Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) - Studentships for Contemporary Chinese Studies masters programme

ESRC Grand Union DTP studentship: Contemporary Chinese Studies

You will receive an annual living allowance at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025–26, approx. 24,500 EUR) as well as full coverage of your tuition fees. This applies regardless of whether you are classified as a domestic or international student. The funding comprises a combined package: 1 years for the MSc in ‘Contemporary Chinese Studies’ at the University of Oxford, followed by 3.5 years of DPhil funding (PhD). This includes a 3-month placement entitled ‘Research in Practice’. Additional funding is available for placements, fieldwork and conferences. The funding is provided by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) through the ‘Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership’, a joint programme run by the University of Oxford, Brunel University London and the Open University. For international students, visa costs, the immigration health surcharge and travel expenses are not covered.

Who can apply

• Degree: You hold a good bachelor’s degree equivalent to a British ‘First Class Honours’ or ‘Upper Second Class Honours’.
• You want a PhD: This is not a stand-alone Master’s degree. You must plan to proceed directly to the DPhil after completing the MSc and to complete both programmes immediately one after the other.
• Existing master's: If you already hold a Master’s degree in the social sciences, you will generally only apply for PhD funding, not for funding for the Master’s programme.
• Field of study: During your Master’s programme, you will study ‘Contemporary Chinese Studies’. For your PhD programme, you can switch to related disciplines such as anthropology, economics, geography, international relations, political science or sociology.
• Where you study: The Master’s programme is held at the University of Oxford.
• Nationality: Both applicants from the UK (domestic) and international applicants may apply. International students may occupy no more than 30% of the places available per year group.

How to apply

Applications to the University of Oxford are made via the standard application form for postgraduate programmes. In the ‘Scholarships’ section, select the option ‘ESRC Grand Union DTP Studentships in Social Sciences’ and upload the completed Grand Union DTP application form and your CV. Submit your application by the University of Oxford’s January deadline for your programme. Please contact the programme director first to discuss your plans. The most promising candidates will be put forward to a DTP panel, and most successful applicants will receive a response in April.

How realistic are your chances?

The DTP awards only around 35 scholarships annually across 24 subject areas, meaning that competition for places on individual degree programmes is very high. The committee places as much weight on your research proposal and your plans for making an impact as it does on your academic grades. As this route requires a genuine commitment to a PhD in Chinese Studies, the pool of applicants is limited to serious doctoral candidates rather than those simply seeking a funded Master’s programme. If you have an outstanding academic record and a clear DPhil project, meet the residency requirements and apply early, your prospects are good.