Why it fits you

See whether this opportunity fits you

Create your profile in a few minutes: we compare each criterion with your situation, with no document to upload.

Create my profileI already have an account

Who can apply

Three different things not to mix up: the country where you study, your nationality and the country where you live when you apply.

Country of study
United Kingdom · Exeter
Target level
Doctorate
Fields of study
Social sciences
Languages
  • English: level not specifiedRequired
Minimum grade
Current average grade of the Masters at the point of application normally at least Merit (60%). Successful applicants must ultimately achieve an overall average of at least 60% across the taught units/modules and at least 60% for the dissertation component.
Other conditions
  • You can only make one application to the SWDTP each academic year.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: No - You can only make one application to the SWDTP each academic year.
  • The default rule is to not allow applications from candidates who have already started a PhD programme, either presently or in the past.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: No - the default rule is to not allow applications from candidates who have already started a PhD programme, either presently or in the past.
  • You must have located and agreed supervision with your 1st supervisor before applying; the supervisor must complete the Annex B form which you must submit as part of your application.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Students must have located and agreed supervision with their 1st supervisor before applying for a studentship - the supervisor must complete the Annex B form which you must submit as part of your application, so please allow time for this when applying.

The real funding

What the opportunity pays, what is left for you to pay and the money to plan before leaving.

Paid
Tuition
At your expense
Visa fees
Money to plan before leaving
  • Student visa cost, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK

Dates

Applications close
12 January 2027 at 12:00 GMT (Europe/London)
Results announced
From about mid-March onwards, the SWDTP can make a first set of offers to an initial group of successful applicants. Some others will be placed on a wait list should places become available.
Studies start
September 2027

Application steps

In the order set by the programme. Open a step to see the details.

  1. Step 1: You must find and agree supervision with your primary supervisor.
    With whom
    You and your primary supervisor
    By when
    Before submitting your application
    Documents to provide
    • Supervisor Supporting Statement Form for 2027 Entry (Annex B) completed by the primary supervisor
  2. Step 2: Prepare the required documents: Annex A research proposal (1,300 words), transcript, references, English proficiency evidence, letters of support.
    With whom
    You
    By when
    Before the deadline
    Documents to provide
    • Annex A (SWDTP Studentship Application Form 2027 Entry)
    • 2 references (including one Supervisor Supporting Statement Form – Annex B)
    • Verified transcript of your highest qualification
    • Letter(s) of support (ESRC collaboration)
    • Evidence of English proficiency if needed
  3. Step 3: Submit your application through the relevant SWDTP pathway link on the online portal.
    With whom
    You
    By when
    12 January 2027 at 12:00 GMT (Europe/London) — 12 noon GMT, Tuesday 12 January 2027
  4. Step 4: Your supervisor and referee email their references to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk.
    With whom
    Your supervisor and referee
    By when
    12 January 2027 at 12:00 GMT (Europe/London) — By midday, Tuesday 12 January 2027
    Documents to provide
    • Reference letters
  5. Step 5: Shortlisted applicants are invited to a research conversation.
    With whom
    Shortlisted applicants
    By when
    Interviews take place between 19 and 28 January 2027

Where to apply

University of Exeter (opens in a new tab) · ESRC SWDTP PhD studentships

Official title (in English): ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP)

Edition Intake 2027 · Verified on 31 October 2026

Apply on the official website (opens in a new tab)

Official website of University of Exeter: swdtp.ac.uk

See the official page of the opportunity(opens in a new tab)