Applications are now open for the SEDarc Scholarships 2027 in the UK, offering fully funded doctoral studentships for eligible UK and international students interested in social science research.
The South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) is an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-funded partnership involving six UK universities: the University of Kent, Kingston University, University of Reading, Royal Holloway, University of London, University of Surrey and University of Sussex.
For the 2027 entry competition, SEDarc is offering up to 39 doctoral studentships across its partner institutions.
SEDarc Scholarship 2027
The SEDarc studentship supports postgraduate researchers undertaking doctoral research and professional training in the social sciences.
The programme normally funds a 3.5-year PhD, including a funded three-month placement. Applicants who do not already have an appropriate Master’s degree may be eligible for a 1+3.5 Master’s plus PhD route where available.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful students can receive:
– UK-rate tuition fee funding.
– Annual maintenance stipend.
– Additional funding for research and training.
– Support for UK or overseas fieldwork.
– Funding for overseas institutional visits where applicable.
– Difficult Language Training support where applicable.
– A funded three-month placement.
– Extensive research and professional development training.
– Approximately 200 hours of general skills training during the first year.
– Specialist skills training during later years.
For 2026/27, the SEDarc stipend is £23,805 per year, including a £2,000 London allowance where applicable. The rate can change for the 2027/28 academic year.
SEDarc Scholarship for International Students
International students can apply for SEDarc funding.
At Royal Holloway, for example, successful international students receive a tuition-fee award covering the difference between the UK home fee and the applicable international fee. SEDarc notes that up to 30% of each cohort may be international students.
The studentship does not normally cover flights, visa costs or the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Eligible Research Areas
Applications must fit within SEDarc’s interdisciplinary research themes, including:
1. Living Sustainably
Research addressing sustainability, environmental challenges and related social issues.
2. Healthy, Thriving Communities
Research focusing on health, wellbeing and communities.
3. Inclusive Economic Growth
Research examining economic participation, inequality, employment and inclusive development.
4. Secure, Effective and Trusted Institutions
Research involving institutions, governance, public policy and related issues.
5. Transformative Technologies for Society
Research examining the social implications and applications of emerging technologies.
Participating Universities
Studentships are available through SEDarc partner universities, including:
– University of Kent
– Kingston University
– University of Reading
– Royal Holloway, University of London
– University of Surrey
– University of Sussex
Applicants must apply through a participating university rather than submitting a direct application to SEDarc without first going through the relevant institution.
Eligibility Requirements
Requirements vary slightly between universities and departments, but applicants generally need:
– A relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent for an integrated Master’s plus PhD route.
– A relevant Master’s degree with appropriate research-methods training for the PhD-only route.
– A strong academic record.
– A suitable research proposal.
– A research project that fits one of the SEDarc themes.
– Support from an appropriate academic supervisor.
– Evidence of suitability for doctoral research.
Applicants who have already started a PhD are not eligible for a new SEDarc studentship.
Required Documents
Applicants should normally prepare:
– Academic transcripts.
– Degree certificates.
– Updated academic CV.
– Research proposal.
– Academic references.
– Supervisor statement or confirmation.
– Evidence of relevant research experience where required.
– Other documents requested by the chosen university.
For example, the University of Sussex requires a detailed research proposal of up to 2,000 words, transcripts, two academic references and an up-to-date CV.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
1. Select a participating SEDarc university.
2. Identify a suitable PhD programme and research area.
3. Find an appropriate potential supervisor.
4. Discuss the proposed research project with the supervisor.
5. Prepare the required research proposal and supporting documents.
6. Apply for the relevant PhD programme through the university.
7. Complete the university’s SEDarc application process if shortlisted.
8. Submit the final application before the applicable deadline.
Each university and department can have its own earlier deadline, so applicants should check the requirements of their selected institution carefully.
Application Deadlines
There is no single university deadline for every SEDarc applicant.
For example:
– University of Sussex: December 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM GMT.
– Kingston University: December 7, 2026, midnight.
– Royal Holloway: January 14, 2027, at midday, although individual departments may set earlier deadlines.
Shortlisted applicants at the later stage may have until January 29, 2027 to submit their revised SEDarc applications.
Conclusion
(Apply Now) The SEDarc Scholarships 2027 provide an opportunity for international and UK students to pursue funded doctoral research in the social sciences at participating UK universities.
With tuition-fee support, a living stipend, research funding, professional training and a funded placement, the programme is designed to combine doctoral research with practical and transferable skills.
International applicants should begin early by identifying a suitable PhD programme and supervisor because individual universities and departments may have deadlines earlier than the final SEDarc submission date.