Funding

The School of International Politics at Aberystwyth University are delighted to offer fully funded Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) studentships in the Politics, International Relations and Global Language Based Area Studies Pathway starting in October 2027.

For details about applying for doctoral study at Aberystwyth, please contact Dr Charalampos Efstathopoulos, che15@aber.ac.uk, the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of International Politics.

Entry Criteria

To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equivalent to an UK honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.  

 

Duration of study

Durations of study varies from 3.5 (PhD) to 4 (MSc + PhD) years full time (or part time equivalent). The duration study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs of the student which will be assessed by completing a Development Needs Analysis. We welcome applications for both full and part-time study.

 

Research in practice placement: 

All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.

 

International Eligibility

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate.

 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

 

Assessment  

Short-listed applicants will be invited to an online interview.

 

How to apply

Applications should be received no later than 14/12/2026, including all required documents. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered. All applications should be submitted via the admissions portal.

 

Please include the following documents with your application:

· WGSSS application form 2027

· Academic CV (two pages maximum)

· 2 academic or professional references (candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths).

· Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable)

· If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry)

 

WGSSS is required to report on Equality and Diversity data to the ESRC, the government research council that funds WGSSS. Before you submit your application, please complete the linked WGSSS Equality and Diversity Data Form. You may be required to complete a separate form when submitting your application to your host institution.

 

Funding

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £21,805 for 2026-27 full-time) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant. Full and part-time applications are welcomed.

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.

 

The Department of International Politics is pleased to invite applications for AberDoc PhD scholarships for 2026 entry. 

Those awarded an AberDoc Scholarship will receive a grant for up to three years which will cover their tuition fees (up to the UK (Home) rate of £5,006 per annum*).  A maintenance allowance of approximately £20,780 per annum* and access to a travel and conference fund (max. £1000 per annum*) will also be provided. Scholarships commence in September 2026. 

EU and International students must cover the difference between UK tuition fees and the EU/International tuition fees from their scholarship. However, there will be 3 additional President's Scholarships, which fund this difference in tuition fees. These will be awarded to the three highest ranked EU or International candidates in the AberDoc competition. 

For all enquiries, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr Andrew Davenport (acd11@aber.ac.uk).

The deadline for AberDoc applications is the 9th of January 2026.

*Value of award is subject to confirmation for 2026-2027.

Further information on AberDoc

How to Apply

Applications for PhD study can be made on-line or alternatively, forms can be downloaded and printed. Please see the Postgraduate Admissions Office website for full details. A research proposal of no more than 1,500 words, two letters of reference and academic transcripts are also required. There are no separate application forms at the initial stages for funding.

Please note: there are different deadlines for applications to the AberDoc competition and the ESRC and AHRC competitions. Please ensure that your application is submitted, complete, before the relevant deadline.