The Department of Politics at the University of Liverpool is inviting applications for ESRC-funded PhD studentships through the Politics Pathway of the North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP). These prestigious awards support outstanding students pursuing advanced research in politics and related interdisciplinary fields. The studentships are available for two study routes: a three-and-a-half-year PhD (+3.5) or a four-and-a-half-year MA+PhD (1+3.5) pathway. Both full-time and part-time options are available, with pro-rata funding for part-time study. The opportunity is open to applicants from the UK and overseas. Research Scope and Focus The ESRC studentships support any Politics-related research topic, subject to the availability of suitable supervisory expertise within the Department. The Department of Politics at Liverpool has a vibrant research culture spanning international relations, comparative politics, political theory, public policy, and British and global political institutions. While all proposals are welcome, the ESRC encourages applications that align with its strategic research priorities, particularly in: Advanced Quantitative Methods Data and Digital Skills Interdisciplinary Research that bridges different social science or research council domains Applicants from groups traditionally underrepresented in academia, including those who identify as Black British, Asian British, or from a Global Majority background (UK or international), are strongly encouraged to apply. The University of Liverpool and the ESRC remain committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within research training. What the Studentship Covers The NWSSDTP ESRC studentships are fully funded, offering comprehensive financial and academic support for the duration of the award. Funding covers the following: Full tuition fees at the Home student rate (£5,006 for 2025/26) for the duration of the studentship. Annual maintenance stipend of £20,780 for full-time students (or £10,390 for part-time students) for 2025/26. Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) to cover approved research, training, and conference expenses. Additional funding opportunities to support fieldwork, overseas institutional visits, and costs associated with the mandatory three-month research placement. Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), providing additional funding to support reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities or long-term conditions. Together, these benefits ensure that awardees receive the financial stability, research resources, and professional development support required to excel during their doctoral studies. Why Apply The Department of Politics at the University of Liverpool provides an intellectually stimulating environment supported by internationally recognised researchers. The department is part of a thriving research community within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, offering access to specialist training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a wide range of academic and professional development resources. Students joining the Politics PhD Programme become part of the North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), a collaborative network involving several leading universities. This partnership offers: Access to advanced methodological and professional training Opportunities to participate in collaborative research networks Mentoring, mobility, and placement options across academia, policy, and industry sectors A supportive, inclusive environment promoting high-impact research in the social sciences Graduates from the programme go on to successful careers in academia, government, public policy, NGOs, and the private sector. Application Process The application process consists of two stages: Step 1: Apply to the University of Liverpool’s Politics PhD ProgrammeApplicants must first secure an offer of admission from the Politics Department. This ensures that the proposed project aligns with departmental research strengths and that appropriate supervision is available. It is strongly recommended that prospective applicants contact the Director of Postgraduate Research before applying, sharing a draft proposal and academic transcript to confirm supervisory capacity. Enquiries should be sent to: hlc-pgr@liverpool.ac.uk. Step 2: Apply for ESRC Funding via the NWSSDTPOnce accepted into the PhD Programme, applicants will be invited to submit an application for ESRC funding through the North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP). The deadline for the NWSSDTP funding application is 2 February 2026 for entry in October 2026. Applicants are advised to begin preparing their proposals early to ensure sufficient time for supervisory discussions and documentation. Summary The ESRC-Funded Studentships in Politics at the University of Liverpool offer an exceptional opportunity for talented researchers to pursue advanced political study within one of the UK’s leading social science environments. Supported by the NWSSDTP, these awards combine robust academic mentorship, comprehensive funding, and professional development pathways that prepare graduates for impactful careers in academia, policy, and beyond. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the scholarship. For any inquiries, please contact the official institute directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.