Further details – ESRC Wales DTP General Studentships

Applications are invited from exceptional candidates with a first class or strong upper second class honours degree, or appropriate Master’s degree. The University values diversity and equality at all levels and encourages applications from all sections of the community. We welcome applications for both full and part-time study, and studentships are available as either ‘1+3’ (i.e. one full time year of research training Masters followed by three years of full-time Doctoral study, or the part-time equivalent), or ‘+3’ (i.e. three years of full-time doctoral study or its part-time equivalent), depending on the needs of the applicant.

Applications welcomed by 1 February 2017 (12 noon).

SUPERVISION
These studentships are ‘open’ awards. Applicants should consider approaching a potential supervisor before submitting their application to confirm that there is appropriate supervisory capacity within the University and to discuss their draft application. Information on the research interests of our staff can be found on the staff profile webpages. Short descriptions of each accredited pathway are available on the ESRC Wales DTP website. The pathway convenor for each of the pathways may be able to advise you. The pathway convenor for Politics and International Studies pathway is Dr Ayla Gol.

WHAT THE STUDENTSHIP WILL COVER
Studentships commence in October 2017 and will cover your tuition fees as well as a maintenance grant (currently £14,296 p.a. for 2016/17 for full-time students, updated each year); and includes an additional Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of up to £750 for three years for full-time students (pro rata for part-time students). There are other opportunities and benefits available to studentship holders, including an overseas fieldwork allowance (if applicable), internship opportunities and overseas institutional visits.

ELIGIBILITY
ESRC studentships are highly competitive, candidates should have an excellent academic background in the social sciences, holding a 1st or strong upper 2nd class degree; applications from those also holding a relevant research training Masters degree (or an equivalent background in research training) will be considered for a +3 award. Full awards (fees plus maintenance stipend) are open to UK Nationals and EU students who can satisfy UK residency requirements.

1+3 OR +3?
The awards are available on either a 1+3 or +3 basis. A 1+3 studentship provides funding for four years (or part-time equivalent), completing a research training Masters in the 1st year, followed by 3 years research funding for a PhD. A +3 studentship provides funding for the three years PhD research study only (or part-time equivalent).

ASSESSMENT
The closing deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on Wednesday 1 February 2017. Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview, which are expected to take place in late February/early March 2017. After interview, a final short-list of applicants will be put forward to the ESRC Wales DTP Doctoral Panel at which final decisions with regard to studentship awards will be made. Successful applicants can expect to hear by mid-April 2017.

 

HOW TO APPLY

A completedapplication form for admission to doctoral study in Aberystwyth University: submitted by the deadline of 12.00 noon, 1 February 2017. Information on how to make on-line and off-line applications is available at: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/apply/  Incomplete applications or applications received after this specified time will not be accepted.

The application must contain the following documents:

1. Covering letter: The covering letter must set out your reasons and motivation for applying to study at the University, and the Politics and International Studies pathway; your understanding, and expectations of doctoral study; and your academic interests generally, and particularly of those relating to your proposed research. The covering letter should be no more than two pages. Please also specify whether you wish to apply on a +3 or 1+3 basis.

2. Academic / Professional Qualifications: This should also include proof of English Language Competency (7.0 IELTS minimum).

3. References: All applications require two academic references to be submitted in support. Candidates must approach referees themselves and request a reference to be submitted.

4. Curriculum Vitae: It should be no longer than two pages.

5. Research Proposal: The proposal should be up to a maximum of 1000 words, not including references. We suggest that you use the following five headings in your research proposal:

  • Title, aims and purpose of the research;

  • Overview of the academic literature relevant to your field;

  • Proposed methodology;

  • Academic contributions of your research. 


  • References