The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 14 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between Aston University, University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, University of Nottingham and University of Warwick. 

The Midlands Graduate School is looking to recruit top quality social science PhD students to commence study in October 2020 across a range of subjects and interdisciplinary training pathways. Our ESRC studentships – covering fees, a maintenance stipend (subject to eligibility), and support for innovative research training – provide exceptional opportunities for high-achieving and motivated individuals, including opportunities for collaboration. 

A Masters degree is not a prerequisite for applying to the Midlands Graduate School DTP, and a number of our studentship awards are specifically ring-fenced for students applying for funding straight from an undergraduate degree. 

The MGS offers 17 different training pathways that span the following social science disciplines: 

• Applied Linguistics
• Area Studies
• Communication & Media
• Economic & Social History
• Economics
• Education
• Health & Wellbeing and Mental Health & Wellbeing
• Human Geography
• Interdisciplinary Methodologies and Digital Society
• Management & Business Studies and Finance
• Museum Studies
• Political Science & International Relations
• Psychology
• Social Policy and Social Work
• Socio-Legal Studies
• Sociology
• Sport & Exercise Science

Types of awards: 

Studentships are available as a +3 year (PhD), +3.5 year (PhD requiring 2 ESRC research skill modules) or 1+3 (4 year with a Masters leading directly to a PhD) award. All studentships are also available on a full-time or part-time basis, and are open to applicants straight from undergraduate study.

How to apply: 

1. Choose a Pathway and University – Before applying you will need to decide which of the available training pathways is most suitable for you, and which University you would like to study at. Not all Universities offer all pathways.
2. Apply for Admission to your chosen University – Apply for the relevant research degree at your chosen university (for all award length applications) by completing an online application for PhD admission.
3. Complete an Application for an ESRC Studentship – There are several elements to the application process which also require academic staff input, and applicants should allow plenty of time to assemble all the information required. 

Full details on how to apply for funding are available here: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/howtoapply/ 

The closing date for completed studentship applications is Wednesday 22nd January 2020 

For more information on the Midlands Graduate School ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership and applying for funding, please visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk