University attracts major funding for postgraduate research studentships

The funding will support a minimum of 37 new postgraduate research studentships each year over the next three years and aims to develop the next generation of national and international research leaders in social science in academia, government, business and civil society.

The South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (SCDTP) will draw on the research training and social science expertise of the universities of Brighton, Southampton, Portsmouth and Chichester, and is a beacon of excellence, innovation and imagination in postgraduate training for the next generation of social scientists. Like previous Doctoral Training Partnerships, it will include funding and opportunities for advanced research methods training for all its research students. The University of Brighton Deputy Director will be Professor Phil Haynes.

South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership researchers

Welcoming the announcement, Professor Phil Ashworth, Director of the university’s Doctoral College, said: “This is superb news for the University of Brighton. Building on the previous successful doctoral training partnership, this iteration of the South Coast DTP will deliver outstanding training in research to nurture highly qualified social scientists, equipped to meet contemporary economic and social challenges. The scale of the investment by ESRC will ensure we have an integrated cohort of postgraduates who can learn from each other and share expertise on common themes.”

The partnership will be organised around 24 disciplinary pathways, with the University of Brighton offering pathways on: Social Policy, Education, and Sport, Leisure and Tourism.

A large number of non-academic partners, including government, non-government agencies and private businesses are collaborating with the Doctoral Training Partnership. Successful postgraduate researchers will undertake a funded three-month ‘research in practice’ placement in addition to their research degree, giving exceptional exposure to social science challenges in government, the community and business. 

Further details on research studentships funded via the partnership will be available on the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership website. Applicants interested in opportunities at the University of Brighton can visit the University of Brighton South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership web page for more information and how to apply. The funded studentships commence in October 2024 and applications open in November 2023 with a deadline for submissions on 19 January 2024. Read the ESRC announcement for more information about the investment into doctoral training partnerships.