ESRC WGSSS General studentships

Student studying in the Arts Centre Cafe, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth University.

The Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University supported by Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS - ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership) is delighted to offer fully funded studentships starting in October 2025. We expect to make doctoral studentship awards in the areas of Politics and International Relations.

For details about applying for doctoral study at Aberystwyth, please contact Dr Andrew Davenport (acd11@aber.ac.uk), the Director of Postgraduate Research in the Department of International Politics.

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, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.  In line with our commitment to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and to increase recruitment of currently underrepresented groups, applications from Black British, Asian British, minority ethnicity British and mixed race British candidates are particularly encouraged and welcomed. The duration of study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs which will be assessed by completing an Initial Development Needs Analysis (Initial DNA) at the application stage and a Full DNA prior to award if successful. Durations of study may vary from 3.5 to 4.5 years full time (or part time equivalent).

For details about applying for doctoral study at Aberystwyth, please contact Dr Andrew Davenport (acd11@aber.ac.uk), the Director of Postgraduate Research in the Department of International Politics.

Applications need to be received by 12:00pm GMT on 11 December 2024.

Further details for ESRC WGSSS General studentships

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 Department’s webpages. Short descriptions of each accredited pathway are available on the ESRC WGSSS website. The pathway convener for the Politics and International Relations pathway is Dr Andrew Davenport (acd11@aber.ac.uk).

Entry criteria

To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equal to an honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters from a UK academic research organisation. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.

Duration of study

The duration of study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs which will be assessed by completing an Initial Development Needs Analysis (Initial DNA) at the application stage and a Full DNA prior to award if successful. Durations of study may vary from 3.5 to 4.5 years full time (or part time equivalent).  We welcome applications for both full and part-time study.

Research in practice placement

All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.    

International Eligibility

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Assessment

Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview. As part of the interview process, applicants will be asked to [schools to include interview information here Eg.] give a short presentation and answer a series of panel questions .

How to apply

Applications should be received no later than 11/12/24 including all required documents.

All applications should be submitted via https://apply.aber.ac.uk/

 

Please include the following documents with your application:   

  • Academic CV (two pages maximum) 
  • 2 academic or professional references (candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths). 
  • Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable)   
  • If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry)  

Funding

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend of in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant.

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.