Doctoral Training Partnership

Lincoln Joins New Social Sciences Training Partnership

The University of Lincoln is proud to announce its involvement in the South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) Doctoral Training Partnership, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to train the next generation of social scientists.

Fully funded ESRC studentships are available to research students via this partnership, across eight SENSS partner universities. The studentships cover tuition fees at the appropriate rate and an annual maintenance grant (also called stipend).

The competition for studentships starting in October 2025 is now open. For further information, visit the SENSS website or email us at senss@lincoln.ac.uk.

Routes for Research and Training

There are a variety of flexible routes for research and training, depending on your background and the research you are planning to undertake. SENSS positively encourages applicants from talented students whose highest qualification is an undergraduate degree, who may be funded to undertake a Master's programme. Details about eligibility and guidance, including links to applicant webinars and applicant portal, can be found on the SENSS website.

The structure of the studentship offered will depend on your personal training needs. However, the minimum duration of a SENSS-funded studentship will be 3.5 years – this covers a PhD and a mandatory placement of approximately three months. The maximum duration of a studentship will be 4.5 years – this covers a Master's degree followed by a PhD, as well as the mandatory three-month placement.

Schools at Lincoln

The following Schools are currently involved in supporting applications. Applications for interdisciplinary projects are welcomed, as long as the PhD project is led by researchers in these discipline areas. Prospective applicants are asked to identify and liaise with potential supervisors by following the links to the School pages below.

Psychology

The School of Psychology, Sport Science and Wellbeing has a strong and growing reputation for excellent fundamental and applied research with international impact and fosters a vibrant and outward-facing culture in its partnerships and collaborations.

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Social and Politcal Sciences

The School of Social and Politcal Sciences has a reputation for research excellence and its academic staff are engaged in cutting-edge research that is not only pushing the boundaries of our subjects but is also having real life impact.

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Two medical students talking to a member of staff

Health and Social Care

The School of Health and Social Care Sciences works with a range of communities, services, and researchers to design and deliver projects that are beneficial to service users and which influence policy, practice, and procedures in health and social care.

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Subject Areas and Thematic Pathways

University of Lincoln students who are undertaking social science-led research or interdisciplinary research that crosses arts and humanities and social sciences can apply for funding to pursue research aligned to one of our interdisciplinary thematic pathways.

The pathways are set out below and under each are listed the Schools that are considered eligible for that pathway. In order to apply for SENSS funding in one of the thematic pathways, you must first have applied for a place to study for a research degree in one of the participating subject areas at Lincoln.