SENSS DTP Student led studentships

The South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is a consortium of 8 leading universities (of which Cranfield University is one) across the south and east of the UK promoting inventive and inclusive social science research training and collaboration. It is one of 15 doctoral training partnerships  funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). SENSS offers world-class opportunities for social science research, training and collaboration. 

What is a SENSS student-led studentship?

• Students work on a research project they have come up with themselves.
• They will be guided in this work by an expert academic supervisory team.
• The project may involve working with a collaborative partner (for example, a business, charity or think tank) who provides researchers with access to data, equipment or participants for a study, additional funding for their studentship, an additional supervisor, and/or a placement.

What is SENSS looking for?

• Interesting research ideas that will provide new knowledge in their academic field and may also help to address the major challenges facing Britain and the world.
• A good match between applicant researchers and their proposed university and supervisors.
• We are especially keen to receive applications from those who meet certain criteria that form part of SENSS's equality and diversity policy, such as being from a particular ethnic background, having grown up in a less affluent area, having a disability, being a carer, and/or having been in care as a child. If you qualify as a “Home” student and come from one of these backgrounds, you will have the option of indicating this in the equal opportunities form that is part of our online application process. We aim to award a number of studentships to applicants coming from these backgrounds.
• SENSS positively encourages applications from talented students holding undergraduate degrees only, and will be offering several studentships for such applicants. If you are successful, you will receive financial support to do a Masters as well as your PhD.

What is Cranfield looking for?

We are looking to hear from students who want to work on the following topics.

• Application deadline08 Feb 2024
• Award type(s)PhD
• Start date07 Oct 2024
• Duration of award3.5 to 4.5 years
• EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of World

You will need to identify an academic at Cranfield University whom you wish to work to directly discuss working with them.

Please see list above of Cranfield themes and academics.

Alternatively, if you are unsure about who to approach, get in touch with the Cranfield Operational Lead, Michelle Starkey , and she will be able to support you in finding a supervisor. 

Residential criteria: studentships are available to all applicants, regardless of nationality or residency, across all 8 SENSS universities and 6 SENSS interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary Pathways. However, there are a limited number of studentships (approximately 10 each year) available to international applicants.

To apply for a Masters plus PhD (+4.5-year award), you will need: qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree (Honours).

To apply for a PhD only (+3.5-year award), you will need: qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Masters degree, or a Masters degree and already have the research skills needed to successfully complete your research project.

If you have already started your PhD, you are eligible to apply for SENSS funding, but only if you have not already completed a substantial proportion of your studies.

You will be paid £18,622 per year to undertake postgraduate studies, and tuition fees will be paid.

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network.  This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

Please read the guidance notes  on how to complete your application form before you begin.

If you have a research topic you want to work on, first identify the academic at the SENSS university with whom you wish to work, making sure that your research topic comes within one of the 6 SENSS Themes . If it does, contact that academic - your proposed supervisor - directly to discuss working with them. Alternatively, if you are unsure about who to approach, get in touch with the SENSS Operational Lead at that university, as they may be able to support you in finding a supervisor.

If, after talking to your proposed supervisor at Cranfield University, they are supportive working with you, submit your application for a place to study using the appropriate link below. The deadline for applications to Cranfield University is Thursday 8th February 2024. Please ensure you state you are applying for the SENSS DTP Programme.  

The deadline for application for Cranfield University is Thursday 8 February 2024. Please use our the below links depending on your theme.

You will also need to apply for SENSS funding for your studies. You will need to submit your application by 12.00pm GMT on Friday 9 February 2024.

What happens once the application is submitted?

• First, it will be assessed by your chosen home university. If it is successful at this stage, it will be graded by the SENSS Thematic panel under which your application falls, and ranked in order of merit along with the other applications to that Theme. The SENSS Management Board then meets to make the final awards. You will will be kept informed at each stage whether your application will be going forward to the next round of the competition.
• You will be notified by mid-April whether you have been awarded a SENSS student-led studentship.

Where can I find out more?

The SENSS Deputy Director, Professor Fragkiskos Filippaios, is holding webinars on how to write a successful application for those interested in applying for SENSS funding. To book your place on one of these webinars, please click on the relevant link below now to reserve a place:

• Thursday 30 November 12:00 – 14:00 (GMT). A recording of this webinar is available here . for those who are unable to attend any of these webinars.
• Wednesday 13 December 18:00 – 20:00 (GMT)
• Saturday 16 December 11:00 – 12:00 (GMT)