Education: Fully funded PhD Scholarship in the ESRC Welsh Graduate School for Social Sciences ([...]

Swansea University; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university is inviting applications for a First Stage Researcher (R1) PhD studentship in education research focused on socioeconomic inequalities. The role covers tuition fees and provides a tax-free living stipend of £20,780. Applicants should have an honours degree or master’s level qualification and are encouraged from non-traditional backgrounds. This opportunity is open to home and international students with no additional fee for international applicants.

Qualifications

• Qualifications or experience equivalent to an honours degree or master's degree required.
• Non-traditional backgrounds are welcome.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on various educational topics focused on socioeconomic inequalities.
• Utilize a range of research methodologies.

Education

Honours degree (first or upper second-class) or master’s degree from a UK academic research organization

Job description

Overview

Swansea University, Department of Education and Childhood, invites applications for a First Stage Researcher (R1) PhD studentship funded under WGSSS. Type: Temporary, full-time. Hours per week: 35. Start date: 1 Oct 2026. Application deadline: 11 Dec 2025, 23:59 (Europe/London).

Department focus

• Socioeconomic inequalities in education
• Care-leavers and estranged students
• Parental engagement and involvement
• Education leadership and management
• Technology and digital influence on education
• Children's voices and participation
• Curriculum and assessment
• Play
• Additional learning needs
• Philosophical underpinnings of educational theory and practice

Staff employ a wide range of research methodologies, including advanced quantitative methods, participatory action research, innovative creative methodologies, and robust qualitative techniques.

Funding and eligibility

WGSSS funding covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend aligned with UKRI minimum rates (currently £20,780 for 2025/26) and includes a Research Training Support Grant. Applicants must have qualifications or experience equivalent to an honours degree (first or upper second-class level) or a master’s degree from a UK academic research organization; non-traditional backgrounds are welcome. WGSSS studentships are open to both home and international students; up to 30% of the cohort may be international. International students are not charged the fee difference between UK and international rates. Applicants should satisfy UKRI eligibility requirements. For questions regarding academic or fee eligibility, please email [e-mail] with the scholarship link of interest.

Please note: Selection process information is provided on our website.

Selection process

Please see our website for more information.