The SEDarc Scholarships 2027 offer fully funded PhD studentships in the UK for outstanding researchers interested in social sciences. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) brings together six UK universities and provides doctoral researchers with tuition fee support, a living stipend, research funding, specialist training, and a funded placement opportunity.

SEDarc Scholarships 2027 – Key Details

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Scholarship Provider: South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc)
• Funding Body: Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• Study Level: Postgraduate | PhD
• Eligible Applicants: UK/Home and international students
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded PhD Studentship
• Annual Stipend: UKRI/ESRC rate
• Tuition Fees: Tuition support, including international fee support subject to eligibility and institutional arrangements
• Research Support: Funding for eligible research and training activities
• Placement: Funded three-month Research in Practice placement
• Start Date: September/October 2027
• Application Deadline: Varies by university and department

What Is the SEDarc Scholarship?

The South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) is an ESRC-funded Doctoral Training Partnership involving six UK universities. It supports doctoral research across a broad range of social science disciplines while providing specialist research training, professional development, digital and data skills, and opportunities for practical research placements.

SEDarc Research Themes

Applicants can develop research proposals around five major interdisciplinary themes:

1. Living Sustainably
2. Healthy, Thriving Communities
3. Inclusive Economic Growth
4. Secure, Effective and Trusted Institutions
5. Transformative Technologies for Society

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Apply for an eligible PhD programme at a participating SEDarc university.
• Meet the academic requirements of their selected programme.
• Demonstrate strong research potential.
• Develop research aligned with an eligible SEDarc theme.
• Meet the English-language and admission requirements of the chosen university.
• Identify an appropriate supervisor where required.
• International students are eligible, subject to SEDarc’s international allocation limits.

Scholarship Benefits

Tuition Fee Support

SEDarc studentships provide tuition-fee support at the applicable UK rate. Eligible international students may also receive support toward the difference between Home and international tuition fees, subject to institutional arrangements.

Living Stipend

Students receive a maintenance stipend based on the applicable UKRI/ESRC rate.

Research and Training Support

Additional funding may support research activities, conferences, fieldwork, language training, overseas visits, and other eligible academic activities.

Professional Development

SEDarc provides specialist training designed to strengthen research, communication, digital, data, employability, and professional skills.

Research in Practice Placement

Students can undertake a funded three-month placement with an academic, government, business, or third-sector organisation.

Funding Duration

SEDarc offers different funding structures depending on the student’s academic background and training needs:

• +3.5: 3.5 years of PhD funding.
• +3.75: 3 years and 9 months where additional training is required.
• 1+3.5: Up to 4.5 years combining Master’s-level training with PhD study.

How to Apply

1. Choose a participating SEDarc university and eligible PhD programme.
2. Review the programme’s academic and English-language requirements.
3. Develop a suitable research proposal.
4. Identify a potential supervisor where required.
5. Prepare your CV, transcripts, references, research proposal, and other documents.
6. Submit your PhD application through the relevant university.
7. Apply for SEDarc/ESRC funding according to the university’s instructions.
8. Complete any additional funding forms if shortlisted.
9. Monitor your email for interview and funding decisions.

Application Deadline

SEDarc deadlines vary by university and department. Applicants should check the specific deadline for their chosen PhD programme and funding competition before applying.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are SEDarc Scholarships 2027?

SEDarc Scholarships are ESRC-funded PhD studentships supporting doctoral research and training in the social sciences at participating UK universities.

2. Can international students apply?

Yes. International students are eligible to apply, subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements and SEDarc’s international allocation limits.

3. Are SEDarc Scholarships fully funded?

SEDarc provides tuition-fee support, a living stipend, and additional research and training support. Funding arrangements can vary for international students.

4. What subjects are covered?

SEDarc supports a wide range of social science disciplines, including economics, geography, psychology, politics, international relations, business, criminology, and related fields.

5. How long is SEDarc funding?

Depending on the route, funding may last approximately 3.5 to 4.5 years.

6. Is a Master’s degree required?

Not always. Eligible applicants without a relevant Social Sciences Master’s may be considered for an integrated Master’s-plus-PhD route.

7. Does SEDarc include a research placement?

Yes. Students can undertake a funded three-month Research in Practice placement with an academic or non-academic organisation.

8. When is the SEDarc Scholarship deadline?

There is no single deadline for every applicant. Deadlines vary according to the participating university and department.