The University of Reading is delighted to be part of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-funded South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc). This Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is a strong consortium of 6 leading universities: Royal Holloway, University of London, the University of Kent, Kingston University, the University of Reading, the University of Surrey, and the University of Sussex.
SEDarc DTP funding allows for innovative doctoral support, including the development of broader skills through a comprehensive training programme, and experience in working outside academia through placements.
For entry in September 2025, studentships can be for social science research in the following areas:
Architecture and Built Environment
Geography and Environmental Studies
Politics and International Relations
Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences
SEDarc applications will be assessed within five cross-disciplinary, challenge-led themes that span the social sciences:
Healthy Thriving Communities
Inclusive Economic Growth
Living Sustainably
Secure, Effective and Trusted Institutions
Transformative Technologies for Society
Interested applicants should discuss with their potential supervisors how their project fits within the SEDarc themes.
What is on offer?
1. Awards of 3.5 years duration to cover PhD fees and a maintenance stipend (living allowance) at the UKRI rate.
For reference, the annual UKRI stipend rate in 2024/25 is £19,237.
Please note that 3.5 years of funding is to include a 3-month placement. Placements also have an associated £1000 travel fund. Studentships in which the student does not undertake a placement are for 3.25 years of funding only.
2. A limited number of awards are available which also include a further year of funding to study for a Master’s degree prior to commencing a PhD programme. Only applicants without an existing Social Science Master’s degree may apply for this type of award.
Eligible Master’s programmes at Reading for which it is possible to apply are:
MSc by Research (Henley Business School)
MSc Research Methods in Psychology
Eligibility
UK/Republic of Ireland students (who satisfy certain residency criteria which are detailed in the eligibility guidelines) are eligible for awards covering fees at the UK/Republic of Ireland rate and provide a maintenance grant (stipend), the current (2024/25) level of which is £19,237 for full-time study.
Applications are open to UK and International applicants. ESRC funding covers tuition fees at the UK/Republic of Ireland rate; for international candidates offered an ESRC award, the difference between UK/Republic of Ireland and international fees will be covered by the University of Reading. Those awarded a SEDarc studentship are therefore not liable to pay fees. Please note, although International applicants are eligible to apply, due to the nature of the funding of this studentship, a maximum of 30% of SEDarc studentships will be awarded to International students.
Students who have already commenced doctoral study may NOT apply for this funding.
How to apply for these studentships
Apply online for a place of admission to a PhD programme at Reading via the RISIS portal.
Once you have submitted your application for a place of admission, your application will be reviewed by academics in your School. The University of Reading can only nominate a fixed number of applicants to SEDarc, so we cannot guarantee that all those who apply can be nominated. Schools will review the applicants to their School and select nominees for the internal phase of the selection in which the University selects its nominees for SEDarc. You will be contacted by someone from the School about your application if you are considered for nomination to SEDarc.
Applicants who are chosen for nomination to the University of Reading selection phase will be provided with a template of the SEDarc application form to complete. The selection process at Reading will be based upon these forms.
Application deadline
The deadline for applications to the University of Reading is 3 January, 2025. Applicants must have applied to a PhD programme at Reading via RISIS by this time.
The deadline for final applications to SEDarc is 3 February, 2025. Applicants shortlisted by the University of Reading will need to submit their final application to SEDarc by this date.
Selection Process
1. SEDarc applicants must complete an application for PhD study at Reading by 3 January, 2025.
2. Applicants selected by their Schools for nomination to the University of Reading selection panel must complete and submit a draft SEDarc application by 8 January, 2025.
3. In early January, draft SEDarc proposals will be reviewed within the University of Reading.
4. In mid January, a panel will be convened at Reading to select the University’s nominees who will be forwarded to the main SEDarc studentship competition.
5. In mid-late January, nominated candidates will be provided feedback to make final changes to their SEDarc applications.
6. University of Reading SEDarc nominees must submit their SEDarc application to the SEDarc application portal by 3 February, 2025.
Successful applicants will be informed by the SEDarc DTP that they are being made awards by April 2025.
For further information and advice about these studentships, please contact the Doctoral and Researcher College by emailing the Doctoral Studentships Support Officer .
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive student community. It supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ rights equality.
The University of Reading Equal Opportunities policy applies:
The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race (to include colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.