Closing Date: 24th February 2012

Sponsor: Economic and Social Research Council

Duration of the award:
The North East Doctoral Training Centre (NEDTC) funds the following types of studentship:

 1+3 awards for students to complete a research training masters degree and then move on to a PhD.  Students who have only completed or are just completing an undergraduate degree and wish to study for a PhD must apply for these awards.

 +3 awards for students who have already completed a masters degree, which included social science research training, and are applying to start a PhD directly.

 +3.5 awards for students who have already completed a masters degree, but have not completed ESRC-recognised modules in social science research training, and are applying to start a PhD directly.  Award-holders are granted up to six months additional time to complete modules in social science research training and receive a Certificate in Research Methods.

Awards available
For 2012 entry, 34 fully funded awards are available in the following subject areas:

• Anthropology
• Economic & Social History
• Education
• Environmental Planning
• Finance & Economics
• Human Geography
• Iberian-American Studies
• Law
• Linguistics
• Management & Business Studies
• Politics & International Relations
• Psychology
• Social Policy and Social Work
• Social Science & Health
• Sociology

Value of the Award and Eligibility
NEDTC provides award-holders with the following annual package of financial support over the duration of their studentships:

• A tax-free maintenance grant set at the UK Research Council's national postgraduate rate, which is currently £13,590
• Full payment of tuition fees 
• A research training support grant (RTSG) of £750 to support fieldwork and attendance at conferences.

Students must be an UK/EU resident to hold an NEDTC studentship in all areas except Economics & Finance.  EU students who have not been resident in the UK for the last three years before the start of their studentship are only eligible for a fees-only award.

Students who are studying Economics and Finance receive a further £3,000 per annum enhancement to their maintenance grants during their doctoral studies.  Additionally, students awarded collaborative studentships may receive additional funds from their collaborative partners.

Part-time award-holders receive funding for up to seven years, and are eligible to receive a maintenance grant and Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) at 60% of the full-time rate.

For details of the person specification and how to apply, please see  www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding/search/list/esrc-nedtc