About the Opportunity:
The Midlands Graduate School (MGS) — an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-accredited Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) — is inviting applications for fully funded PhD studentships beginning in October 2026.
The MGS DTP brings together eight leading UK universities: Aston University, University of Birmingham, De Montfort University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, and University of Warwick.
These prestigious ESRC studentships offer an exceptional opportunity for aspiring social science researchers to pursue advanced doctoral training with financial and academic support at some of the UK’s top institutions.
Funding Details:
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Full tuition fees (at the home rate).
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Maintenance stipend for living expenses.
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Additional support for innovative research training and collaboration.
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Open to both home and international applicants.
Eligibility:
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A Master’s degree is not mandatory. Exceptional undergraduates can apply directly.
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Students from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Applicants should demonstrate strong research aptitude and motivation for doctoral-level study.
Available Research Pathways:
The MGS DTP offers 17 interdisciplinary training pathways, including:
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Political Science & International Relations
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Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology
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Socio-Legal Studies
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Sustainable Development, Net Zero & Climate Resilience
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Communication & Media Studies
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Education and Health & Wellbeing
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Economics and Economic History
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Human Geography
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Management & Business Studies
…and several cross-disciplinary tracks in Advanced Data Analysis and Digital Society.
Pre-Application Support:
To help prospective applicants, MGS is hosting online information sessions titled “What’s a PhD All About?” at 1 PM on 9th and 16th October, covering PhD basics, proposal writing, supervisor selection, and funding advice.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates can find detailed eligibility criteria, pathway information, and application guidance at the official MGS link: Midlands Graduate School PhD Studentships
Start Date: October 2026
Application Timeline: Refer to the MGS website for pathway-specific deadlines.
This is an outstanding opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD in the UK’s leading social science research partnership, fostering academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world policy impact.
Link to official notification- LINK
