The South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) comprises eight South-West universities:
University of Bath
University of Bristol
University of Exeter
University of Plymouth
University of the West of England
Bath Spa University
Bournemouth University
Plymouth Marjon University
What we offer
The SWDTP offers PhD students funding (and a stipend) to study in one of 18 subject pathways, as well as a wide range of training and development resources for PGRs and academics, many of which are available publicly.
The SWDTP focuses on collaboration between the universities, which includes sharing best practice, resources and academic knowledge. The Partnership also offers additional activity funding for funded students and academic colleagues, and actively works with public, private and civic society organisations to facilitate collaborative activities including student placements.
The UKRI and ESRC
The SWDTP is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)– an organisation comprised of the seven UK research councils, Innovate UK and Research England. As the biggest investor in Social Science Research in the UK, the ESRC supports “independent, high quality research which has an impact on business, the public sector and civil society”.
The SWDTP has been accredited by the ESRC and has been allocated 34 ESRC-funded studentships annually. These studentships fund Social Science researchers at all eight partner universities through their PhD research, including funding placements, fieldwork and overseas institutional visits.