An application for a NINE DTP Studentship Award is made when a prospective supervisor files a nomination form on a candidate’s behalf. Although this step is technically taken by the supervisor, on behalf of the candidate, the form itself is a collaboration between candidate and supervisor, as it includes the 2,000-word research proposal which is to be written by the candidate. Along with the nomination form, the supervisor must submit a number of attachments, many of which will need to be gathered by the candidate. In addition, parallel to this process, the candidate must apply to their chosen university to be a student in the department where their proposed supervisor is based and where they will be based as a PhD student.

Prior to beginning the proposal (ideally in Autumn, up to a year before the proposed start date), candidates should contact prospective supervisors and begin discussing their application and, in particular, their research proposal. Candidates should also make sure that the department/school in which their prospective supervisor is located is in a NINE DTP-recognised pathway. (See Table of Pathways and Participating Departments).

To apply for a NINE DTP 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 references). 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 Your University’s Postgraduate Application Form

You need to apply for postgraduate admission to the NINE DTP-participating university at which you intend to study. At most universities, this is done through an online portal. If the application asks about your source of funding, note that you are applying for funding from ESRC NINE DTP. Depending on your university, the postgraduate administrator in the department to which you’re applying may be able to download your university application and combine it with your NINE DTP nomination form, or you might need to do this yourself. Either way, you will need to complete this step before finalising your NINE DTP nomination application so that you can write your university application ID number on the NINE DTP nomination form (Step 1).

3The online Equal Opportunities Monitoring form

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.

8Candidate Agreement

NINE DTP requires your consent for us to process your data as well as confirmation that you understand and agree to the conditions of the studentship. A signed copy of the form should be submitted either with your university application, or directly to your supervisor.

If you have questions about the application process, or about any other aspect of the DTP, this webinar for prospective candidates, led by NINE DTP Director Philip Steinberg, may help. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

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.

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.