Are you an aspiring doctoral researcher in the Social Sciences looking for a fully funded opportunity in the UK? The South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) is offering prestigious ESRC-funded studentships for both domestic and international students commencing in October 2026.
This is a comprehensive funding package designed to support exceptional researchers in undertaking impactful PhD study across a consortium of six leading UK universities.
Scholarship Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Host Country | United Kingdom (UK) |
| Institution Consortium | SEDarc (Six UK Universities) |
| Award Type | Fully Funded Postgraduate Research (PhD & Masters + PhD) |
| Eligible Candidates | UK and International Students (Global) |
| Financial Reward | Full Tuition Fees (Home/International Rate) + Annual Stipend |
| Stipend Amount | £22,780 per year (Includes London Allowance where applicable) |
| Study Level | PhD (Doctoral) or 1+3.5 Master’s/PhD Route |
| Application Deadline | January 30, 2026 (Central SEDarc Deadline) |
About the SEDarc Scholarship
The South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) is a partnership of six top-tier UK universities, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). It is a center of excellence dedicated to delivering world-class, transformative postgraduate research training in the social sciences.
SEDarc is committed to training researchers to thrive in challenge-led, interdisciplinary, and collaborative contexts. Successful applicants will be supported for either a 3.5-year PhD program or a 1+3.5-year Master’s and PhD program (for candidates who require a Master’s degree in social sciences). All awards include a mandatory 3-month funded placement for professional development.
Key Benefits of the SEDarc Studentship
This is a fully funded scholarship that ensures successful candidates can focus entirely on their research and training. The award includes:
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage: Your fees will be covered at the UK/Republic of Ireland rate. For international students, the difference between the Home and International fee rate will be covered by the nominating university.
- Annual Living Stipend: A maintenance grant (stipend) set at the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rate, which is £22,780 per annum for the 2025/26 academic year (this figure includes the London weighting allowance at certain institutions).
- Research and Training Funds: Access to additional funds for research-related expenses such as conference attendance, overseas fieldwork, and specialist training.
- Funded Placement: Support for a compulsory 3-month placement to gain experience outside of academia.
Note on International Candidates: While international students are eligible for this full funding, a maximum of 30% of the total SEDarc studentships can be awarded to international applicants.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for an SEDarc studentship for 2026 entry, you must:
- Be a UK or International Student.
- Be seeking funding for a Social Sciences PhD or a Master’s + PhD program at one of the partner institutions.
- Be formally nominated by one of the six SEDarc universities.
- For a PhD-only award (+3.5 years), you must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience that demonstrates the necessary research skills.
- For a Master’s + PhD award (1+3.5 years), you should hold qualifications equivalent to a good UK Bachelor’s Honours degree and require a Master’s in social sciences before commencing your PhD research.
- Your research proposal must align with one of the SEDarc’s challenge-led themes (e.g., Healthy Thriving Communities, Living Sustainably, Inclusive Economic Growth, etc.).
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SEDarc Partner Institutions
The following six universities are part of the SEDarc consortium:
- Kingston University
- Royal Holloway, University of London
- University of Kent
- University of Reading
- University of Surrey
- University of Sussex
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
It is crucial to note that you cannot apply directly to SEDarc. You must first apply to one of the partner institutions for admission and nomination.
- Select an Institution and Supervisor: Identify which of the six SEDarc universities is the best fit for your research and potential supervisor. Contact a prospective supervisor in your subject area as soon as possible to discuss your research proposal.
- Contact the Administrator: Get in touch with the SEDarc Administrator at your chosen university. Each institution has its own internal application deadline and process that is often before the central SEDarc deadline (e.g., some internal deadlines are in November/December 2025).
- Apply for Admission: Apply online for a place on the relevant PhD program at your chosen university. You will typically be asked to submit the following documents:
- Completed SEDarc Preliminary Application Form (or similar internal form).
- Detailed Research Proposal (aligned with a SEDarc theme).
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Two Academic References.
- Institutional Nomination: The university will review your application and, if you are shortlisted, they will nominate you for the final SEDarc competition.
- Final Submission: If nominated, you will be invited to submit your finalized application through the central SEDarc portal by the January 30, 2026 deadline.
Important: Since institutional deadlines vary, you must check the specific application deadline for the university you wish to apply to.
To apply for the SEDarc Scholarship, interested and qualified candidates should;
- Click the green button below to go to the SEDarc website.
- Contact the administrator at your chosen SEDarc university in the first instance:
