Project Overview
About the Position
Bath Spa University invites applications for ESRC-funded PhD studentships through the South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP), with Bath Spa pathways in education, management and business, and sociotechnical futures. The internal Bath Spa application round closes at 11:59pm on 8 November 2026, ahead of the SWDTP final deadline of 12 January 2027, so candidates intending to nominate Bath Spa as their host should complete the university's research-degree application early.
ESRC studentships provide full tuition fees and an annual tax-free maintenance stipend at the UKRI doctoral rate, plus a research training support grant. Successful candidates join the SWDTP's doctoral training environment - a partnership of southwest English universities - with advanced methods training, cohort events and access to partnership-wide resources. Bath Spa supervisors work across education research, business and management studies, and interdisciplinary sociotechnical themes connecting technology, society and sustainability.
Candidate Profile and Application
Applicants hold an excellent undergraduate degree and normally a master's degree (or equivalent research experience) in a relevant social-science discipline, and must meet ESRC eligibility rules for UK fee status and residency. Applications are made through Bath Spa's research degrees application route, including a research proposal aligned with a SWDTP pathway, references and transcripts; the university's how-to-apply page sets out the exact documents and timeline.
Highlights
- ESRC SWDTP funded PhD studentships at Bath Spa
- Pathways: education, management and business, sociotechnical futures
- Full fees plus UKRI-rate maintenance stipend
- Internal deadline 8 November 2026, 11:59pm
- SWDTP final round closes 12 January 2027
- Doctoral training partnership methods programme
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | PhD fellowship / salaried position |
| Stipend / salary | Full ESRC studentship: tuition fees + annual maintenance stipend |
| Duration | Four years (ESRC studentship) |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Strong bachelor's/master's record in education, management, business or social sciences |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 8 November 2026, 11:59pm (internal deadline; SWDTP final round closes 12 January 2027) |
| Location | Bath, United Kingdom |
About Bath Spa University
Bath Spa University is a university in Bath, England, rooted in institutions dating back to 1852, with campuses including Newton Park and Corsham Court. It offers doctoral training across education, management and business, creative arts, humanities and social sciences, and is an active partner in the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) through which funded studentships are offered with partner universities. Research degrees at Bath Spa combine supervision by research-active staff with training in methods and professional development, and applications run through the university's research degrees admissions route.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 8 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 8 November 2026, 11:59pm (internal deadline; SWDTP final round closes 12 January 2027). Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter: Emails and Preparation
- SOP, Personal Statement or Research Proposal: What Each Document Does
Official Link
https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/how-to-apply/research-degrees/apply-now/
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for ESRC SWDTP PhD Studentships (Education, Management, Sociotechnical Futures) - Bath Spa University, United Kingdom?
The application deadline is 8 November 2026. Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/London time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/London but gives no clock time.
Is ESRC SWDTP PhD Studentships (Education, Management, Sociotechnical Futures) - Bath Spa University, United Kingdom fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. £21,805/year (UKRI minimum stipend 2026/27).
Who is eligible to apply for ESRC SWDTP PhD Studentships (Education, Management, Sociotechnical Futures) - Bath Spa University, United Kingdom?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for United Kingdom. Applications are assessed by Bath Spa University.
How do I apply for ESRC SWDTP PhD Studentships (Education, Management, Sociotechnical Futures) - Bath Spa University, United Kingdom?
Applications for ESRC SWDTP PhD Studentships (Education, Management, Sociotechnical Futures) - Bath Spa University, United Kingdom are submitted directly to Bath Spa University through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for ESRC SWDTP PhD Studentships (Education, Management, Sociotechnical Futures) - Bath Spa University, United Kingdom?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.
What study level does ESRC SWDTP PhD Studentships (Education, Management, Sociotechnical Futures) - Bath Spa University, United Kingdom offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
Bath Spa University
Bath Spa University is a university in Bath, England, rooted in institutions dating back to 1852, with campuses including Newton Park and Corsham Court. It offers doctoral training across education, management and business, creative arts, humanities and social sciences, and is an active partner in the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) through which funded studentships are offered with partner universities. Research degrees at Bath Spa combine supervision by research-active staff with training in methods and professional development, and applications run through the university's research degrees admissions route.
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