Funding

The Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University are delighted to offer fully funded Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) studentships in the Politics, International Relations and Global Language Based Area Studies Pathway starting in October 2026.   

 

Entry Criteria:    

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

 

Duration of study:   

Durations of study varies from 3.5 (PhD) to 1+3.5 (MSc + PhD) years full time (or part time equivalent). The duration study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs of the student which will be assessed by completing a Development Needs Analysis. 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 give a short presentation and answer a series of panel questions 

  

How to apply:   

Applications should be received no later than 11/12/2025 including all required documents. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered.    

 

All applications should be submitted via – https://courses.aber.ac.uk/postgraduate/research-international-politics/

 

Please include the following documents with your application:   

• WGSSS Studentship Application Form 2026

• 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 £20,780 for 2025-26 full-time) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant. Full and part-time applications are welcomed. If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.    

 

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.    

 

The Department of International Politics is pleased to invite applications for AberDoc PhD scholarships for 2025 entry. 

Those awarded an AberDoc Scholarship will receive a grant for up to three years which will cover their tuition fees (up to the UK (Home) rate of £4,786 per annum*).  A maintenance allowance of approximately £19,237 per annum* and access to a travel and conference fund (max. £1000 per annum*) will also be provided. Scholarships commence in September 2025. 

EU and International students must cover the difference between UK tuition fees and the EU/International tuition fees from their scholarship. However, there will be 3 additional President's Scholarships, which fund this difference in tuition fees. These will be awarded to the three highest ranked EU or International candidates in the AberDoc competition. 

For all enquiries, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr Andrew Davenport (acd11@aber.ac.uk).

The deadline for AberDoc applications is 10 January 2025.

*Value of award is subject to confirmation for 2025-2026.

Further information on AberDoc

How to Apply

Applications for PhD study can be made on-line or alternatively, forms can be downloaded and printed. Please see the Postgraduate Admissions Office website for full details. A research proposal of no more than 1,500 words, two letters of reference and academic transcripts are also required. There are no separate application forms at the initial stages for funding.

Please note: there are different deadlines for applications to the AberDoc competition and the ESRC and AHRC competitions. Please ensure that your application is submitted, complete, before the relevant deadline.