SENSS Scholarships 2025 in the UK
Applications are now open for the 2024/25 South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) competition! Each year, SENSS offers studentships across six interdisciplinary research themes at eight universities, supporting students in developing their own research projects with expert academic supervision.
What is a SENSS Student-led Studentship?
A SENSS studentship allows students to design and lead their own research projects, supported by a team of academic supervisors. Some projects may involve collaboration with a business, charity, or other organization, giving students access to valuable resources like data, equipment, funding, or placements.
As a SENSS ESRC studentship recipient, you’ll be part of a dynamic postgraduate community across eight universities and six interdisciplinary themes, receiving top-tier supervision and advanced research training.
The SENSS Scholarship includes a stipend of £19,237 per year (for 2024/25) to support your postgraduate studies in the UK, with an additional £2,000 per year if you study at a London-based university.
SENSS Scholarships 2025: Quick Overview
- Level: Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD)
- Study Location: United Kingdom
- Eligible Countries: All
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage, £21,237 per year, travel & research support
- Application Deadline: January 22, 2025
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the SENSS ESRC Studentship, you must meet these requirements:
- Residency: Open to applicants worldwide; however, there are approximately 10 studentships each year for international students.
- Academic Qualifications:
- For a Master’s + PhD (+4.5 years), you’ll need qualifications equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree with honors.
- For a PhD only (+3.5 years), you’ll need qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree or a Master’s degree with the necessary research skills.
- Current PhD Students: You may apply if you’ve not yet completed a significant portion of your PhD studies.
Benefits of the SENSS Scholarships
As a SENSS scholar, you will receive:
- Living Stipend: A tax-free stipend of £19,237 per year, with an extra £2,000 for students at London-based universities to offset higher living costs.
- Full Tuition Coverage: Tuition fees are fully covered for both domestic and international students for the duration of the award.
- Additional Research Support: Access to funds for research training, overseas fieldwork, international study visits, and language training.
SENSS Partner Universities
- City, University of London
- Cranfield University
- University of East Anglia
- University of Essex
- Goldsmiths, University of London
- University of Lincoln
- Middlesex University
- University of Roehampton
Application Process
To apply for the SENSS Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Identify a Supervisor: Find an academic at your chosen SENSS university whose research aligns with your proposed topic.
- Connect with the Academic: Contact your proposed supervisor to discuss your research plans. Alternatively, reach out to the SENSS Operational Lead at the university if you need help finding a supervisor.
- University Application: Once you have the support of a supervisor, apply for admission to the SENSS university where they teach.
- SENSS Funding Application: After submitting your university application, apply for SENSS funding to support your studies.
Deadline: January 22, 2025
