1+3 ESRC NWSSDTP 2026 Entry
Find out more about the Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC) North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) 1+3 studentship.
1+3 studentships for master's and PhD success
With the ESRC NWSSDTP 1+3 studentship, you will have the unique opportunity to seamlessly transition from a master’s programme to a PhD, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded academic experience. This studentship provides essential funding for both stages of study, and grants you access to valuable resources, training, and expert supervision.
By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting innovative research, the NWSSDTP equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle complex social challenges.
Key features of this studentship
- Open to applicants from all backgrounds, and covers full tuition fees and a maintenance allowance for both your master’s and PhD study.
- The 1+3 format combines a one-year master’s programme with three and a half years of doctoral research - providing a fully funded, structured pathway into postgraduate research.
- You’ll join a vibrant research community with opportunities to collaborate across a wide range of social science disciplines - encouraging innovative thinking and diverse perspectives.
- Opportunities for networking and collaboration across various disciplines within social sciences, encouraging innovative approaches and diverse perspectives in research.
- You'll benefit from tailored training in research methods, data analysis and ethical practice - equipping you with the skills needed to succeed at every stage of your postgraduate journey.
How to be considered
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to everything we do at The University of Manchester. We know that a diverse research community drives creativity, productivity and research quality, and strengthens our impact on society and the economy.
We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and career paths. We encourage interest from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
To apply, you need to meet meet the academic requirements of your preferred programme, as well as those specified by the ESRC NWSSDTP.
For the 1+3 pathway, this means holding - or being on track to achieve - a First Class or Upper Second (2:1) UK bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent qualification.
1. Choose your preferred PhD programme.
Select your preferred PhD programme. It must be available through one of the ESRC NWSSDTP pathways. Note: Your taught master’s programme will normally be confirmed after the initial interview stage.
2. Prepare a research proposal
You’ll need to submit a clear, well-developed PhD research proposal (up to 1,500 words).
Proposal guidance is available by School:
- Alliance Manchester Business School
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- School of Environment, Education and Development
- School of Social Sciences (all programmes except Economics)
- Economics
3. Find a supervisor
Use our find a supervisor guide to identify potential supervisors in your field of interest.
4. Complete your online application
Complete the online application form for your chosen programme by the stated deadline.
In Section 9 of the application form, enter the following:
- Type of Funding: Research Council
- Awarding Body: ESRC NWSSDTP 1+3
- Status of Funding: Intend to Apply
5. Upload your supporting documents
- A 1,500-word PhD research proposal. If you revise your research proposal after submitting your application, please attach the latest draft of your proposal along with the ESRC NWSSDTP application form to hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
- A copy of your bachelor's academic transcript and certificate. If you have completed more than one bachelor's degree, please provide evidence for each.
- Non-English documents must be accompanied by an official English translation.
- If your transcript doesn’t show your GPA or weighted average mark, provide an official document confirming this.
- An up-to-date academic CV detailing your academic record, employment history, publications, and highlighting research-related experience.
- The names of two academic referees, including one from your most recent institution. Your referees will be contacted via the Referee Portal after your application has been submitted.
- A certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency.
6. Submit your NWSSDTP forms by the deadline
Your ESRC NWSSDTP Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form must be submitted to hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk by 5pm GMT, 2 February 2026.
- Please note all deadlines are strict and applications received after 5pm will not be included in the competition.
We’ll automatically attach the transcripts and references from your programme application to your ESRC NWSSDTP application for panel review.
- Programme application deadlines:
- Alliance Manchester Business School: 1 December 2025
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures: 12 January 2026
- School of Education, Environment and Development: 19 January 2026
- School of Social Sciences: 1 December 2025
- Funding Application Deadline: 5pm, 2 February 2026
- Receive Formal Offer: tbc
- Funding Decision: tbc
- Deadline for candidates to confirm acceptance of the award: tbc
Eligible master’s programmes at The University of Manchester
- MSc Planning
- MSc Urban Regeneration and Development
- MSc Geographical Information Science
- MSc Real Estate Development
- MSc Real Estate Finance and Investment
- MSc Urban Design and International Planning
- MSc Research Methods with Planning, Property and Environmental Management
- MSc Environmental Impact Assessment and Management
- MSc Global Urban Development and Planning
- MA Politics
- MA International Political Economy
- MA Peace and Conflict Studies
- MA Political Science – Democracy and Elections
- MA Political Science – European Politics and Policy
- MA Political Science – Governance and Public Policy
- MA Political Science – Political Theory
- MA Political Economy
- MA International Relations
- MA Human Rights – Political Science
- MA Human Rights – Law/Political Science
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Have questions about applying, funding, or programme details? Our dedicated application team is here to assist you. Get in touch with them today.
