The University of Reading is delighted to be part of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-funded South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc). This Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is a strong consortium of 6 leading universities: Royal Holloway, University of London, the University of Kent, Kingston University, the University of Reading, the University of Surrey, and the University of Sussex.
SEDarc DTP funding allows for innovative doctoral support, including the development of broader skills through a comprehensive training programme, and experience in working outside academia through placements.
For entry in October 2027, studentships can be for social science research in the following areas:
Architecture and Built Environment
Politics and International Relations
Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences
Social Anthropology (Department of Archaeology)
SEDarc applications will be assessed within five cross-disciplinary, challenge-led themes that span the social sciences:
Healthy Thriving Communities
Inclusive Economic Growth
Living Sustainably
Secure, Effective and Trusted Institutions
Transformative Technologies for Society
Interested applicants should discuss with their potential supervisors how their project fits within the SEDarc themes.
What is on offer?
1. Awards of 3.5 years duration to cover PhD fees at the Home rate and a maintenance stipend (living allowance) at the UKRI rate.
For reference, the annual UKRI stipend rate in 2026/27 is £21,805 for full-time study.
Please note that 3.5 years of funding is to include a 3-month placement. Placements also have an associated £1000 travel fund. Studentships in which the student does not undertake a placement are for 3.25 years of funding only.
2. A limited number of awards are available which also include a further year of funding to study for a Master’s degree prior to commencing a PhD programme. Only applicants without an existing Social Science Master’s degree may apply for this type of award.
Eligible Master’s programmes at Reading for which it is possible to apply are:
MSc by Research (Henley Business School)
MSc Research Methods in Psychology
Eligibility
UK/Republic of Ireland students (who satisfy residency criteria as detailed in the eligibility guidelines) are eligible for awards covering tuition fees at the UK/Republic of Ireland rate and a maintenance grant (stipend), the current (2026/27) level of which is £21,805 for full-time study.
International applicants are eligible to apply, but ESRC funding covers tuition fees at the UK/Republic of Ireland rate only. International candidates will need to have their own funding to cover the difference between UK/Republic of Ireland fees and International fees during each year of study. For the 2026/27 academic year, this would be a difference of between £16,512 - £19,212 per year, depending on subject. Please also note:
- Stipends are not paid in a manner which allows them to be used to pay fees
- There are no funds to support immigration costs (e.g. visa charges or the NHS surcharge)
- Due to the nature of the funding of this studentship, a maximum of 30% of SEDarc studentships can be awarded to International students
How to apply
1. Contact the academic responsible for SEDarc in your subject area. We strongly encourage you to contact the relevant academic as soon as possible to express interest and discuss your proposal, and by the end of November 2026, at the latest.
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SEDarc Area |
Contact |
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Agri-food Economics & Development Studies |
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Architecture and the Built Environment |
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Business and Management |
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Economics |
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Education |
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Human Geography |
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Linguistics |
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Politics and International Relations |
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Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences |
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Real Estate and Planning |
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Social Anthropology (Dept. of Archaeology) |
2. Apply online for a place of admission to a PhD programme at Reading via the RISIS portal.
Applicants who are chosen for nomination to the University of Reading selection phase will be provided with a template of the SEDarc application form to complete. The selection process at Reading will be based upon these forms.
Information Session
We will be running a SEDarc Information Webinar for applicants interested in applying for a SEDarc studentship at the University of Reading on Monday, November 2nd, 2026, at 3.00pm (UK time). If you would like to attend this webinar, please complete our registration form. The deadline for registration is Friday, October 30th, 2026.
Application deadline
The deadline for expressions of interest is the end of November, 2026.
The deadline for applications to the University of Reading is December 11th, 2026. Applicants must have applied to a PhD programme at Reading via RISIS and completed a draft SEDarc proposal by this time.
The deadline for final applications to SEDarc is January 29th, 2027. Applicants shortlisted by the University of Reading will need to submit their final application to SEDarc by this date.
Selection Process
1. Applicants must contact the academic responsible for SEDarc in their proposed subject area and complete an application for PhD study at Reading by the end of November 2026.
2. Applicants selected by their Schools for nomination to the University of Reading selection panel must complete and submit a draft SEDarc application by December 11th, 2026.
3. In early-mid January, 2027, draft SEDarc proposals will be reviewed within the University of Reading, and a panel will be convened to select the University's nominees for the main SEDarc studentship competition.
4. In mid January, 2027, nominated candidates will be provided feedback to make final changes to their SEDarc applications.
5. University of Reading SEDarc nominees must submit their SEDarc application to the SEDarc application portal by January 29th, 2027.
6. Applicants will be informed of outcomes by SEDarc in April, 2027.
For further information and advice about these studentships, please contact the Doctoral and Researcher College by emailing the Doctoral Studentships Support Officer .
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive student community. It supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ rights equality.
The University of Reading Equal Opportunities policy applies:
The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race (to include colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.