Social Sciences Access to Research Doctoral Scholarships

The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Leeds is inviting applications for doctoral scholarships specifically for UK Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups currently underrepresented within postgraduate research. Two scholarships are available for students to undertake PhD research within the Faculty's four schools: Education, Law, Politics and International Studies, and Sociology and Social Policy. Scholarship holders will have access to world-leading facilities and supervision, and to research centres which shape the research and innovation agenda within and beyond the social sciences. All postgraduate researchers in the Faculty are members of the Social Sciences Graduate School, bringing together a socially, culturally and intellectually diverse community of doctoral researchers in an interdisciplinary research environment geared to addressing global challenges. These scholarships are available on either a 1+3.5 (Masters and 3.5 year PhD) or a +3.5 (3.5 year PhD) basis, or part-time equivalent. Each scholarship covers full UK research degree fees and a maintenance grant at current UKRI rates (£20,780 in 2025/26). Research proposals should clearly demonstrate alignment with the research priorities and areas of expertise of one or more of the Faculty Schools, with interdisciplinary proposals particularly encouraged. Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate and must self-identify as being from UK Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups. The selection process is based on academic merit, with applicants normally requiring at least an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree and a Masters degree with Merit grade or equivalent.