Funded Research Master's and PhD Scholarships in the UK 2027 Covering Tuition Fees and Living Expenses

The University of Edinburgh invites applications for an ESRC-funded PhD scholarship through the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSSS), for candidates pursuing doctoral study or a research master’s followed by a PhD in Business and Management Studies. The award covers UK or overseas tuition fees and provides a stipend at UKRI rates. Applicants must complete the relevant programme and SGSSS funding application stages by their separate November 2026 deadlines.

About the ESRC PhD Scholarship

The competition is open to students seeking a three-year PhD or a research master’s followed by doctoral study. The application information describes MScR plus PhD funding and PhD funding routes. Successful applicants on the MScR route first undertake the MScR and then study for a three-year PhD at the Business School, rather than the four-year Integrated PhD. Applicants seeking PhD funding apply to the PhD with Integrated Study in Management; if funded, they undertake a three-year PhD at the School rather than the four-year Integrated PhD. The page also welcomes current first-year PhD students, who do not need to submit a new programme admission application.

Applications undergo three review stages. First, the University of Edinburgh reviews candidates, with nomination by the Unit of Assessment Lead followed by selection by a university panel. Next, each of the six Challenge Led Pathways considers applications shortlisted by universities and selects candidates for the Global Review. Finally, an executive panel of university deans and SGSSS Directorate members makes the award decisions. SGSSS aims to make up to 25 awards across its universities. Applicants will be informed of the outcome by May 2027.

The Dean of Postgraduate Research hosted a one-hour online information session about the competition on 7 October 2026 at 10:00 BST; registration was not required. To explore related opportunities, browse scholarships and other opportunities for youth.

Who Should Apply

This award is for candidates planning to join an eligible doctoral programme in September 2027, including applicants to the research master’s and PhD route, as well as eligible students already in the first year of a PhD. Applicants should have strong academic results, meet the ESRC residency requirement and satisfy the University of Edinburgh’s English requirements for PhD programmes. The competition considers both UK and overseas applicants, with awards split between these groups according to the applicable residency criteria.

Key Highlights

• Field: Business and Management Studies, within the social sciences.
• Study routes: a three-year PhD or a research master’s followed by a three-year PhD.
• Funding: UK or overseas tuition fees plus a stipend at UKRI rates.
• Programme application deadline: 19 November 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
• SGSSS funding application deadline: 24 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT.
• Expected programme start: September 2027; award decisions communicated by May 2027.