ESRC/SENSS Doctoral Studentships

Goldsmiths is a member of the South and East Network of Social Sciences (SENSS) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to train the next generation of social scientists. A range of fully funded studentships are available across eight SENSS partner universities, including Goldsmiths, for entry in October 2026. There are a variety of flexible routes for research and training, depending on background and planned research. SENSS positively encourages applicants from talented students whose highest qualification is an undergraduate degree, who may be funded to undertake a master's programme. The standard duration of a SENSS-funded studentship is 3.5 years covering a PhD and a mandatory placement of approximately three months. The maximum duration of a studentship will be 4.5 years covering a master's degree followed by a PhD, as well as the mandatory three-month placement. These studentships cover tuition fees at the appropriate rate and an annual maintenance grant, currently £22,780 per year for full-time study including London weighting, and include access to training and development funds.