Are you interested in pursuing master’s and/or doctoral studies in the social sciences? The University of Roehampton is pleased to be part of the South and East Social Sciences Network (Sense), A A consortium of 8 universities working as a doctoral training partnership to deliver the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Master’s and doctoral scholarships.

Roehampton welcomes applications for funding in eligible disciplines including interdisciplinary social science projects that address core SENSS research themes:

Specialties

SENSE Topics

Business and management studies

• Resolving uncertainty and addressing crises
• Sustainability and climate emergencies
• Justice, institutions and social change
• Advanced methods of social and economic research

Communications, cultural and media studies

education

• Resolving uncertainty and addressing crises
• Justice, institutions and social change

law

• Sustainability and climate emergencies
• Justice, institutions and social change

psychology

• Resolving uncertainty and addressing crises
• Health, wellbeing and social care

sociology

• Digital social sciences
• Resolving uncertainty and addressing crises
• Institutions of justice and social change

More details and examples of the topics covered by each SENSS theme can be found here:

To learn more about social science research at Roehampton and explore the work it supports Research and knowledge exchange centres where you can also find information about potential moderators. We encourage applications from prospective PhD students from diverse backgrounds and are committed to supporting the inclusive postgraduate research community at Roehampton.

Funding and duration of the award

SENSS offers fully funded scholarships for PhD and Masters degrees as well as PhD scholarships. For full details of available financing please see here. Please consult also ESRC Postgraduate Funding GuideFor more information about the different financing levels available and the terms and conditions associated with them.

Eligibility for ESRC funding

Applicants must ensure they meet the ESRC Eligibility criteria Before applying. SENSS funding in Roehampton is only available in the disciplines and subjects listed above, for projects that address core SENSS themes and can be With the support of university supervisors. Further advice on ESRC eligibility criteria can be obtained from senses@roehampton.ac.uk.

Application process

New students:

Prospective applicants should contact senses@roehampton.ac.uk By December 1, 2025 It will be sent to potential supervisors so you can talk to them about your project and potential supervision. You should have a clear idea of ​​the proposal, research plan and SENSS topic when making contact.

Current PhD students:

Current and prospective PhD/MA and PhD students who are encouraged to apply for a SENSS scholarship at Roehampton should do so via the SENSS online application system, HEIApply. Current students should consult with their supervisors before applying.

Roehampton will be automatically notified of your application via HEIApply. You will also need to complete Roehampton’s online application here.

Current Roehampton students do not need to complete another Roehampton application just the HEIApply application.

Completed Roehampton applications must be received by December 13, 2025. Interviews will be conducted by 14^y January 2026.

All students:

After your interview, and once you have indicated that you will be moving on to the competition, you will have the opportunity to discuss, improve and update your application HEI application. You must then ensure that your application on HEIApply is ready for internal review by 14^H January 2026.

If selected through the internal review stage, your SeNSS application must be submitted on HEIApply by 4^y February 2026

Student awards will likely be made by the end of April 2026.

communication

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at SENSS@roehampton.ac.uk