Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) - ESRC Studentships: Development Studies, Economics and Migration Pathways

What the ESRC Grand Union studentship gives you

You will receive a scholarship of tax-free living allowance of about EUR 2,000 per month (20,780 GBP per year in the years 2025–26) as well as full coverage of your tuition fees for the entire duration of the scholarship. This applies regardless of whether you pay domestic or international tuition fees. Depending on your programme, the scholarship lasts for up to 66 months. It includes a compulsory 3-month placement (‘Research in Practice’). You may also apply for additional funding for fieldwork, placements and conferences. Funding is provided by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council as part of the Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership, a joint programme run by the University of Oxford, Brunel University London and the Open University. This entry covers three of the degree programmes at Oxford: Development Studies, Economics and Migration Studies.

Who can apply

• Degree goal: I assume you are aiming for a doctoral degree (DPhil). A standalone Master’s programme is not eligible for funding; however, a Master’s degree can be funded as the first stage of a doctoral programme.
• Field of study: Your research project is relevant to one of the three degree programmes at Oxford: Development Studies, Economics or Migration Studies (including research on refugees and forced migration).
• University: You are studying at the University of Oxford or are about to start a Master’s degree in Oxford before going on to do a PhD.
• Timing: You must apply for funding at the start of your degree programme. If you have already started your Master’s or PhD programme, you are not eligible for funding. However, you can apply for funding for the PhD part of your programme whilst you are still studying for your Master’s degree.
• Nationality: Open to all nationalities. Both UK and international students can apply for a full-time degree programme.
• Previous degrees: A Master’s degree is not required. Funding for a Master’s programme is generally only awarded to those who do not yet hold a Master’s degree in the social sciences.

How to apply

First, select your degree programme. Then apply to the University of Oxford for your chosen degree programme and tick the ‘ESRC Grand Union DTP Studentships in Social Sciences’ option in the ‘Scholarships’ section before the application deadline for funding your degree programme in January. You will also need to upload the Grand Union DTP application form and a full CV. A panel will assess applications based on four equally weighted criteria: experience, potential, research proposal and impact. Results are expected to be announced at the end of March, with most offers being made in April.

How realistic are your chances?

Each year, a total of around 35 scholarships are awarded across all 24 degree programmes, meaning that only a handful are allocated to each individual subject area and competition is very fierce. Your chances depend on a concise, well-reasoned PhD proposal that clearly aligns with a degree programme, as both the proposal and your potential are given significant weighting. If you have advanced quantitative or data-related skills, or work in an interdisciplinary manner, at least 9 places are reserved for these areas, which may increase your chances of securing a place on the programme.