Study in the UK: 2027 UBEL London ESRC Studentships (Fully Funded)

The 2027 UBEL London ESRC Studentships welcome well-prepared candidates who wish to pursue PhD research in the social sciences at six London universities.

The UCL Bloomsbury and East London (UBEL) Doctoral Training Partnership is supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to develop integrative doctoral research spanning 30 academic routes.

The cooperation includes universities and research organisations with expertise in the social sciences, economics, public policy, international development, population health, and other related fields.

About UBEL London ESRC Studentships

The UCL, Bloomsbury and East London PhD Training Partnership is a collaboration of six higher education institutions that provides advanced research training and funding for PhD students.

Its research methodology is based on multidisciplinary collaboration, involvement with groups beyond academia, and research that addresses social, economic, political and public policy concerns.

The agreement will allow students to undertake research across a range of social science disciplines, with expert supervision, research training and access to London’s professional and academic communities.

The UBEL DTP has 30 discipline routes grouped into six large topic areas. This will depend on the pathway and the applicant’s qualifications.

UBEL London ESRC Studentships Partnering Universities

1. University College London (UCL)

UCL allows you to carry out research in a range of social science subjects, such as economics, education, politics, social research and multidisciplinary policy studies.

2. SOAS University of London

SOAS is recognised for its studies on Asia, Africa, the Middle East, international development, politics, economics and global challenges.

3. University of East London

The University of East London offers chances for research in social science disciplines and in topics relating to communities, education, policy and social development.

4. University of Greenwich

The University of Greenwich provides support for cooperation through research routes in key social science and multidisciplinary subjects.

5. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)

LSHTM research prospects include epidemiology, health data, public health policy and related disciplines, linking population health with social science.

6. Birkbeck, University of London

At Birkbeck we provide research and postgraduate training in several social scientific fields, including economics, politics, sociology and related subjects.

Requirements for UBEL London ESRC Studentships

1. Academic Qualification

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve by 30 September 2027, an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or first-class honours degree from a recognised UK university, or an equivalent qualification obtained outside the UK.

2. Requirements for the +3.5 Route

Candidates seeking the +3.5 doctoral financing route would usually be expected to hold, or anticipate acquiring by 30 September 2027, a master’s degree with a suitable level of research training.

3. Relevant Research Interests

Your planned research must be within the remit of an eligible UBEL disciplinary pathway.

4. Contact with a Potential Supervisor

Applicants should consult an appropriate academic on their research ideas before applying and are encouraged to do so.

5. UK and International Eligibility

The competition is open to both home and overseas applications, subject to ESRC funding criteria.

6. Restrictions on International Awards

The ESRC allows overseas students to receive up to a maximum of 30% of total studentships in relevant UBEL contests.

7. Visa & Immigration Requirements

UBEL does not fund visas for international students. Applicants needing immigration approval to study in the UK should contact the visa compliance staff at their prospective university.