The deadline for applications
for funding in 2024-25 is
22 January 2024.

Submit your application to
your department
in advance of this deadline.

All candidates for ESRC/NINE DTP funding should apply directly to the University of their choosing, in accordance with the rules and regulations of that institution.

Candidates should familiarise themselves with institutional practice, guidelines and deadlines to ensure that their application to the University is registered in a timely and effective manner. Please note that eligibility for ESRC funding does not guarantee that a candidate is eligible for a place in University; you should ensure you meet all requirements to take up a position within the institution in advance of submitting your application. We strongly advise that candidates identify and make contact with an academic at the earliest opportunity who is able to supervise the proposed research. Prospective supervisors are able to advise on eligibility, writing the research proposal and applying for funding.

To apply for a NINE ESRC studentship, you will need to submit the following documents, some of which are beyond the usual institutional requirements for applicants:

1 The NINE DTP nomination form
This form is completed by your prospective supervisor but includes a research proposal written by you. The research proposal must not exceed 2,000 words (including footnotes, but excluding bibliographies). Typically, the nomination form (and, especially, the research proposal) is the most labour intensive part of the application process, and it requires dialogue between student and supervisor, so you should begin discussing this with your prospective supervisor as soon as possible.

2 The Institutional Postgraduate Application Form
You need to apply for postgraduate admission to the NINE DTP-participating university at which you intend to study. You will need to write your university application ID number on the NINE DTP nomination form, so this step must be completed before completing the nomination form (Step 1).

3The online Equal Opportunities Monitoring survey

NINE DTP requires all students considering applying for NINE DTP funding to complete the online equal opportunities monitoring form. The information provided will not inform the outcomes of the competition, and will be processed separately. Since you will need to input the Equal Opportunities Monitoring completion code number onto your nomination form, this also must be completed before completing the nomination form (Step 1).

4A Current CV

Maximum 2 pages

5Personal Statement

This is an opportunity for you to elaborate on your background and suitability for the proposed studentship, beyond what may be evident from your CV and transcripts.

6Two References

Applications should be supported by two references. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure references are submitted at the time of the application. Candidates are generally advised to choose people other than their intended supervisors as references.

7Transcripts

Applicants should include the full transcripts of their previous qualifications obtained to date.

8Consent Form

NINE DTP requires your consent for us to process your data. A signed copy of the form should be submitted either with your university application, or directly to your supervisor.

Full Guidelines

Download a copy of the NINE DTP Annual Studentship Competition Guidelines

Guidelines (pdf)

Consent Form

Download a copy of the NINE DTP consent form

Consent Form

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

If you are submitting an application for NINE DTP funding, please complete the online form as part of your application. At the end you will be given a code to put in to the nomination form

Equal Opportunities Form

The Benefits of ESRC Funding

Find out more about ESRC funding, and how it will benefit you

Action for Equality Studentships

Find out more about our scheme targeting under-represented groups

Candidates should note that all studentships will be issued and managed in accordance with the UKRI and ESRC funding guidelines, in conjunction with local institutional policies.

We recommend candidates and supervisors familiarise themselves with the guidelines in advance of applying for funding.

ESRC Postgraudate Funding Guidelines

All candidates need the explicit support of their proposed supervisory team, who will need to complete the NINE DTP Nomination form for their candidate to be considered for funding. Supervisors and the candidates should try to ensure that the nomination form is completed on the deadline day; the supervisor will then submit the completed nomination form to their department.

The final panel to award studentships will be held in March of each year. Successful candidates will then be notified of their award. Some candidates will be placed on a reserve list and may be offered a studentship at a later date if circumstances or situations permit.

Applying for funding?

Your supervisor will need to submit a NINE DTP Nomination form.