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ESRC Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership

Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences supports the next generation of social scientists in Wales  access to top quality research training in the social and economic sciences focused on real-world challenges and impactful research.

About the Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Our Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) offers fully-funded PhD studentships in a variety of projects, across our Academic Schools and interdisciplinary Research Institutes. Students will benefit from an excellent local research environment as well as a comprehensive programme of research and professional skills development.

The Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) supports the next generation of social scientists across Wales through a collaborative, interdisciplinary training programme spanning 15 social science pathways. Led by Cardiff University, the programme offers tailored studentships shaped by a Development Needs Analysis (DNA), with options from full Master’s and PhD routes to PhDs with targeted training. WGSSS equips researchers to address critical environmental, political, economic, and social challenges.

Cohort period

The DTP was awarded funding for five intakes of students. The first cohort started in October 2023 and the final cohort will commence in 2028/29. Please see the links below for current project listings, recruitment timelines and funding details.

Find out more

  • Visit the WGSSS website for full details about available projects, eligibility, and how to apply.
  • Contact us if you would like updates or more information about future studentship opportunities.
  • Explore our funded studentships at Cardiff and learn more about PhD funding.
  • You can also explore opportunities on FindAPhD, the UK’s largest database of PhD projects.