applicants who have already started a PhD may also apply, provided they have not already completed a substantial proportion of their doctoral studies. Partner Universities The SENSS partnership includes: City St George’s, University of London Cranfield University University of East Anglia University of Essex Goldsmiths, University of London University of Lincoln Middlesex University University of Roehampton Applicants should identify the appropriate university, research area and supervisory arrangements before completing their funding application. How to Apply Applicants should determine which SENSS studentship route matches their research interests and career objectives. Those pursuing a student-led studentship need to develop a research proposal and identify a suitable supervisor. For collaborative studentships, applicants should review the available supervisor-led research projects and follow the relevant application instructions. Candidates should also check their intended university’s admission requirements because receiving SENSS funding does not automatically guarantee admission to a university programme. Applicants are encouraged to review the SENSS funding guidance and eligibility requirements before submitting an application. Research Training and Career Development Beyond financial support, SENSS students become part of a postgraduate research community spanning eight universities. The programme provides advanced research training and opportunities to engage with external partners across government, industry and the NGO sector. The mandatory placement component also gives students an opportunity to gain experience beyond their university research environment. Application Deadline The supplied SENSS information confirms that the 2027/28 competition is open for applications for an October 2027 start. Applicants should consult the official competition and application portal for the applicable deadline and route-specific submission requirements. Why Apply for SENSS Funding? The SENSS ESRC studentships combine doctoral funding with structured research training, supervision, professional development, placements and access to a cross-university research community. The availability of both student-led and collaborative routes allows applicants to pursue either an independently developed research project or a supervisor-led project developed with an external partner. 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