Planning a PhD in the social sciences in the UK? The Northern Ireland and North East (NINE) Doctoral Training Partnership, funded by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), has opened its competition for fully funded PhD studentships starting in 2027–28. Successful candidates receive a tax-free stipend, tuition fees at the home rate, and extra funding for research and training. The first-stage nomination deadline is 27 October 2026 at 4pm, so you need to act quickly.
Studentships at a Glance
- Funder: Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), through the NINE DTP
- Level: PhD (full-time or part-time)
- Universities: Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Teesside, Sunderland, Ulster and Queen’s University Belfast
- Stipend: £21,805 a year, tax-free (2026–27 rate)
- Fees: Home tuition fees covered
- Stage 1 deadline: 27 October 2026, 4pm (UK time)
About the NINE DTP
Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) are groups of UK universities that receive government research council funding to train PhD students. NINE DTP brings together seven universities across the North East of England and Northern Ireland. It funds social science research, with doctoral students trained together across the partnership.
Benefits
- Tax-free stipend of £21,805 a year (2026–27 rate; rates are usually reviewed each year)
- Tuition fees covered at the home (UK) rate
- Extra funding for eligible fieldwork, research activities and placements
- Training shared across the seven-university partnership
- A research community of PhD students and academics in the social sciences
Important Note for International Applicants
NINE DTP covers fees at the home (UK) rate. International fees are much higher. The partnership says additional support for international students is “facilitated through university agreements”, but it doesn’t confirm that the difference will be covered at every university. If you are applying from Africa or elsewhere outside the UK, contact your chosen university’s doctoral college or your proposed supervisor first, and confirm exactly what an international studentship would cover before you invest time in the application.
Eligibility
- You are applying for a PhD in the social sciences at one of the seven partner universities.
- You have identified a proposed primary supervisor who will nominate you.
- You meet the admission requirements of your chosen university and department.
Action for Equality scholarships: Four full scholarships are reserved for British and Irish applicants from under-represented groups, including Black, Asian, Roma, Traveller and mixed ethnic backgrounds.
How the Two-Stage Process Works
Stage 1: Nomination (deadline 27 October 2026, 4pm)
- Apply to your intended university for your PhD.
- Work with your proposed supervisor to complete the Stage 1 nomination form on the NINE DTP portal.
- When you submit, your supervisor receives an email and must complete a supervisor approval form by the same deadline.
- Your referees, and any collaborative partner, will be asked for supporting letters automatically. These don’t need to arrive by the Stage 1 deadline.
Stage 2: Final competition
Candidates chosen in the department and pathway competitions are invited to submit a full Stage 2 application for the final studentship panel.
Tips
- Contact a supervisor immediately. You can’t apply without one, and the supervisor’s approval is also due by 27 October.
- Make sure your supervisor knows the deadline. If their approval form is late, your nomination may not count.
- Prepare a clear research idea. Your supervisor will want to see a focused proposal that fits their expertise.
- International applicants: Confirm funding coverage with the university before you start.
How to Apply
- Read the NINE DTP application process and policies on the official website.
- Agree a project and supervisor at one of the partner universities.
- Apply to that university and submit the Stage 1 nomination form.
- Make sure your supervisor submits the approval form by 27 October 2026, 4pm.
View the NINE DTP application process
