Study in UK: South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) Scholarships 2027 (Fully Funded)

The SENSS ESRC Studentship 2027 offers a great opportunity for postgraduate researchers to perform supported research within a network of renowned UK universities.

The South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) supports postgraduate research across eight universities and six cross-cutting themes. Successful students get a tax-free maintenance allowance of £27,036 per year, complete coverage of tuition fees and extra funding for research-related activities.

This programme offers a valuable opportunity for students to carry out an individual research project, supervised by experienced academic staff within a wider postgraduate research community.

SENSS Scholarships Research Areas

The SENSS funding is structured on six multidisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research themes across its eight partner universities.

Applicants should ensure that their proposed research fits within one of the SENSS themes.

Applicants are encouraged to write their research proposal rather than choose from one of the listed scholarship programmes, as the studentship is student-led.

Depending on the university, supervisor, and the applicable SENSS theme, potential areas of research can cover several branches of the social sciences.

Requirements for SENSS Scholarships in 2027

Citizenship and Residency

Studentships are offered at all eight SENSS universities and six SENSS interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary routes.
Applicants may be of any nationality or residency status.

Academic Requirements

Master’s leading to PhD – 4.5 Year Award

Applicants for the Master’s plus PhD studentship should have either a qualification or professional experience comparable to a Bachelor’s degree with Honours.

PhD Only – 3.5 Year Award

Applicants applying for a PhD-only studentship must have:

Master’s degree or related professional experience
A master’s degree and research skills are required to be able to undertake the proposed research topic.
Applicants’ academic backgrounds should be appropriate for their proposed research area and the university they wish to study at.

Applicants Who Are Already Doing a PhD

Students already in a PhD may still be eligible to apply for SENSS support.

Benefits of SENSS Scholarships in 2027

Firstly, successful students receive a £27,036 per year tax-free maintenance stipend to help cover living expenses during their supported studies.
Second, students at London universities will receive an additional £2,000 a year in London weighting.
Students funded by SENSS also do not have to pay tuition fees to their university for the duration of their financial award.
Funds for research training support will also be available to students.
Additional funding is also available for qualifying international fieldwork.
Moreover, students may apply for funds to travel to international institutions to work with researchers or institutions based outside the UK.
There is also additional funding available for language instruction if it is related to the student’s research project.
Finally, the studentship may offer access to further funds to pursue research activities in the UK and abroad.