Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) is a consortium of six UK universities offering Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding for doctoral research. The SEDarc Studentship Programme supports postgraduate researchers in undertaking impactful PhD research and training, with entry for September 2027.
For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a significant opportunity to pursue fully funded doctoral study in the UK. The programme is open to both UK and international students, though funding structures differ based on fee status.
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Host Institutions
Six universities participate in the SEDarc consortium:
- Kingston University
- Royal Holloway, University of London
- University of Kent
- University of Reading
- University of Surrey
- University of Sussex
Each institution manages its own internal nomination process and deadline. You must contact your chosen university’s administrator to begin your application.
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Funding and Award Structure
The studentship provides:
- UK home fees coverage
- Stipend awards for living costs
International students are eligible to apply, though the specific fee coverage for international applicants should be confirmed directly with your chosen institution. The ESRC DTPs are subject to a mid-term review in 2026, with allocations for the 2027 cohort expected to be confirmed around January 2027.
Ring-Fenced Studentships
SEDarc ring-fences up to three studentships specifically for home-fee students who meet widening participation criteria. These are reserved for applicants who:
- Are eligible for home fee status
- Identify as Black or Black British (Caribbean, African, or Other Black background)
- Identify as Asian or Asian British (Bangladeshi, Pakistani, or Indian)
- Meet all other standard eligibility criteria
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a SEDarc studentship, you must:
- Be nominated by one of the six SEDarc institutions
- Not have already commenced a PhD programme (regardless of UK or international location)
- Submit only one application across the entire SEDarc consortium for the 2027 intake
Part-time study is permitted but restricted to those with home fee status due to visa restrictions. Deferral of a successful award is not possible.
Research Priorities
SEDarc prioritises applications and projects that align with three specific steer groups:
- Advanced Data Skills
- Advanced Quantitative Methods
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration with researchers outside of the social sciences
If your project includes any of these elements, discuss this with your selected institution to ensure these strengths are highlighted in your application.
Application Process
The SEDarc application process is two-stage:
Stage 1: Institutional Nomination
Contact the administrator at your chosen SEDarc university. Each institution has different internal deadlines and processes. The administrator will guide you through their specific requirements.
Stage 2: SEDarc Submission
Once nominated by your institution, your application is submitted to the central SEDarc competition.
Final deadline: 29 January 2027 at 16:00 GMT
Institution Contact Details
- Kingston University: hssce-research@kingston.ac.uk
- Royal Holloway, University of London: esrcdtp@rhul.ac.uk
- University of Kent: kentgrc@kent.ac.uk
- University of Reading: doctoralstudentshipsofficer@reading.ac.uk
- University of Surrey: doctoralcollege@surrey.ac.uk
- University of Sussex: pgr-scholarships@sussex.ac.uk
Finding a Supervisor
SEDarc does not match applicants with supervisors directly. To identify potential supervisors:
- Contact the professional service lead at your chosen university with your theme, research area, and specific topic
- Explore staff directories on partner university websites
- Use Google Scholar to identify researchers in your field
You are responsible for contacting your preferred supervisor before applying.
Assessment and Selection
Applications undergo rigorous panel review. Assessment criteria are published on the SEDarc website and in guidance notes. Due to high application volumes, individual feedback is not provided.
If placed on the reserve list, you will receive email notification including the final date by which any changes will be communicated. The reserve list is not a simple ranked order; SEDarc must match withdrawn applicants’ profiles (fee status, research focus) with reserve candidates meeting similar criteria.
Important Considerations for African Applicants
For applicants from Zimbabwe and SADC countries:
- Confirm international fee coverage with your chosen institution before applying
- Begin visa and English language testing preparations early
- Research each university’s strengths in your field, as specialisations vary
- Consider time zone differences when scheduling supervisor meetings
The ring-fenced studentships are not available to international applicants, but the general competition remains open to all nationalities.
Official scholarship page: https://www.sedarc.ac.uk/student-led-competition/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
