PhD SEDarc Studentships

Fully funded ESRC SEDarc PhD Studentships at Kent

SEDarc (South-East Doctoral Training Arc) is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The University of Kent has partnered with other top UK institutions to develop world-class social science researchers. We’re proud to support the future leaders of social science in academia, public services and industry.

SEDarc are offering fully-funded 3.5 year PhD studentships and a limited number of 1 year Masters + 3.5 year PhD studentships, to start in October 2026.

The University of Kent can nominate up to 18 candidates for consideration. Research projects will be developed around five interdisciplinary social science themed challenges:

• Living sustainably
• Healthy thriving communities
• Inclusive economic growth
• Secure, effective and trusted institutions
• Transformative technologies for society

Funding:

Fully-funded SEDarc Studentships include:

• All tuition fees (Home rates)
• Doctoral stipend (equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend £20,780 - 2025/26 rate (2026/27 rate to be announced).  
• Access to research funding
• Kent will waive the difference between Home and International fees

For further eligibility and information please see sedarc.ac.uk. Guidance from UKRI on residential eligibility can be found here.

How to apply

To be considered for a SEDarc studentship at Kent you must follow the below steps carefully. You will only be considered for a studentship if you complete each step by the Kent deadline of 23:59 on Sunday 23 November 2025 GMT:

Step 1: Apply for a PhD at Kent through one of the eligible disciplines. Consult with a primary supervisor when applying. If you have already applied to Kent and hold a deferred offer move to step 2. If you are applying for a Masters + PhD, you must apply to both the Master's programme and PhD programme.

Step 2: Download the Kent/SEDarc application and complete the form with the support of your potential primary supervisor. You will need to ask the supervisor to complete Section 8 of the application form before submitting.

Step 3: Submit the Kent/SEDarc application form to the Graduate and Researcher College by emailing: kentgrc@kent.ac.uk by the deadline. You MUST complete this step to be considered for a SEDarc studentship at Kent. Please enclose the following information in your email submission:

• Kent/SEDarc application form
• Full Name
• KentVision applicant ID number
• Preferred contact email address

If you need any more information about the studentship or application process, please visit the University of Kent’s SEDarc webpage, or contact our SEDarc administrator at Kent via email: kentgrc@kent.ac.uk.

Upcoming events for potential applicants:

• Kent SEDarc Applicant Briefing - online

Date:  22 October 2025, 11:30 -12.30 BST. Book your place here

• University of Kent Open Events – online or on-campus

Date: Ongoing. Book you place here

Join an inspiring global academic research community, be inspired to push the boundaries of current thinking and research. Let’s make a difference, together.

Eligible disciples include; Psychology, Geography & Environmental studies, Business and Management, Law, Politics and international Relations, Sociology, Social Work and Social Policy, Anthropology and Development Studies, Architecture and Planning, Cybersecurity (Social Sciences) and Health and Social Care.

The University of Kent is partnered with Royal Holloway, Reading, Surrey, Sussex and Kingston to make up the South-East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc).