Why choose this programme?
Supporting postgraduate research in social sciences in the north-west.
The North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) is a collaborative initiative between five universities in North West England. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the programme offers postgraduate studentships with a focus on high-quality research training in social sciences.
With strong connections to public, private, and third-sector organisations, NWSSDTP provides a world-class research environment that prepares students for impactful careers in social science research.
Funding
Fully funded studentship
ESRC funding provides full support for:
- tuition fees at home or international rate;
- an annual tax-free maintenance stipend.
Financial support towards training costs (equipment, surveys, conference attendance, etc) can be sought through the NWSSDTP following registration onto the PhD.
CASE studentship competition
The North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) also runs an annual collaborative studentship competition (CASE) where academics from the four NWSSDTP institutions can apply for funding towards postgraduate projects that will be co-supervised with a representative from a non-HEI partner organisation. For more information see the NWSSDTP website.
Pathway information
ESRC NWSSDTP pathways
Within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, you can choose a project from one of the following pathways; Social Work, Health and Wellbeing, Psychology, and Social Studies of Science, Technology and Medicine.
In the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, we work closely with applicants whose interests are within the area of social work.
Pathway lead: Dr Eon Kim (eon.kim@manchester.ac.uk)
Admissions contact: esrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk for returning completed ESRC NWSSDTP application forms and supporting documents
Relevant PhD Programmes:
For more information on this pathway please see the ESRC webpage: Criminology, Social Policy and Social Work | North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership.
Pathway lead: Dr Lynsey Warwick-Giles (lynsey.warwick-giles@manchester.ac.uk)
Admissions contact: esrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk for returning completed ESRC NWSSDTP application forms and supporting documents
Relevant PhD Programmes:
For more information on this pathway please see the ESRC webpage: Health and Wellbeing | North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership
Pathway lead: Dr Alissa Ferry (alissa.ferry@manchester.ac.uk)
Admissions contact: esrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk for returning completed ESRC NWSSDTP application forms and supporting documents
Relevant PhD Programmes:
- PhD/MPhil Psychology
- PhD/MPhil Cognitive Neuroscience
- PhD/MPhil Experimental Psychology
- PhD Clinical Psychology
- PhD/MPhil Health Psychology
For more information on this pathway please see the ESRC webpage: Psychology | North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership
Pathway lead: Dr Simone Turchetti (simone.turchetti@manchester.ac.uk)
Admissions contact: esrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk for returning completed ESRC NWSSDTP application forms and supporting documents
Relevant PhD Programmes:
For more information on this pathway please see the ESRC webpage: Social Studies of Science, Technology and Medicine | North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership
Applying
What you need to know about applying for the NWSSDTP
The deadline for applications is Monday 22 February 2027.
Find out what you need to do before you apply and how to apply with our step-by-step guide.
Browse the pathways and PhD programmes listed on this page, and choose the most suitable pathway and programme for you.
Discover more about proposing your own research project in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health by visiting our self-proposed PhD page which includes step-by-step tips and guidance.
Use our Research Explorer to find a supervisor. This page lists all academics in the Faculty that are open to accepting PhD students. You can find a supervisor working in your specific area of interest by filtering by 'research beacon, institute and platforms' or 'concepts'.
If you choose to search by keyword, you'll need to add the 'Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health' and 'Accepting PhD Students' filter to access relevant academics.
Submit an online application no later than 5pm GMT, 22 February 2027.
Please note all deadlines are strict and applications received after 5pm will not be included in the competition.
You'll need to complete our online application form to apply for a postgraduate research programme.
Section 9 of the application asks for your funding intentions. Please add a funding source, and populate the fields below:
- Type of Funding: Research Council
- Awarding Body: ESRC NWSSDTP
- Status of Funding: Intend to Apply
Your application will need to include all necessary supporting documents.
- A 1,500-word PhD research proposal.
- A personal statement.
- A copy of your bachelor's academic transcript and certificate.
- A copy of your master's academic transcript and certificate. If your master's degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript.
- If you have completed more than one bachelor's or master's degree, please provide evidence for each. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must provide an official English translation. If your weighted average mark or GPA is not included on these documents, please also include an official document from your university verifying this information.
- An up-to-date academic CV summarising your academic record, employment history, and publications and highlighting experience demonstrating your research potential.
- The names of two academic referees, including one from your most recent institution. Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following the submission of your application form.
- A certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency if applicable.
Submit the ESRC NWSSDTP Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to esrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk no later than 5pm (GMT), 22 February 2027.
Please note all deadlines are strict and applications received after 5pm will not be included in the competition.
The academic transcripts and references submitted with your programme application will be attached to your ESRC NWSSDTP application form and provided to the panels for review.
Please note that you must hold an academic offer by 1 April 2027 to be considered for the final round of the ESRC NWSSDTP funding competition.
Key dates
Dates for 2027 entry
- Programme application deadline: Monday 22 February 2027
- ESRC NWSSDTP Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form submission deadline: Monday 22 February 2027
- Deadline for candidates to have received an academic offer: Thursday 1 April 2027
- Funding decision: Wednesday 21 April 2027
- Deadline for candidates to confirm acceptance of the award: Wednesday 5 May 2027
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Contact us
Have any questions? Get in touch.
If you have a question about this programme, please email our Doctoral Academy Admissions team:
Email: fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
See more contact information.
