FAQs : WR ESRC DTC Studentship awards 2015/16
(key information for Postgraduate Directors, Tutors and the Supervisors of PhD
students starting October 2015)
General Information
Q1. How many ESRC studentships are there on offer in 2015/16?
The distribution of studentships for 2015/16 across the White Rose DTC is as follows:
 Discipline awards to schools/departments = 31.5
o 2 of which are Language-Based Area Studies (ESRC steer)
 Advanced Quantitative Methods = 4 via open competition (ESRC steer)
 Networks = 9 studentships offered across 3 WR ESRC Networks. These require
collaboration with a non-academic partner whose 20% contribution must be
financial.
 Collaborative awards = 6 via open competition. These require collaboration with
a non-academic partner whose contribution can be financial or in-kind. The
number of studentships given here represents the overall ESRC allocation of 48
at an average rate of 3.5 years (i.e. half 1+3 and half +3) and that the match
funding arrangements for 0.5 studentship allocations means that in practice the
number of available studentships in the three DTC institutions is somewhat
greater, but varies according to availability of additional funding to support ESRC
studentships.
The notification of the distribution of studentships was circulated to schools/departments on
29 July 2014 to ensure adequate lead time locally.
Most of the studentships are available as either 1+3 awards (1 year masters + 3 years PhD
study) or +3 awards (3 years PhD study) and can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time
basis.
For details of the funding on offer see Q11.
Match/Co-Funding
Q2. What will it cost the school/department to match/co-fund a studentship?
Once again this year, the DTC have offered some schools/departments 0.5 studentships to
encourage them to explore opportunities for match funding. This model is intended to
support the strategic value of a collaborative environment; capacity build; improve regional
outreach, and whilst continuing to offer awards in areas of excellence, maximise the number
White Rose Doctoral Training Centre
Located at: University of Sheffield, Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences (ICoSS), 219 Portobello, Sheffield,S1 4DP
Tel: +44 (0)114 222 6060  Email: enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
Web: wrdtc.ac.uk
of studentships that can be supported by the ESRC funding. Schools/departments are also
encouraged to consider match funding their whole number studentships allocations on the
same basis, which would then allow them to offer additional ESRC-badged awards.
This model offers schools/departments opportunities to consider innovative approaches to
the use of their studentship allocation for 2015/16.
Where 0.5 studentships are allocated we suggest that these can be matched in the following
ways:
 From the school/department itself – using existing non-ESRC scholarship funding,
faculty/school scholarship funding
 From an external third party – private, public or third/civic sector
 From linking it up with another pathway where a 0.5 studentship has been allocated
To count as an ESRC award at least 50% of the studentship will be funded via the DTC.
In Session 2014/15, the per annum full cost of a standard +3 studentship was £3,996 fees +
£13,863 maintenance + RTSG of £666 = £18,525 and the full cost of a standard 1+3
studentship was £3,996 fees + £13,863 maintenance = £17,859.
Thus, if a School/Department wishes to fund 50% of a full studentship, the expected level of
the commitment for Session 2014/15 was either £8,930 or £9,263. This figure would be
increased in line with inflation in following years.
WRDTC ESRC Networks – from 2015 Networks will be funded by the WRDTC at 80%, with
the remaining 20% to be match funded through collaboration with an external partner
(private sector, public sector or civil society/third sector etc). We will also consider White
Rose HEI match funding, for the required 20%, where external partners are committed but
are only able to make in-kind contributions.
The table below shows the breakdown of costs per studentship:
3 Years
£ Per
£ Per
studentship annum
1+3 Years
£ Per
£ Per
studentship annum
ESRC DTC
45,352.00
contribution
15,117.33
ESRC DTC
60,216.00
contribution
15,054.00 80%
Match
Funding
11,338.00
3,779.33
Match
Funding
15,054.00
3,796.50
Total
56,690.00
18,896.67
Total
75,270.00
18,817.50
20%
Further information can be found at http://wrdtc.ac.uk/postgraduate-programme
White Rose Doctoral Training Centre
Located at: University of Sheffield, Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences (ICoSS), 219 Portobello, Sheffield,S1 4DP
Tel: +44 (0)114 222 6060  Email: enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
Web: wrdtc.ac.uk
Q3. Fees Only – what are the implications for match funders
Where a student is not eligible for a full award, the Home/EU standard Research Council
Fee costs (£3,996 in session 2014/15) and the RTSG (where eligible) have to be covered
100% by the DTC, and other support would need to be funded separately and cannot be
reported to ESRC as match-funded. Thus, to offer the student the full award, the
department/school would be required to cover a maintenance grant, which should be at least
equivalent to 50% of a full studentship.
Eligibility for studentship funding
Q4. Are the studentships open to non-home students?
The awards are open to UK/EU applicants, but are not normally open to applicants who are
liable to pay academic fees at the international fee rate. UK applicants, who meet the
residency criteria, will be eligible for a full award paying tuition fees and maintenance. EU
applicants are normally eligible for an award paying tuition fees only. However, EU
applicants who have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years immediately preceding the
date of the award are eligible for a full award paying tuition fees and maintenance.
However, the ESRC have relaxed the residency eligibility rules in the strategic areas of
Economics and Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM). This means that UK, EU and
international applicants wishing to study in these areas may apply for a full award paying
tuition fees and maintenance. As the DTC only provides fees at the UK/EU standard
Research Council rate, the difference between the home and overseas fee will have to be
met by Schools/Departments. RCUK has stipulated that students must not pay any shortfall
in fees.
Further details about the ESRC’s residency requirements and eligibility for funding can be
found here http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding-and-guidance/funding-opportunities/looking-forfunding/eligibility.aspx
Please also refer to Q14. for the ESRC rules governing eligibility for overseas fieldwork
expenses, and the arrangements for accessing these.
White Rose Doctoral Training Centre
Located at: University of Sheffield, Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences (ICoSS), 219 Portobello, Sheffield,S1 4DP
Tel: +44 (0)114 222 6060  Email: enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
Web: wrdtc.ac.uk
Q5. Are the studentships open to both full-time and part-time students?
Yes, the ESRC are keen to attract applications from part-time as well as full-time students.
Studentships can be held on a part-time basis subject to a minimum time commitment of
50%.
 Full-time 1+3 students must submit within 5 years of starting their Masters
 Part-time 1+3 students must submit within 9 years of starting their Masters
 Full-time +3 students must submit within 4 years of starting their doctoral studies
 Part-time +3 students must submit within 7 years of starting their doctoral studies
Q6. Employment – can a student be ‘required’ to teach?
ESRC studentship award holders are encouraged to undertake a certain amount of paid
teaching or other research work during their studentship provided that they spend a
minimum of 1800 hours (based on a 37.5 hr week for 48 weeks) each academic year on
their doctoral research and research training. Their programme of postgraduate training
must be compatible with such work and their supervisor must approve. Demonstrating,
teaching, or other types of employment, should not be a compulsory element of research
training.
Q7. Can current students apply for one of the studentships?
The ESRC does not expect the funding to be used for students who have already completed
a substantial proportion of a PhD, for example funds should not be used to support a student
entering year 3 of a 3 year programme. It is at the DTC’s discretion to decide whether
further support for a current student would represent a good investment of public funds.
Q8. Does a student always have to have completed a research-based Masters to
apply for a PhD studentship?
The ESRC Postgraduate Framework allows DTCs to determine which of their accredited
funding structures is most appropriate for individual students, based on their skills and prior
research training. The ESRC expects that applicants embarking on a +3 programme would
have achieved a level of research training that would allow them to proceed directly to PhD,
this is usually through the attainment of a previous Masters.
So, it may not always be necessary to have a research based Masters qualification to
undertake a PhD in a specific field/pathway. The key issues to consider in such cases is
whether the student has sufficient background in theory, substantive topics and more
crucially research design and methodology, and whether any gaps in training are easily filled
with additional courses during their 3 years as a PhD (via the DTC's training pathways and
wider generic training programme for example) or would the student effectively require the
majority of a Masters programme which reflects the training pathway requirements.
White Rose Doctoral Training Centre
Located at: University of Sheffield, Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences (ICoSS), 219 Portobello, Sheffield,S1 4DP
Tel: +44 (0)114 222 6060  Email: enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
Web: wrdtc.ac.uk
Confirmation of the relevant previous research experience for a +3 student award, or the
training plan expectations for a 1+3 student award, must be outlined in their application.
This Training Statement MUST be completed and give full details of previous research
methods training and indications of how any gaps in training will be met.
In the first instance, applicants should contact their relevant School/Department to determine
whether they would be better suited to a +3 or a 1+3 studentship.
Q9. What is the expected start date?
To be eligible for an ESRC studentship in 2015/16 students must commence their
programme of postgraduate study in the 2015/16 academic session. Awards cannot be
deferred to the following year. Successful candidates are expected to start in October 2015.
The funding will not be available until 1 October.
It is only in exceptional circumstances that a later than October start date may be possible,
for example in the case of illness, or if a student needs to give notice to a current employer.
Length of awards
Q10. If a School/Department has been allocated more than one Discipline Award
studentship what are the rules governing the split between offering +3 (3 year) and
1+3 (4 year programmes)?
For those departments with more than one Discipline Award, we expect you to offer the most
suitable programme (3 year or 4 year) to the best candidates.
Where 0.5 studentships have been allocated they may be deployed for either a 1+3 or +3
programmes.
Financial matters
Q11. What is the financial package available?
The ESRC provides award-holders with the following annual package of financial support
over the duration of their studentships:
 A tax-free standard maintenance grant set at the UK Research Council’s national
postgraduate rate, which for 2014/15 was £13,863
 Full payment of their tuition fees £3,996 at the Home/EU at standard Research
Council rates; and
White Rose Doctoral Training Centre
Located at: University of Sheffield, Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences (ICoSS), 219 Portobello, Sheffield,S1 4DP
Tel: +44 (0)114 222 6060  Email: enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
Web: wrdtc.ac.uk

A research training support grant (RTSG) where eligible (see Q12. below for more
details)
Students who are studying Economics and/or Advanced Quantitative Methods, receive a
further £3,000 per annum enhancement to their maintenance grants during their doctoral
studies and an enhanced RTSG where eligible.
Award-holders may also apply for additional support for Overseas Fieldwork and Difficult
Language Training depending on their research needs. See Q14. and Q15. below.
Enhanced stipends
Q12. Is the DTC offering any enhanced stipends in 2014/15?
The DTC is offering enhanced stipends in Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) and
Economics.
AQM Studentships
There are four Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) studentships available in 2015/16 via
a competitive bid process from those school/departments that have a strong track record of
AQM. The DTC aims to give these awards to very strong students and to prioritise those
who will be working with large datasets.
The AQM enhanced stipend of £3,000 per annum is intended to encourage students to
undertake training in AQM and to apply this in their PhD research and beyond. This is
expected to be at a level over and above the basic generic and subject specific methods
requirements. This stipend is only available during the +3 stage of the programme, however
candidates are asked to indicate at the application stage whether they would be applying for
the stipend on completion of the masters training, at which time they will be required to make
a separate shorter application. Successful AQM applicants receive an enhanced RTSG
where eligible of £1,000 per annum.
In May each year those students in receipt of AQM enhanced stipends are required to
submit a progress report detailing the training they have undertaken and how it has impacted
upon their research design/analysis. Supervisors are also expected to comment on student
training and the proposed use of quantitative methods, a DTC panel will then assess
whether the enhanced stipend should continue to be paid to the student.
Economics Studentships
The DTC has opted to offer an additional £3,000 per annum (during the +3 stage of a
studentship) to students on the Economics pathways.
White Rose Doctoral Training Centre
Located at: University of Sheffield, Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences (ICoSS), 219 Portobello, Sheffield,S1 4DP
Tel: +44 (0)114 222 6060  Email: enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
Web: wrdtc.ac.uk
Q13. What is the Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) allowance (incorporating
UK fieldwork)?
Once the doctoral element of a studentship has started, all students are entitled to apply for
a RTSG Top-Up in addition to a sum allocated to them annually, which includes a UK
Fieldwork Allowance. This includes part-time and Fees Only award holders. The allowance
is intended to be used to pay for expenses which the student/supervisor/department deem to
be in direct support of a student’s research.
Examples include:
 UK Fieldwork Expenses
 UK, EU and overseas conferences and summer schools
 Language training courses
 Reimbursement of interpreters, guides, assistants
 Survey costs, e.g. printing, stationery, telephone calls
 Purchase of small items of equipment e.g. cameras, tape recorders etc
 Gifts for local informants
 Books and other reading material not available through libraries
Students starting their doctoral level studies in October 2015 will receive the following
RTSG amounts and are eligible to also apply to the RTSG Top Up Scheme:



standard Discipline Studentship will receive a total of £2,000 (approximately £666 per
annum)
AQM Studentship will receive a total of £2,664 (approximately £888 per annum)
Network Studentship will receive a total of £2,397 (approximately £799 per annum)
Q14. What Overseas Fieldwork Expenses (OFE) will be covered?
Students should have mentioned any anticipated requirement for overseas fieldwork
expenses on their application form. The allocation of funds for fieldwork expenses is at the
discretion of the DTC which will announce the process for applying for Overseas Fieldwork
Expenses each December. There will normally be three calls per year for applications to the
scheme. The ESRC have allocated a notional amount of £450 per student for Overseas
Fieldwork Expenses.
It is very unlikely that the DTC will be able to fully fund a student’s overseas fieldwork trip,
students may apply to use the Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) to supplement the
costs associated with overseas fieldwork however this is entirely at the student’s discretion.
A student’s overseas fieldwork visit will normally last no more than 12 months, be an integral
part of the PhD, and take place during the life of the award.
White Rose Doctoral Training Centre
Located at: University of Sheffield, Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences (ICoSS), 219 Portobello, Sheffield,S1 4DP
Tel: +44 (0)114 222 6060  Email: enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
Web: wrdtc.ac.uk
Q15. What about Difficult Language Training (DLT)?
Students should have mentioned any anticipated requirement for difficult language training
on their application form. Once registered, students will need to apply for an extension to
their studentship via their home institution’s Scholarships Office.
Up to one year’s extra support (this is over and above the funded length of the studentship)
may be considered if a student needs to acquire or develop a working ability with a difficult
language. Each application will be considered on a case by case basis.
Q16. What if the actual tuition fees (e.g. premium fees in some subject areas) are
higher than an ESRC award?
If a particular programme of study attracts more than the standard research council rate of
fees, then the school/department is responsible for making up the difference. The Research
Council UK (RCUK) has stipulated that students should not be required to pay any shortfall
in fees.
Q17. What is the policy on maternity/paternity/adoption leave?
Maternity Leave - the ESRC allows up to 6 months paid maternity leave without the level of
the student’s award being reduced. Financial support for any time beyond six months
should be sought from the HEI’s Access Fund. Students may also apply for up to a further 6
months’ suspension of their award (unpaid) because of the pregnancy, providing a total
period of paid and unpaid maternity leave of up to 12 months.
Paternity Leave – a total of 10 days paternity leave may be taken at any time during a
partner’s pregnancy or within three months following the birth. This period is regarded as
additional leave of absence from studies and the award will not be extended. If there is a
need to take any further time, this must be taken as a suspension to the award.
Additional Paternity Leave – where a student’s partner has returned to work, they may be
able to claim up to 26 weeks of paid additional paternity leave. In order to qualify they must
have the main responsibility (alongside the responsibility of the mother or adopter taking
adoption leave) for the upbringing of the child.
Adoption Leave – this has the same terms and conditions as the above.
White Rose Doctoral Training Centre
Located at: University of Sheffield, Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences (ICoSS), 219 Portobello, Sheffield,S1 4DP
Tel: +44 (0)114 222 6060  Email: enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
Web: wrdtc.ac.uk
Q18. What about Overseas Institutional Visits (OIV)?
The ESRC stopped administering the OIV Scheme on 31 January 2014. The administration
of the OIV Scheme has now been devolved to the DTC. All ESRC funded research award
holders are eligible to apply via the Overseas Institutional Visit Scheme for a paid extension
of up to three months (this can be across 3 separate visits but must be requested in a single
application) to their PhD studentship in order to visit overseas institutions. Students
following a pre-described master’s course are not eligible. Fees Only students will be
entitled to a fees only extension.
Funds should be used to provide financial support and time for students to:
 Undertake additional specialist research training not available in the UK;
 Develop language skills;
 Establish research links that will be beneficial to their current or future academic
career;
 Disseminate early research career findings;
 Attend and participate in seminars where directly relevant to their research.
Please contact your home institution’s Scholarship Office for advice on the application
process.
Q19. What about the ESRC Internship Scheme
Students will apply to the ESRC, via their central institutional authorities, in response to
internship calls. These calls are posted on the ESRC website up to three times a year and
will be advertised by the DTC.
Students are also advised to monitor the wrdtc.ac.uk site where local internships
opportunities will be advertised.
Q20. How is the Disabled Student’s Allowance process managed?
In the first instance, you should contact your Scholarships Office in your home institution for
information on how to make a claim for Disabled Student's Allowance. The DTC will claim
back any approved amounts from the ESRC.
Q21. How do students apply for an ESRC studentship?
Students do not apply to the DTC directly. All applicants MUST first contact the relevant
school/department at the University in which they wish to study to be advised how to then
submit an application for a research degree programme (and Masters programme if applying
via the 1+3 route) and how to apply for an ESRC studentship.
White Rose Doctoral Training Centre
Located at: University of Sheffield, Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences (ICoSS), 219 Portobello, Sheffield,S1 4DP
Tel: +44 (0)114 222 6060  Email: enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
Web: wrdtc.ac.uk
Q22. Can students apply for more than one type of award?
Applicants may apply to more than one institution within the White Rose DTC for a
studentship, but if selected by more than one institution, they must make a choice as only
ONE application can be sent forward for consideration for any one type of award.
Q23. What are the key dates for the studentship process?
The ESRC require that the studentship process is completed by the end of April 2015. The
timetable below outlines the key dates:
For further information students are advised to refer to the White Rose DTC ESRC
Administration Guidance 2013/14 on the wrdtc.ac.uk web site
White Rose Doctoral Training Centre
Located at: University of Sheffield, Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences (ICoSS), 219 Portobello, Sheffield,S1 4DP
Tel: +44 (0)114 222 6060  Email: enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
Web: wrdtc.ac.uk
Key Dates
The ESRC require that the studentship process is completed by the end of April 2015. The
timetable below outlines the key dates:
WRDTC ESRC Discipline/AQM awards timeline
3 February 2015
Application deadline for students
3 March 2015
Deadline for nominations from schools/departments to be
submitted to DTC Office via local Scholarships Officers
April 2015
Departments/students informed of outcomes by Scholarships
Officers
WRDTC ESRC Networks process and timeline
7 October 2014
Stage 1: deadline for Teams to register an interest via DTC Office
via enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
13 October 2014
Stage 2: DTC invites network proposers to a development
workshop (held at each of the White Rose HEIs, 23 Oct Sheffield,
27 Oct York, 28 Oct Leeds – time/venues to be advised)
9 December 2014
Deadline for Network award proposals to be submitted to DTC
Office via enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
w/c 19 January 2015
3 x Networks announced by DTC
Date tbc
Successful Networks advertise studentships, shortlist, interview etc
14 April 2015
Nomination from Networks into DTC Office via local Scholarships
Officers
Late April 2015
Networks/students informed of outcomes by Scholarships Officers
WRDTC ESRC Collaborative awards process and timeline
9 December 2014
Deadline for collaborative award proposals to be submitted to DTC
Office via enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
w/c 19 January 2015
6 Collaborative awards announced by DTC
Date tbc
Successful collaborative award holders set own deadline and
advertise studentships, shortlist, interview etc
14 April 2015
Nomination into DTC Office via local Scholarships Officers
Late April 2015
Students/staff informed of outcomes by Scholarships Officers
White Rose Doctoral Training Centre
Located at: University of Sheffield, Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences (ICoSS), 219 Portobello, Sheffield,S1 4DP
Tel: +44 (0)114 222 6060  Email: enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
Web: wrdtc.ac.uk
Further information - University of Leeds
DTC Information
http://www.essl.leeds.ac.uk/graduate-school/about/doctoral-training-centre/
Scholarship Application Forms and Procedure
http://scholarships.leeds.ac.uk/
How to apply for a Postgraduate Research Degree
http://www.lssi.leeds.ac.uk/the-white-rose-dtc-at-leeds/
Further information - University of Sheffield
DTC Information
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/social-sciences-dtc
Scholarships Information
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/scholarships/esrc
How to apply for a Postgraduate Research Degree
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply
Further information - University of York
DTC Information
http://www.york.ac.uk/social-science/
Scholarships Information for students
http://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-funding/postgraduate/esrc/
How to apply for a research degree
http://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/
Updated November 2014
White Rose Doctoral Training Centre
Located at: University of Sheffield, Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences (ICoSS), 219 Portobello, Sheffield,S1 4DP
Tel: +44 (0)114 222 6060  Email: enquiries@wrdtc.ac.uk
Web: wrdtc.ac.uk