SEDarc Scholarship 2027 provides ESRC-funded PhD studentships for September 2027 entry, supporting social-science doctoral research at six participating universities in London and South East England. The studentships include UK tuition fees and a UKRI-rate stipend, with placements, research training and ring-fenced awards for eligible groups.
The programme is delivered through the South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) as an ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership working with six universities: University of Kent, Kingston University, University of Reading, Royal Holloway (University of London), University of Surrey and University of Sussex. Applicants must be nominated by a participating university before submitting the SEDarc application.
SEDarc Scholarship Benefits
- UK tuition fees
- A UKRI-rate stipend
- Three-month placement
- Research and skills training
- Individual doctoral research
- Potential funding for an approved Master’s course within the SEDarc consortium for eligible students without a relevant social-science Master’s degree
SEDarc Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- UK students
- International students
- Applicants working across the social sciences
- Prospective PhD researchers who meet the academic requirements of their chosen institution and programme
- Applicants without a Master’s degree in the social sciences may be eligible for funding for an approved Master’s within the SEDarc consortium (subject to relevant requirements)
Participating Universities
Students can be based at one of six higher education institutions:
- University of Kent
- Kingston University
- University of Reading
- Royal Holloway, University of London
- University of Surrey
- University of Sussex
SEDarc also works with non-higher-education partner organisations to strengthen the research and training opportunities available to doctoral students.
How to Apply for SEDarc Scholarship
- Choose one of the six participating SEDarc institutions.
- Identify a suitable doctoral research area and SEDarc pathway.
- Contact the SEDarc administrator at your chosen university.
- Follow that institution’s application process and deadline.
- Complete the institutional stage of the application.
- Obtain nomination from the university.
- Submit the SEDarc studentship application by the SEDarc deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the SEDarc Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, how to apply, participating institutions and funding arrangements to help prospective applicants.
What is the SEDarc Scholarship?
The SEDarc Scholarship is an ESRC-funded PhD studentship programme for September 2027 entry, offering doctoral training in the social sciences across six participating universities in London and South East England. It combines research training, a three-month placement and funding for tuition fees and a UKRI-rate stipend.
Who can apply for SEDarc studentships?
SEDarc studentships are open to UK and international students working across the social sciences who meet the academic requirements of their chosen institution and programme. Applicants should check institutional eligibility and procedures at the university they intend to apply to.
What does the funding cover?
The funding package covers UK tuition fees, a UKRI-rate stipend, a three-month placement, research and skills training and individual doctoral research. Eligible applicants without a relevant social-science Master’s degree may receive funding for an approved Master’s course within the consortium.
Do international students get the same funding?
SEDarc accepts international applications and, for successful overseas applicants, the SEDarc institutions will cover the difference between UK home and international tuition fees. An important exception applies: the University of Reading does not cover this difference, so international applicants should check institutional arrangements.
How long is the SEDarc PhD?
The standard SEDarc PhD lasts 3.5 years full-time and includes a three-month placement. Part-time study is available as the equivalent duration. The programme includes research training and an individual doctoral research project within an interdisciplinary pathway.
What are the SEDarc research pathways?
SEDarc offers five interdisciplinary, challenge-led research pathways: Living Sustainably; Healthy Thriving Communities; Inclusive Economic Growth; Secure, Effective & Trusted Institutions; and Transformative Technologies for Society. Applicants should identify a suitable pathway for their proposed research.
What is the application process?
Applicants cannot apply directly to SEDarc without institutional nomination. You must choose one of the six participating universities, follow that institution’s application process and deadline, obtain nomination, and then submit the SEDarc studentship application by the SEDarc deadline.
What is the SEDarc application deadline?
The SEDarc studentship application deadline is 29 January 2027 at 16:00 GMT. Applicants must first complete the institutional application process, which may have earlier deadlines, so candidates should contact their chosen university well before the SEDarc deadline.
Which universities participate in SEDarc?
The six participating institutions are University of Kent, Kingston University, University of Reading, Royal Holloway (University of London), University of Surrey and University of Sussex. SEDarc also works with non-higher-education partners to enhance training and research opportunities.
Are there ring-fenced scholarships or equality measures?
Yes. SEDarc reserves up to three ring-fenced scholarships for eligible home students from certain Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups. Applicants interested in these should review the specific eligibility criteria published by SEDarc and by their chosen institution.
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