SGSSS (ESRC) funding - School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

The University of Edinburgh is part of the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSSS), a consortium of 16 universities funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to support postgraduate studentships and training in the Social Sciences in Scotland.

PhD studentships are typically available for candidates on our Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies PhD and Chinese PhD programmes within the SGSSS Linguistics Unit of Assessment. 

Applicants should reach out to Sumin Zhao, the SGSSS Unit of Assessment lead for advice.

Email Sumin Zhao

The application process has two stages. Both stages must be completed in order to be considered for ESRC funding.

To be considered, candidates must submit a PhD programme application (Stage 1) and apply to the SGSSS (Stage 2).

Applicants interested in being considered for ESRC funding through the Student-led Open Competition must have applied online to the University for their PhD programme by 5pm GMT on 11 November 2024. 

• Find out more and apply for our PhD in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies
• Find out more and apply for our PhD in Chinese

If you are interested in starting your PhD in 2026, you may be eligible for a 1+3.5 SGSSS award. You will need to complete a masters programme in Social Research at the University of Edinburgh first. Your first step is to apply for the MSc in Social Research by 11 November 2024.

• Find out more and apply for the MSc in Social Research

You should then reach out to the Unit of Assessment lead Dr Zhao for advice. Please note that you will still need PhD supervision in Chinese or Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies secured for 2026 entry as your PhD project proposal will be assessed as part of the SGSSS marking criteria.

Email Sumin Zhao about 1+3.5 funding

Applicants must also make a funding application to include academic transcripts, CV and referee details to the SGSSS Apply system before 4pm GMT on 21 November 2024. Any queries about registering or logging into the system can be directed to the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science.

The Open Competition includes three stages of review, with candidates updated after each stage until either you are awarded or your application is unsuccessful. 

1. University of Edinburgh Review: this is two-stage (as above), with a nomination needed from the Unit of Assessment lead, and then selection by the University panel.
2. Challenge Led Pathway Review
3. Global Review: An executive panel of University Deans and members of the SGSSS Directorate meet and make the final award decisions. 

The award decision will be communicated to applicants by May 2025.