Economic and Social Science Research Council PhD Studentships
South West Doctoral Training Partnership

South West Doctoral Training Partnership delighted to announce the availability of 34 fully-funded studentships across the ESRC-accredited South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). The SWDTP draws together the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, West of England, Bath Spa, Bournemouth and Plymouth Marjon. These have a strong track record in advancing knowledge through high quality research and teaching in partnership with business, professions, the public services, the third sector and other research and learning providers.
Applications are invited from potential doctoral students for the following social science pathways:
Disciplinary Pathways:
Advanced Quantitative Methods
Area & Development Studies
Economic & Social History
Economics
Education
Human Geography
Management and Business Studies
Political Science and International Studies
Psychology
Social Anthropology
Social Policy
Social Work
Socio-Legal Studies
Sociology
Interdisciplinary Pathways:
Climate Change, Sustainability & Society
Global Challenges & Transformations
Health, Wellbeing & Society
Sociotechnical Futures & Digital Methods
The SWDTP has a steer of three studentships to award in both Advanced Quantitative Methods and Data Skills.
As a fully inclusive research environment, South West Doctoral Training Partnership warmly welcomes applications from candidates of all socio-economic backgrounds and protected characteristics. If you wish to discuss the application process please contact swdtp-enquiries@bristol.ac.uk
For further information about the SWDTP application process, pathways at each institution and details of strategic steers in some pathways, please visit https://www.swdtp.ac.uk/prospective-students-and-fellows/
Please visit the Potential Supervisor Database for help in identifying a supervisor for an SWDTP studentship application Potential Supervisor Database – SWDTP
The closing date for SWDTP studentship applications is 12.00 (Noon) GMT Tuesday 12th January 2027
