Cardiff Business School - Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) FULLY FUNDED GENERAL STUDENTS

Information on the research interests of our staff can be found on the Cardiff Business School webpages. 

The closing deadline for applications is 12 January 2024 at 12 noon.  ( CARBS-ResearchOffice@cardiff.ac.uk  )

Entry Criteria:

To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equal to an honours degree at a first or strong upper second-class level, or a masters from a UK academic research organisation. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.

English language requirements:

For October 2024 entry you will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or equivalent. Please submit your English language evidence with your application if applicable.

Duration of study

The duration of study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs which will be assessed by completing an Initial Development Needs Analysis (Initial DNA) at the application stage and a Full DNA prior to award if successful. Durations of study may vary from 3.5 to 4.5 years full time (or part time equivalent).

In the case of Economics, this may include a 2+2.5 programme – funding to cover an extended 2 year taught component (MSc and MRes), followed by 2.5 years PhD research phase.

Research in practice placement:

All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3 months in total. All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.

How to apply:

A completed online application form for admission to doctoral study in Cardiff University via our online application portal. This must be received by the deadline of 12.00pm GMT on 12 January 2024. In the funding source section please enter “WGSSS ESRC DTP”.

Incomplete applications, applications sent via email or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

The application must contain the following documents:

1. Covering letter (two pages maximum)

This must include the following bullet points as subheadings:

*Your reasons and motivation for applying to study Economics at Cardiff Business School.

*Detail your understanding, and expectations of doctoral study.

*Provide detail of your academic interests generally, and particularly of those relating to your proposed research.

*Drawing on your own background (including life experiences, journey to/through university, work experiences or volunteering) summarize why you are ready to undertake a PhD now and how you will flourish as a result of PhD funding. You might include personal challenges that you have overcome or achievements that you are proud of in your work, study or life experiences and how these map onto the skills required to flourish in a PhD programme. Challenges could include protected characteristics, socio-economic status, of being a prospective first-generation student or care- experienced.

*Reflecting on your own background and/or proposed approach to PhD study and the opportunities which it will present, how will you support diversity and inclusion in the PhD community?

2. Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable), proof of English Language competency (if applicable)

3. Two academic/professional references. Candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application

4.Academic CV: maximum two pages.

5. Research Proposal: maximum of 1000 words, not including bibliographic references. The following headings are suggested:

·      Title, aims and purpose of the research;

·      Brief overview of the academic literature relevant to your field;

·      Proposed design/methods;

·      Academic contributions of your research;

·      Bibliographic References.

Assessment:

Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview. As part of the interview process, applicants will be asked to give a 5 minute presentation and answer a series of panel questions consistent with previous practice on the pathway during the Wales DTP, and guided by the WGSSS’s commitments on EDI. Interviews may be held in person or electronically. Outcomes will be communicated by the end of March 2024.

Funding Notes

What the studentship will cover: WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements. The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend of in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £18,622) and includes access to RTSG. If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship. STUDENTSHIPS FOR 2024 ENTRY ARE SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION OF FUNDING BY THE ESRC

The pathway convener for Economics, Dr Tommaso Reggiani may be also able to advise you.