College of Social Sciences Graduate School - College of Social Sciences Graduate School Scholarships

What you get

This is an umbrella scheme run by the College of Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow. It brings together several funding schemes for PhD students, so the amount of funding you receive will depend on which scheme you are selected for. Many cover the full package: your tuition fees are paid in full, you receive a living allowance (a regular payment to cover your living costs) at the rate set by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and you receive a grant for research costs such as travel or fieldwork. Funding generally covers the entire duration of a full-time PhD, which is usually around 3.5 years.

Who can apply

• Level: You are applying for a PhD programme or are just starting one.
• Field of study: Your degree programme is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences. This encompasses areas such as accountancy and finance, economics, law, management, politics and international relations, sociology, education, urban studies, social and health sciences, economic and social history, and Central and Eastern European studies.
• Where you study: He is doing his PhD at the University of Glasgow.
• Nationality: Open to applicants worldwide, including those from the UK and abroad. Some programmes are aimed at specific groups; for example, one is aimed at Black students residing in the UK, one at Chinese students via the China Scholarship Council, and one at applicants with refugee or asylum-seeker status.
• Research idea: In student-led programmes, you bring your own research proposal, which is supported by a supervisor. Other programmes advertise specific projects for which you can apply.

How to apply

For most programmes, you will need to submit a scholarship application form, a research proposal of up to 1,500 words, a CV and two references via the University of Glasgow’s online scholarship portal. Deadlines vary depending on the programme, so please check the dates for the programme you wish to apply for. If you are selected, you will be asked to apply formally for admission to the PhD programme. The scholarship offer is only valid if you are admitted to the programme.

How realistic are your chances?

These are competitive PhD scholarships, some of which offer full funding, which invariably attracts highly qualified applicants. Your prospects depend heavily on the quality of your research proposal and the suitability of your supervisor. Targeted programmes (for example, those aimed at Chinese applicants, Black applicants living in the UK or refugees) have a smaller pool of eligible applicants. Therefore, if you clearly belong to one of these target groups and submit a compelling research proposal at an early stage, your chances are better than in the fully open competition.