The ESRC supports postgraduate training to help ensure we: develop skilled social scientists who contribute to a competitive, knowledge based UK economy; and create the next generation of world leading academic social scientists.

We are the single largest funder of social science PhD training within the UK. We have recently made significant changes to the way we deliver our support for postgraduate training. We are introducing a new Postgraduate Training Framework and establishing a new national network of 21 Doctoral Training Centres (DTCs).

We now award all our studentship funding directly to the institutions which make up our network of DTCs, and not to individual students. We no longer operate our annual studentship competitions. All potential students should consult our list of DTCs and contact the institution at which they wish to undertake a research degree directly.

We provide additional funding and support for all currently funded students, and new students awarded under the new DTC network (starting 1 October 2011). This provides opportunities to support international collaboration and knowledge exchange activities through our Overseas Institutional Visit and Internship Scheme.

In addition, existing 2010 1+3 award holders are eligible to apply for the Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) enhanced stipend to support advanced quantitative methods training.

Further information

• Our new Postgraduate Training Framework
• ESRC studentship funding available through Doctoral Training Centres (starting 1 October 2011)
• Postgraduate funding guidelines
• Current recognised departments and outlets eligible for funding (until 30 September 2011)

Additional opportunities and funding available

• Advanced Quantitative Methods Enhancement Stipend
• Grant Linked Studentships
• Overseas institutional vistits
• Student Internship Scheme