ESRC PhD Studentships at Middlesex University 2026

Middlesex University is ESRC studentship funding for postgraduate studies as well as a range of other training and development opportunities. This is either a +3.5 year PhD or +4.5 year master's plus PhD which starts 1 October 2026.

Summary

1. Application Deadline : 14 January 2026
2. Study Level: PhD, Master’s
3. Sponsor: Middlesex University London
4. Host Institution: Middlesex University, United Kingdom
5. Funding Type: Fully Funded (Covers Tuition + £22,780 Annual Stipend + Research Costs)
6. Eligibility: Open to UK & International Applicants

Eligibility Criteria for ESRC PhD Studentships at Middlesex University 2026

1. Both ‘home’ and ‘international’ applicants
2. Applicants currently undertaking a PhD who have completed less than 50% of their programme on the day the studentship commences, 1 October 2026, or
3. Applicants with qualifications or experience equal to an honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a master’s degree from a UK academic research organisation.

This means:

1. +4.5 master’s plus PhD applicants should have, or be expecting to receive, a minimum 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent.
2. +3.5 PhD studentship applicants should have, or be expecting to receive, a minimum 2:1 honours in a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and a master’s degree in a relevant field of study.
3. The length of the studentship awarded is dependent on the skills that applicants require to successfully complete their PhD project. Where additional training is deemed to require less than a full master’s year, SENSS may offer +3.75, +4 and +4.25 year studentships.

Benefits of ESRC PhD Studentships at Middlesex University 2026

1. Fully funded support for your research, including support for fieldwork, travel and language development if needed
2. Supervision from internationally leading experts in their field
3. Research methods training tailored to your needs
4. A commitment to interdisciplinarity, where research addresses thematic priorities, so that every funded researcher works in an area of national and international importance
5. A range of placements so that you can put your research skills into action, and share findings beyond academia, while undertaking your research.
6. Successful candidates will be awarded a SENSS ESRC studentship, which pays tuition fees and stipend at standard UKRI rates. For 2025-26 the stipend is £22,780 per year for full-time study, (including London weighting) and will be increased on 1 October 2026.

How to Apply

There is a two-stage application process:

1. First, you must apply for a place in the Middlesex PhD programme, indicating that you are also applying for a SENSS studentship. Applications must be submitted to Middlesex University by Monday 15 December 2025 at 12:00pm UK time.
2. Second, apply to SENSS for your ESRC studentship. Applications for SENSS ESRC Studentships open on Wednesday 1 October and must be submitted by Wednesday 14 January 2026 at 12:00pm UK time.

For more details, visit MiddleSex University Scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

January 14, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for ESRC PhD Studentships at Middlesex University 2026