University of Surrey SEDarc PhD Studentships 2027 – Fully Funded UK PhD Opportunities
Overview
The University of Surrey is offering Economic and Social Research Council funded South East Doctoral Training Arc studentships for doctoral study starting on 1 October 2027. SEDarc is a Doctoral Training Partnership consisting of six UK universities, including the Universities of Kent, Kingston, Reading, Royal Holloway, Surrey and Sussex. The studentships support postgraduate research in social sciences and related multidisciplinary subjects located in Guildford, United Kingdom. The duration of the programme is either 3.5 years or 1+3.5 years depending on the specific curriculum.
Who can apply
Both UK and international students are eligible to apply for these doctoral research opportunities at the University of Surrey. International candidates should note that there is a 30 percent cap on international studentships across the SEDarc consortium.
What you get
The awards cover UK tuition fees and provide a stipend at the applicable UKRI rate for both full-time and part-time students. For international students, the University of Surrey waives the difference between the home and overseas tuition fee rates. For reference, the 2026/27 UK fee was £5,238, and the annual stipend was £21,805, or £23,805 where London weighting applies, though the 2027/28 rates have not yet been announced. The programme also includes a three-month professional placement, or part-time equivalent, with public, private, or academic sector partners.
Requirements
Applicants must develop a research project that fits within the Surrey subject areas and the five SEDarc research themes of Living Sustainably, Healthy Thriving Communities, Inclusive Economic Growth, Secure, Effective and Trusted Institutions, and Transformative Technologies for Society. Candidates must identify and engage with an appropriate academic supervisor before applying. Applicants are also expected to indicate potential placement partners as part of the application process.
How to apply
Candidates must first apply through the University of Surrey rather than applying directly to SEDarc for the initial stage. Applicants must discuss their proposed research project with a prospective supervisor and be interviewed by them. Candidates must complete the SEDarc Doctoral Training Partnership application form with input from their supervisor, apply for an eligible Surrey PhD course with an October 2027 start date, and submit the completed SEDarc form to the relevant postgraduate director while informing them of the funding application. Shortlisted candidates are invited to submit their application to SEDarc following feedback from the Surrey shortlisting panel.
Key dates
The application deadline for the Surrey PhD application and the submission of the SEDarc form is 18 January 2027 at 4:00 PM, by which time applicants must have been interviewed by their proposed supervisor. Shortlisted candidates will be notified on 22 January 2027 and invited to submit their application to SEDarc by 29 January 2027 at 4:00 PM.