PhD Studentships: Economic and Social Research Council - Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership

The Open University is pleased to offer Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding through the Grand Union (GU) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). The DTP is a consortium of Oxford, Brunel and the Open University, built on a foundation of world-leading research excellence, a dynamic student-centred approach to postgraduate training and a strong commitment to intellectual discovery and widening participation. 

The Grand Union (GU) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) studentships are available in the Open University across seven pathways. You are welcome to contact the pathway leads before submitting your applications. 

Open University Pathways 

• Development Policy and Practice 
• Geography and Environmental Studies
• Innovation in Learning
• Health and Wellbeing
• Psychology
• Organisation, Leadership and Governance
• Social Justice and Inequalities

Funding information

The studentship covers course fees and provides a stipend of at least £21,805 per annum (pro rata for part-time students) during the funded period. The DTP offers a variety of award structures and lengths, depending on prior training and course arrangements. 

Those in receipt of studentships will be eligible for the same benefits as other UKRI-funded students, including additional support for research expenses and individual skills training, funded sick leave (up to 28 weeks in any 12-month period), funded maternity leave, and Disable Students' Allowance. 

Eligibility

Funding is allocated on the basis of eligibility and merit:

• Applicants must hold an upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject area. Degrees from outside the UK will be assessed according to the UK ENIC framework.
• Applicants who are not UK or Irish citizens must demonstrate their English language competency (see International research student applications for further details)
• Funding is available for both Home and International applicants. However, DTPs are limited to awarding a maximum of 30% of studentships per cohort to International students
• Part-time students must not be employed for more than 18.5 hours per week; full-time students must not be employed for more than 6 hours per week.
• Further eligibility requirements are available on the Grand Union website

How to apply

Applications close at 23:59 on Wednesday 6 January. Interviews are scheduled for early February 2027. To apply you must complete the online application form, as part of which you will be asked to upload:

• A project proposal of 2,000 - 3,000 words 
• A CV/resume outlining your most relevant qualifications, professional experience, and any prior research experience
• Copies of your degree certificates (including translations if not in English)
• For applicants who are not British/Irish, proof of English language competency 
• A completed Grand Union DTP ESRC Application form 2027

Generative AI: You must not use generative AI to write your research proposal or to complete your application form. Any other usage of generative AI must be declared at the end of your proposal. 
 

Further guidance on making an application to the Grand Union DTP is available on the Grand Union website and Open University website. For academic queries, please contact the relevant pathway lead For administrative enquiries, please email [email protected] or telephone +44 (0)1908 653806 (Monday to Friday, 09:00-16:30).