ISER has 8 ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) studentship awards available for the academic year starting October 2010. These can be offered to outstanding postgraduate student applicants on either a ‘1+3' or a ‘+3' basis. There are 4 awards in Economics and 4 in Applied Social Research.

The “1+3” studentships cover a four-year period, which includes one year of study for a Masters degree followed by three years of PhD study. They are intended for applicants with a good (First Class or Upper Second Class) Bachelor's degree in the relevant subject area. The “+3” studentships cover a three-year period of PhD study for applicants who already hold a Masters degree of a suitable standard.

ESRC studentships cover fees plus a stipend for the period of the Masters degree and/or 3 years of a PhD programme. Full ESRC awards are available to UK students; students from non-UK EU countries are eligible for a fees-only award.

How do I apply for a studentship?

The ESRC allows ISER to nominate students to receive an award, subject to ESRC approval. Students apply initially to ISER and we then forward the successful applications to the ESRC who will confirm your eligibility.

How much funding will I receive?

The studentships cover the UK/EU fees plus a living stipend and a further £750 training grant, p.a. for the duration of the award. The stipend will meet the National Minimum Doctoral Stipend level set by the UK Research Councils (for 2009/10, the full-time stipend level was £13,290 p.a). An additional living stipend of approximately £3,000 p.a. is available for students undertaking advanced quantitative training. For more detailed information about the ESRC Postgraduate Studentship including information on the financial help available and eligibility and criteria, you need to take a close look at the ESRC website.

Is there a deadline for applications?

Yes. To be considered for one of our 8 ESRC Studentships for 2010, you need to apply to ISER by March 1 2010.

Where can I get further information?

The ESRC web site has detailed guidance on the awards, including details of eligibility. You can find details of ISER's wide-ranging research programme, information about PhD supervisors and who teaches on what programmes on the ISER website. If you are seriously considering coming to ISER why not arrange to talk to our Graduate Director John Ermisch on 01206 873087 or email iser-pgsec@essex.ac.uk. You can also arrange to speak to one of our postgraduate students about what study at ISER is like.

Is there anything else I need to know?

If you are applying to do a PhD with ISER, we ask you to provide a Research Proposal of between 1000 and 2500 words summarising key elements of the proposed research, e.g. background, research questions, methods and data. In addition, you may provide citations to one or two examples of your written work.