North West Doctoral Training Centre: funding opportunities
Important: Applications for the Psychology Pathway in 2012 are now closed. Further details on arrangements for the 2013 scheme will be provided here later in the year.
The School of Psychological Sciences forms part of the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) North West Doctoral Training Centre (NWDTC). We are seeking outstanding postgraduates for places on our fully-funded 1+3 (Masters + PhD) and +3 (PhD) training routes starting October 2012. Successful applicants would benefit from training opportunities available across the NWDTC – a partnership between the Universities of Manchester, Lancaster and Liverpool.
1+3 and +3 Training Explained
1+3 training (Masters + PhD): Trainees undertake the first year on a Masters (MSc/MRes) degree related to the area of PhD research they eventually wish to progress onto. The Masters should provide thorough grounding in the methods, techniques and approaches required to successfully complete independent research within that subject. For this reason, Masters of Research (MRes) degrees are ideally suited as they provide the opportunity to experience extended research first-hand. MSc training also provides an appropriate foundation.
Applicants for 1+3 training typically do not hold a Masters degree or relevant research training experience. Following successful completion of the Masters, trainees progress onto a 3-year PhD study – the focus of which may have developed during their Masters.
+3 training (PhD only): Trainees start directly onto the 3-year PhD on an agreed project. +3 applicants are expected to have a solid foundation in the research methods necessary to excel on the PhD, and so typically hold a related Masters (MSc/MRes), In exceptional cases substantial (>3 years) relevant professional training can compensate for the lack of a Masters degree.
Funding
ESRC funding provides full support for UK/EU tuition fees, an annual tax-free maintenance stipend (2011 rate: £13, 590) and £750 annual allowance towards training costs (equipment, surveys, conference attendance etc). The training allowance is provided during the PhD phase only. Candidates must be UK/EU nationals due to the nature of the funding.
EU nationals who have not been permanent UK residents for at least three years prior to the start of the ESRC training qualify for studentships covering their tuition fees and training costs only.
How to Apply
Applications are invited from individuals seeking either 1+3 or +3 training places commencing in October 2012. All applicants must provide an initial 'research proposal' that could potentially form the basis for their PhD research, whilst applicants seeking 1+3 funding must also confirm the MSc or MRes programme that would form the first year of their training.
Research proposals are welcomed across the ESRC remit, but there are areas of particular interest:
Interested applicants should read the application procedure information for further details on how to apply:
