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PhD Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences
PhD Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences

PhD Studentship: Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences

WGSSS Studentship Competition 2027

The School of Sport & Health Sciences, and the School of Education & Social Policy at Cardiff Metropolitan University are delighted to offer fully funded WGSSS (ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership) studentships in the Sport and Exercise Sciences, Psychology, Education and Linguistics and Bilingualism Pathways starting in October 2027. Applications should broadly align with the research interests of academic staff within the pathways/Schools and be discussed with prospective supervisors well in advance of application. Applications from students who have not contacted and elicited the support of potential supervisors will not be considered. Staff research interests can be viewed here:

If you have an enquiry about a specific Pathway, please contact the Pathway Leads:

For general enquiries, please contact ESSHRI@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

Entry criteria

To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equivalent to a UK honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

Duration of study

Durations of study varies from 3.5 (PhD) to 4 (MSc + PhD) years full time (or part time equivalent). The duration of study is dependent on the prior research experience and training needs of the student which will be assessed by completing a Development Needs Analysis. We welcome applications for both full and part-time study.

Research in Practice Placement

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

International eligibility 

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Assessment

Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview. As part of the interview applicants may be asked to make a short presentation.

How to apply

Applications should be received no later than 12pm on 27 November 2026 including all required documents. This is an internal deadline that is in advance of the WGSSS deadline for the purpose of providing candidates with feedback that can be incorporated into their final application and submission for the WGSSS deadline of 14 December 2026. Due to the volume of applications received incomplete applications will not be considered.

All applications should be submitted to ESSHRI@cardiffmet.ac.uk with the subject line WGSSS Gen and the relevant pathway name (Sport and Exercise Sciences, Psychology, Education or Linguistics and Bilingualism).

Please include the following documents with your application:

  • WGSSS Application Form.
  • Academic CV (two pages maximum).
  • Two academic or professional references (candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths). 
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (including translations if applicable).
  • If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry).
  • Please submit the above documents and the WGSSS Studentship Application form as a single word document by the application deadline.

WGSSS is required to report on Equality and Diversity data to the ESRC, the government research council that funds WGSSS.  Before you submit your application, please complete the linked WGSSS Equality and Diversity Data Form.

Funding

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £21,805 for 2026-27 full-time) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant. Full and part-time applications are welcomed.

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.