SEDarc Scholarship 2027 in UK

SEDarc Scholarship 2027 in UK

PhD

Selected courses offered by the university

Last Date 29 January 2027

SEDarc Scholarship 2027 in the UK

The SEDarc Scholarship 2027 is a funded PhD opportunity in the UK for students interested in social science research. The programme is supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and is offered through a partnership of six UK universities.

SEDarc offers up to 39 doctoral studentships each year. The programme combines PhD research with specialist training, professional development and a funded work placement.

International students can also apply. However, international applicants can make up no more than 30% of each cohort.

What Is the SEDarc Scholarship?

SEDarc stands for South East Doctoral Training Arc. It is a doctoral training partnership for postgraduate researchers in the social sciences.

The programme is designed to give students more than a traditional PhD. Along with their research project, students receive research training and have the opportunity to complete a funded three-month work placement.

SEDarc research is organised around five main themes:

• Living Sustainably

• Healthy, Thriving Communities

• Inclusive Economic Growth

• Secure, Effective and Trusted Institutions

• Transformative Technologies for Society

SEDarc Scholarship Benefits

The SEDarc studentship provides financial and academic support during the PhD.

The main benefits include:

• PhD tuition fee support

• Annual living stipend at UK Research Council rates

• Additional funding for research and training

• Support for conferences and fieldwork

• Funding for language training

• Support for placement costs

• A funded three-month work placement

• Professional and research skills training

For 2026/27, the stipend is £23,805 per year at Royal Holloway, including the £2,000 London allowance. The 2027/28 rate has not yet been confirmed.

For successful international students, SEDarc institutions cover the difference between UK home and international tuition fees, with an exception for the University of Reading. However, the studentship does not cover flights, visa costs or the UK health surcharge.

Who Can Apply?

SEDarc accepts applications from both UK and international students.

For a PhD-only award, applicants normally need a qualification equivalent to a master's degree with the required research methods training.

Students who do not already have a master's degree in the social sciences may be considered for the 1+3.5 route, which combines an approved master's degree with PhD study.

Applicants must also have a suitable research project that fits one or more of the SEDarc themes.

Students who have already started a PhD are not eligible for this studentship.

Available Research Areas

SEDarc supports research across a wide range of social science subjects.

Depending on the university, applicants may find opportunities in areas such as:

• Business

• Economics

• Cyber security

• Geography

• Environmental studies

• Criminology

• Politics

• International relations

• Psychology

• Social sciences

• Technology and society

The exact subjects available can vary between universities, so applicants should check the programme and supervisor requirements before applying.

Participating Universities

The SEDarc partnership includes six universities:

• Kingston University

• Royal Holloway, University of London

• University of Kent

• University of Reading

• University of Surrey

• University of Sussex

Applicants cannot apply directly to SEDarc. They must apply through one of the participating universities.

How to Apply for the SEDarc Scholarship 2027?

The application process starts with choosing a suitable university and PhD programme.

Applicants should:

1. Choose a participating university.

2. Find a suitable PhD research area.

3. Check the department's requirements.

4. Contact a potential supervisor where required.

5. Apply for the relevant PhD programme.

6. Complete the SEDarc application when invited.

7. Submit all required documents before the university's deadline.

The process can be different at each university. For example, Kingston University's deadline is 7 December 2026, while Royal Holloway's main deadline is 14 January 2027 at midday. Some departments set earlier deadlines.

SEDarc Scholarship 2027 Deadline

There is no single deadline for every SEDarc application because participating universities and departments can have their own deadlines.

For example:

• Kingston University: 7 December 2026

• Royal Holloway: 14 January 2027, midday

• Some Royal Holloway departments have earlier deadlines in December 2026 or January 2027.

Applicants should check their selected university and department carefully before submitting an application.

Final Thoughts

The SEDarc Scholarship 2027 is a funded PhD opportunity for students who want to conduct social science research in the UK.

Along with tuition and living support, the programme provides research training, additional research funding and a funded work placement.

International students can also apply, subject to the programme's international student limit. Since deadlines and requirements vary by university, applicants should choose their university and supervisor early and prepare their research proposal carefully. Apply Now