Heriot-Watt University is inviting applications for funded doctoral studies in the social sciences starting October 2026.

The Scottish Graduate School (SGSSS) Doctoral Training Partnership is jointly funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Scottish Funding Council. As the UK’s largest facilitator of funding, training and support for PhD students in the social sciences, we combine the expertise of sixteen universities across Scotland to support world-class doctoral research.

Successful PhD students will join the UK’s largest community of professional researchers tackling key societal challenges. As one of the flagship institutions, Heriot-Watt is keen to attract talented doctoral applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, especially those that have been historically underrepresented in universities and academic careers.

About sharpness

It supports doctoral students funded through SGSSS for 3.5 to 4.5 years of full-time study (or Pro Rata for students who wish to study part-time).

Course availability:

• Tuition fees are up to the national average value of UKRA for home students; International students are welcome to apply but will need additional funding, from alternative sources, to cover the remainder of their fees and any immigration costs;
• A tax-free annual stipend at a UCR rate (£20,780 in 2025-26 for full-time students), a significant contribution to research and additional training costs;
• A comprehensive individual training program, throughout all years of the award;
• Financing opportunity for three months.

How to apply

You must first approach your potential principal supervisor in your intended research area and secure their support to apply for SGSSS funding.

You must then decide which of the six “SGSS Challenge Tracks” your project will sit in: 1. Communications, Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies; 2. Environment, migration and demographic change; 3. Governance and institutions; 4. Health, wellbeing and communities; 5. Securities: Justice, Economies and Conflict; Or 6. Social inequality. If your project doesn’t fit one of these, you can still apply but you will be placed on a suitable track if it is funded.

Please note that key supervisors must be based in one of the eligible Assessment Units at Edinburgh Business School, the Department of Languages ​​and Intercultural Studies, or the Department of Research Methods and Practice/Doctoral Centre. The Awards can only be held on the Edinburgh campus.

More information

To find out more about research degrees at Heriot-Watt University, please visit:

www.hw.ac.uk/about/our-schools/social-sciences/staff

www.hw.ac.uk/ebout/about/our-faculty-and-fludffr

www.hw.ac.uk/ebout/about/departments

For more information about the scheme and the application process, please visit: www.sgsss.ac.uk/studentships/open-competition

Informal inquiries not addressed in the online resources can be addressed to the Global Director of Doctoral Programs and Head of the Departments, Research Methods and Practice j.drugan@hw.ac.uk

Deadlines

The official competition deadline is 5pm GMT on the 24th^y November 2025. However, you will need to work closely with your intended supervisors to ensure that your application and references are ready in time, so we advise that you contact your preferred supervisor as soon as possible. You must apply through the SGSSS website Apply.sgsss.ac.uk

After that, there will be additional review stages and 7 awards decisions will be shared^y May 2026.