The School of Social and Political Science , University of Edinburgh - The Chrystal Macmillan PhD Studentship

What the Chrystal Macmillan PhD Scholarship gives you

You will receive a full PhD scholarship worth approximately 22,300 EUR per year (a scholarship, i.e. a living allowance, at the UKRI rate: 19,237 GBP in 2024/25). Your tuition fees will also be covered in full. The funding is for 3 years full time or 6 years of part-time study and will be renewed annually, provided your academic performance is satisfactory. The scholarship is administered by the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh. It is named after Chrystal Macmillan, the university’s first female graduate in a science degree programme and an advocate for social justice.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are starting a new PhD programme. Students on a research-oriented Master’s programme are not eligible to apply.
• University: You are studying at the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Edinburgh.
• Research topic: You have completed a PhD in the fields of social justice, gender and equality, human rights, or peace and conflict resolution.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. The tuition fees payable depend on the fee category that applies to you (UK, EU or international students).
• Financial need: That doesn’t matter. Selection is based on academic achievement, not on income.
• What is assessed: Your academic results, your research proposal, your research potential, any publications, relevant non-academic experience and your references.

How to apply

You must submit two applications. First, apply for admission to the PhD programme at least 5 working days before the deadline for the scholarship application. You should then apply for the scholarship itself via the MyEd portal. The selection process takes place in two stages: first, research assistants will review your application; then, a selection panel will draw up a ranking list of candidates. The results are usually sent out by email in early summer.

How realistic are your chances?

As this is a single scholarship across four specific research areas, competition is fierce. In the 2025/26 round, 125 people applied for the 1 scholarship. A compelling, well-written research proposal on one of the four topics, as well as strong references, are crucial to standing out from the other applicants. Please note that the scholarship will not be awarded for 2026/27. You should therefore check the university’s website for details of the next open round.