Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences PhD Studentships 2026

Fully funded WGSSS PhD studentships at Bangor University starting October 2026, offering tuition, living stipend, Research Training Support Grant, and a 3-month Research in Practice placement. Open to home and international students across multiple social science pathways.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 11 Dec 2025
2. Value: Tuition + £20,780/year stipend + Research Training Support Grant
3. Study Level: PhD
4. Sponsor: Bangor University
5. Course to study: Social Sciences
6. Eligible Country: Home & international students

Eligibility Criteria for Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences PhD Studentships 2026

To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equivalent to a 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.

Duration of study:

Durations of study varies from 3.5 (PhD) to 1+3.5 (MSc + PhD) years full-time (or part-time equivalent). The duration of the 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. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

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 interview. As part of the interview process, applicants will be asked to give a short presentation and answer a series of panel questions.

Benefits of Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences PhD Studentships 2026

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £20,780 for 2025-26 full-time) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant. Full and part-time applications are welcome. If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)on top of your studentship.

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.

How to Apply

Applications should be received no later than 11.12.25, including all required documents. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered.

All applications should be submitted using the following links. Please use the correct email address for the pathway being submitted to:

1. Bilingualism/Linguistics – bilingwgsss@bangor.ac.uk
2. Psychology – psychwgsss@bangor.ac.uk
3. Sport and Exercise Science – spexwgsss@bangor.ac.uk
4. Criminology and Law – crimwgsss@bangor.ac.uk
5. Sociology/Science and Technology Studies – socwgsss@bangor.ac.uk
6. Data Science, Health and Wellbeing -dshwbwgsss@bangor.ac.uk
7. Education: eduwgsss@bangor.ac.uk
8. Social Work, Social Care, and Social Policy – socialworkwgsss@bangor.ac.uk
9. Economics econwgsss@bangor.ac.uk
10. Management and Business businesswgsss@bangor.ac.uk
11. Environmental Planning envirowgsss@bangor.ac.uk

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. WGSSS Application Form [WGSSS Studentship Application Form 2026]
2. Academic CV (two pages maximum)
3. 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.
4. Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable)
5. If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry)

For more details, visit Bangor University Scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

December 11, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences PhD Studentships 2026