How do I Apply for a Studentship?

*The SWDTP studentship application process for 2025 entry is now open*

Please Note: When applying, please follow the application procedures of the institution at which you wish to be based, links to the relevant information for each institution are below. To apply for ESRC funding, you will also need to complete additional forms, links to which are at the bottom of this page.

Bath	https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/applying-for-esrc-funding-or-the-humanities-social-sciences-ursa/
Bristol	South West Doctoral Training Partnership \| Faculty of Social Sciences and Law \| University of Bristol and https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/
Exeter	ESRC SWDTP \| Postgraduate Study – PhD and Research Degrees \| University of Exeter
Plymouth	SWDTP opportunities – University of Plymouth and The South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) – University of Plymouth and Postgraduate research studentships – University of Plymouth
UWE	South West Doctoral Training Partnership – Studentship opportunities \| UWE Bristol
Bath Spa	Postgraduate Research Funding Opportunities – Bath Spa University
Bournemouth	ESRC Southwest Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) \| Bournemouth University
Plymouth Marjon	https://www.marjon.ac.uk/research/south-west-doctoral-training-partnership/doctoral-training-partnership-opportunities/

Students applying for ESRC funded studentships are encouraged to speak to their chosen university department school/college prior to application in order to discuss their research ideas with a suitable potential supervisor. Potential Supervisor Database | SWDTP

Students are also encouraged to look at ways of incorporating collaboration with external partners into their research proposal. Collaboration does not always have to be a financial arrangement and could take the form of a placement, voluntary work, data sharing or other activities. Students considering difficult language training, overseas fieldwork and / or overseas institutional visits must mention this in their application.

The SWDTP has 3 studentships each to award in the ESRC strategic steers of Data Skills and Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM). Further information can be found on the ESRC Strategic Steers | SWDTP page.

Please read ‘A Guide to applying to the South West Doctoral Training Partnership’. This provides key information on preparing your application

Download a copy of the Studentship Application Form 2025 Entry (Annex A)

Download a copy of the Supervisor Supporting Statement Form for 2025 Entry (Annex B)

Download a copy of the Scoring Criteria for 2025 (Annex C)

Download a copy of the SWDTP Equal Opportunities Student Data Form 2025 Entry