School of Sociology and Social Policy Doctoral Scholarship 2026/27

Applications are invited for the School of Sociology and Social Policy Doctoral Scholarship for the academic year 2026/27. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and provides a tax-free maintenance allowance, matching UKRI rates (£20,780 in 2025/26). It also includes support for research training, conference attendance and other expenses. The scholarship is open to UK applicants only. Full-time and part-time candidates may apply. Eligible applicants must hold an offer of admission to the doctoral degree programme at the University of Leeds within the School of Sociology and Social Policy.

<p>Since its foundation, the School of Sociology and Social Policy has been a major centre of research and graduate training, and has produced some of the leading academic figures in their fields. The School is home to several distinctive research groups and centres, specialising in the broad areas of:</p> <p><a href="https://gender-studies.leeds.ac.uk/">Gender</a> </p> <p><a href="https://disability-studies.leeds.ac.uk">Disability Studies</a></p> <p><a href="https://cers.leeds.ac.uk">Racism and Ethnicity</a></p> <p><a href="https://flag.leeds.ac.uk">Family and life course</a></p> <p><a href="https://baumaninstitute.leeds.ac.uk/">Social and Political Thought</a></p> <p>Health technologies</p> <p><strong>Duration and Value of the Award </strong></p> <ul> <li>The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant (£20,780 in Session 2025/26) for full-time study, part-time will be pro-rata.  This amount increases per annum in line with the UKRI rate.  Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years (Part-time awards are pro-rata).</li> <li>Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights, etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Eligibility Criteria </strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate.  </li> </ul> <p paraeid="{1a43c94d-223e-4e34-a013-bb350fa076bf}{155}" paraid="849605484"><strong>Other Conditions </strong></p> <ul> <li paraeid="{1a43c94d-223e-4e34-a013-bb350fa076bf}{161}" paraid="1387149797">Awards must be taken up by 1 October 2026 </li> <li paraeid="{1a43c94d-223e-4e34-a013-bb350fa076bf}{161}" paraid="1387149797">Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered </li> <li paraeid="{1a43c94d-223e-4e34-a013-bb350fa076bf}{161}" paraid="1387149797">The awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time or part-time research study leading to the degree of PhD.</li> <li paraeid="{1a43c94d-223e-4e34-a013-bb350fa076bf}{161}" paraid="1387149797">Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this Scholarship. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Selection Process</strong></p> <ul> <li>The deadline to be considered for the PhD School of Sociology and Social Policy Doctoral Scholarship is <strong>Friday 17^th April 2026</strong>. Before you can apply for this scholarship/studentship, you will need to apply for your study place and have your 9-digit student identification number. We strongly advise you to submit your study application at least 2 weeks before the scholarship deadline to allow the Admissions team time to process your application. </li> <li>All scholarship applications will be considered after the deadline. Only complete applications will be considered.</li> <li>The final list of awards are based on academic merit and no other factors such as financial hardship are taken into account.</li> <li> Applicants will be e-mailed within 6 to 8 weeks of the deadline to confirm the outcome.</li> </ul>

<p><strong>Stage 1</strong></p> <p>First, apply for a research place of study, through the <a href="https://prod.banner.leeds.ac.uk/ssb/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon">online application form</a>. Please state clearly that the funding you wish to be considered for is the ‘School of Sociology and Social Policy Doctoral Scholarship’. You will be expected to meet <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/sociology-research-degrees/doc/entry-requirements-3">our eligibility criteria</a> for PhD candidates.</p> <p>In order to be considered for the Studentship you must submit all the required <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/sociology-research-degrees/doc/apply-1">supporting documents</a> for your application for PhD study.</p> <p>Once you have received your student ID number (a 9-digit number) move onto stage 2.</p> <p><strong>Stage 2</strong></p> <p>Apply for the School of Sociology and Social Policy Doctoral Scholarship by completing the <a href="https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/leeds/school-of-sociology-and-social-policy-doctoral-scholarship-20-1">Scholarship Application Form</a>. You must submit your scholarship application by <strong>12pm on Friday 17^th 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 this scholarship in the School of Sociology and Social Policy should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or international equivalent) AND/OR a Merit (or predicted Merit) in their Masters degree (both in an appropriate discipline). Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the Graduate School Admissions Office prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study in the 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. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office<br /> e: <a href="mailto:applypgr.socialsciences@leeds.ac.uk">applypgr.socialsciences@leeds.ac.uk</a> </p>