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Welcome to the SWDTP
This online handbook aims to provide a general introduction to the South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP).
It should be used in conjunction with your own institutional programme handbook and the ESRC Postgraduate Funding Guide available at: ESRC postgraduate funding guide – UKRI. Click here to read more about support for students on the UKRI website.
Click here to read more about what to expect from your provider on the UKRI website.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The ESRC postgraduate funding guide contains a lot of important and useful information and should be used as a first point of reference, including on maternity/paternity leave, sickness policy, suspensions, employment, teaching whilst studying and holidays.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: The conditions of your visa override ESRC terms and conditions, please ensure that you are familiar with visa expectations.
For detailed information on your specific course, please also refer to your department handbook and/or websites.
Introduction
The SWDTP, which is primarily funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), was developed to improve postgraduate training, through sharing innovation and best practice across disciplinary and interdisciplinary fields. It is also committed to building on the collaborative potential that is central to social sciences research and practice. The SWDTP is allocated 34 studentships annually. SWDTP policy and procedures are governed and stipulated by ESRC guidelines. You can read more about these at: Developing people and skills – ESRC – UKRI
The eight partner institutions have a strong track record in advancing knowledge through high-quality research and teaching, and in working in partnership with business, public sector, and civic society organisations.
To find out more, please visit our About the SWDTP page.
SWDTP Governance Structure
The SWDTP has a Management Board, which has overall strategic responsibility for the DTP and meets quarterly. Full membership of the Board can be found at: SWDTP Management Board | SWDTP
The SWDTP also has an Academic Advisory Board (AAB), which manages the partnership between the five institutions, as well as the development and implementation of academic programmes. Student representatives attend the AAB, which meets five times per year. Membership of the AAB can be found at: Academic Advisory Board | SWDTP
Key Contacts
The SWDTP hub team will be happy to help you and answer any questions you might have regarding funding and allowances, placements, collaboration opportunities, and SWDTP events and advanced training. To find out more about the team, please visit our Meet the Team page.
The SWDTP also has a number of student representatives. The reps are recruited from an open call for volunteers. The reps attend Academic Advisory Board (AAB) meetings so please let them know if you have any issues you would like raised. The reps for 2025/26 can be found on the SWDTP website at Student Reps | Our Students | SWDTP
We will always do our very best to help you with any questions you might have about the SWDTP, but please note for academic or pastoral issues, you should liaise with your supervisor in the first instance.
Appeals and Complaints
Please refer to the SWDTP Appeals and Complaints Procedure if required. Click here to read more about appeals and complaints support for students on the UKRI website.