Leeds University Faculty of Social Sciences Doctoral Scholarships for researchers from UK Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups

The Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Leeds, is inviting applications for the next round of its doctoral scholarship scheme for UK Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups to undertake postgraduate/PhD research within the Faculty. Three scholarships are available this year.

<p>The Faculty is inviting applications from candidates from UK Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups currently underrepresented within postgraduate research.</p> <p>Scholarship holders will have access to world leading facilities and supervision, and to research centres which shape the research and innovation agenda within and beyond the social sciences. All postgraduate researchers in the Faculty are members of the <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/">Social Sciences Graduate School</a>, bringing together a socially, culturally and intellectually diverse community of doctoral researchers, in an interdisciplinary research environment geared to addressing global challenges. Our doctoral researchers also have access to bespoke training and support via the <a href="https://lssi.leeds.ac.uk/engagement-partnerships/wrdtp/">White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership.</a></p> <ul> <li> <p>These scholarships are available on either a 1+3.5 (Masters and 3.5 year PhD) or a +3.5 (3.5 year PhD) (or part-time equivalent) basis. Depending on the level of research training already achieved, and where applicants do not yet meet our entry requirements for PhD study, we can also support applications via the 1+3.5 scheme. This would include funding to undertake an appropriate Masters degree (MA, MSc, LLM) in the <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/">Faculty of Social Sciences</a> in the first instance followed by the PhD. </p> </li> <li> <p>Each scholarship will cover full UK research degree fees and a maintenance grant at current UKRI rates.   </p> </li> <li> <p>Applicants must, as a first step, apply for a doctoral programme in one of the Faculty Schools to be considered for one of these awards. You should submit your application for a research degree by 1^st March 2025 at the latest, so that the School has sufficient time to consider your application for a place on the research degree programme. Applicants should then submit an application for the scholarship before the scholarship deadline of 1^st April 2025. </p> </li> <li> <p>Research proposals should clearly demonstrate how they align with the research priorities and areas of expertise of one or more of the Schools of the Faculty (<a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/education-research-expertise">Education</a>, <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/law-research-expertise">Law</a>, <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/politics-research-expertise">Politics and International Studies</a>, and <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/sociology-research-expertise">Sociology and Social Policy</a>).  </p> </li> <li> <p>We strongly encourage proposals which are interdisciplinary in nature and are relevant to more than one School, or more than one of the research centres based within our Schools. </p> </li> <li> <p>These scholarships are open to applicants from UK Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups only. Applicants will self-identify and sign a disclaimer to the effect that the information they provide is correct.  </p> </li> </ul> <h3><strong>Funding on Offer</strong></h3> <h4><strong>Duration of the Award</strong></h4> <p>Full-time (3.5 years). The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to two and a half years, subject to satisfactory academic progress. Where applicants have not yet met the entry requirements for a research degree, we can support successful candidates to first undertake an appropriate Masters degree in the <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/">Faculty of Social Sciences</a> via the 1+3.5 scheme.</p> <h4><strong>Funding</strong></h4> <p>The award will cover full UK fees at the University of Leeds standard rate of fees and a maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in session 2024/25). In year 4 of the PhD, the award will cover 6 months of maintenance allowance. The award does not cover the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-fees/doc/research-degrees-fees">over time fee</a> (currently £320 in 2024/25).</p> <h4><strong>Other Conditions</strong></h4> <ul> <li> <p>Awards must be taken up by 1^st October 2025.</p> </li> <li> <p>The awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time or part-time research study leading to the degree of PhD. Students who are already registered for PhD research study are excluded from applying.</p> </li> <li> <p>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this Scholarship.</p> </li> </ul>

<p><strong>Stage 1</strong></p> <p>First, apply for a research place of study, through the <a href="https://studentservices.leeds.ac.uk/pls/banprod/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon">online application form</a>. You should ensure you apply for a PhD place by 1^st March 2025. </p> <p>Once you have received your student ID number (a 9-digit number) move onto stage 2.</p> <p><strong>Stage 2</strong><br /> <br /> Apply for the Scholarship by completing the <a href="https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/leeds/leeds-university-faculty-of-social-sciences-doctoral-scholars-1">Scholarship Application Form</a>. You must submit your scholarship application by <strong>17:00 p.m. on 1^st April 2025.</strong></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline. They should also have (or expect to obtain) a Masters degree with a Merit grade (or equivalent) in an related subject area. Where applicants have not yet met the entry requirements for a research degree, we can support successful candidates to first undertake an appropriate Masters degree in the Faculty of Social Sciences via the 1+3.5 scheme. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the Admissions office prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate study in the School of Law is an IELTS of 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate study in the School of Politics and International Studies, School of Education and School of Sociology and Social Policy is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Admissions Office<br /> e: <a href="mailto:applypgr.socialsciences@leeds.ac.uk?subject=Doctoral%20Scholarships%20for%20researchers%20from%20UK%20Black%2C%20Asian%20and%20other%20minoritised%20ethic%20groups%20PhD%20Students">applypgr.socialsciences@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>