Stage 1 of the nomination process has two components. Following some preliminary work (contacting a supervisor and obtaining their support, and applying to a university), the applicant completes the Stage 1 nomination form accessible through the Stage 1 nomination portal. Questions at this stage largely focus on the proposed research and, although these should be answered in consultation with the supervisor, this is a research-led studentship and it is expected that the research programme will be designed and detailed by the applicant, not the supervisor.

Once the applicant clicks ‘submit’ on the Stage 1 nomination, the supervisor will be asked to complete the supervisor approval form. In addition to confirming that they approve the applicant’s nomination, this form asks other questions about the proposed research, and may require further consultation with the applicant.

Crucially, the Stage 1 nomination is not complete until the supervisor has completed the supervisor approval form. Since they cannot complete this until the applicant has submitted their Stage 1 nomination, the applicant should plan on completing their Stage 1 nomination well before the nomination deadline.

For applicants invited to complete a Stage 2 nomination, the process works in a similar way, with the applicant completing a form that is then approved by the supervisor prior to the deadline. Typically, the supervisor plays a significant role in completing the elements in the Stage 2 nomination regarding supervisory fit and training programme.

No. You can only apply to one pathway at one institution with the NINE DTP partnership, and your proposed supervisor must be based in a department aligned with that pathway. Identifying the right pathway is often a collaborative process, and some supervisors are able to supervise on more than one pathway. You’re encouraged to reach out to potential supervisors or pathway contacts to discuss where your research best fits, especially as your proposal takes shape. If needed, a pathway may also suggest redirecting a nomination to another more appropriate pathway. The aim is to help ensure the best alignment, not to catch applicants out.

Yes. If you anticipate completing your Master’s before the award start date (1 October) you should apply as someone in receipt of a Master's degree.

If you haven’t yet begun Master’s training, or will not have a Master’s by the award start date, you will be eligible for a 4.5 year award (1 year Master’s + 3.5 year PhD)

Only if you are within your first year of full time PhD study (or two years part time equivalent), and do not already have full funding (stipend and fees) in place.

Yes. Up to 30% of NINE DTP awards can be made to international students, and we strongly encourage applications. However, due to the cap, competition for international places is particularly high, and many strong candidates may not receive funding even with excellent applications. We recommend making your application as clear, compelling, and well-aligned to the ESRC priorities as possible.

Feedback is not provided routinely. Unsuccessful candidates may request feedback from the NINE DTP team within four months of the outcome being announced. After this period, we may refer you to your supervisor for any further guidance. We do not disclose rankings within the competition.

Your proposed research topic and training programme must a) fit within the remit of one of NINE DTP’s 18 pathways and b) fit within the remit of ‘Social Science’ as defined by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC): ‘The study of society and the manner in which people behave and influence the world around us’. More details on what is (and is not) social science can be found on the ESRC webpage.

In addition to the ESRC, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) supports six other research councils and we encourage research and training programmes that overlap with the remit of another council. However, in all cases, the proposed research must be at least 50% within the domain of the social sciences, as defined by ESRC.

No. All award holders are expected to live within reasonable travel distance of their university (except when on placement or fieldwork), as regular in-person access to training, supervision, university resources, and cohort activities is required. This is a UKRI/ESRC requirement.

Only during fieldwork or approved Overseas Institutional Visits. Students must otherwise reside in the UK.

No. NINE DTP studentships cover tuition fees and a stipend for international award holders, but they do not include additional costs such as visa fees, the NHS surcharge, or relocation expenses. These must be met by the applicant. We recommend you factor these into your planning when considering study in the UK.

Part-time students must commit at least 50% of their time to their studies (also referred to as 0.5 full time equivalent or FTE). For example, a 3.5 year full-time award becomes a 7 year award if taken part-time at 0.5 FTE. Variants of 0.6 FTE and 0.8 FTE can be considered, and arrangements will be agreed upon with your host institution.

Yes. ESRC guidelines set limits on how much paid work you can undertake alongside part time study. Part time award holders are expected to commit at least 50% of their time to their studies, and employment should not exceed the remaining portion of the working week (e.g. a 0.5 FTE student should not work more than 50%). These boundaries are intended to support your wellbeing and ensure your study time is protected. Some teaching or research assistance work may be permitted, especially if it’s directly related to your doctoral development, but we advise discussing your working pattern with your supervisor and institutional support staff to make sure it aligns with your studentship conditions and capacity.

Full time award-holders may undertake up to six hours per week of paid work, provided it does not interfere with their studies. This typically includes teaching, demonstrating, or research assistance, and should ideally relate to your training or academic development.

NINE DTP pays the UKRI home rate. If you are classed as an international student your university/department or another source must cover the difference. NINE DTP cannot provide the funds to cover the difference. Historically, this fee difference has been provided by the university to which you are applying. Your proposed supervisor or department should confirm this to you directly.

No. If you submit your thesis before the official end date of your award, your stipend will stop from that point onwards.

The NINE DTP awards have been calculated to include sufficient funded time to complete and submit the thesis. As such, there is no continuation period or further financial support beyond the end of the funding. If you do not submit by the award end date, you will be charged continuation or registration fees by your university, according to your university’s policies.

This marks a shift from previous practice: some supervisors may expect students to enter a ‘writing-up’ or continuation year, and whilst submission after the funding end date is permitted by universities, this is no longer the model supported by NINE DTP. The length of funded studentships has been deliberately extended to allow for timely submission within the funded period. You should regularly review your timeline as part of your project and time management to ensure you are on track to meet this deadline.

No. The Research in Practice element, delivered through a three month placement, is a mandatory part of the NINE DTP studentship. It is designed to develop transferable skills, broaden your professional networks, and support engagement beyond academia. If you are already well established in your field, we encourage you to consider how you might use this opportunity to deepen or diversify your experience. For example, by working in a new context, trying a different type of organisation, or focusing on policy engagement. We are happy to support tailored approaches, but the time allocated to this component must be used for Research in Practice activity, not redirected to thesis work.

The Research in Practice placement is a core and integrated part of the NINE DTP studentship. At some partner institutions the placement has been formally embedded within the structure of the PhD programme, which means international students at those universities are permitted to undertake placements in line with visa conditions.

At other institutions, similar arrangements are under discussion, but not yet confirmed. If this is not resolved in time for your planned placement, and a visa-compliant alternative cannot be arranged, the three-month placement period cannot be redirected toward thesis work, and the associated 3 months funding would have to be withdrawn.

We will work closely with affected students, supervisors, and institutional contacts to monitor developments and seek appropriate solutions that meet both visa requirements and the expectations of the award. If you are unsure about your institution’s current position, speak with your supervisor or local postgraduate administrator.

Studentships cannot normally be deferred. If you are pregnant at the start of the award, you will commence as normal and go on parental leave at the relevant time. If you will require parental leave from the very beginning of your award, you or your supervisor should contact the NINE DTP team as early as possible to discuss options, but in most cases, this will involve commencing your award on 1 October and immediately entering a period of parental leave.

Where your award includes taught modules at the start (e.g. for a Master’s or for awards with additional research methods training), please note that these modules are timetabled annually by the universities and cannot be rescheduled. If any are missed due to parental leave, you would normally re-enrol on the missed modules in the following academic year after your return. This may mean a temporary start to your PhD work before pausing for taught content, and then returning to your doctoral research. While this can be logistically complex, it is manageable, and each case is handled individually in line with your needs and the university’s structure.

Yes. Interruptions and extensions are permitted in line with UKRI guidance for periods of illness, caring responsibilities, or other serious personal circumstances. For periods of ill-health lasting more than four days, it is possible for award-holders to seek funded sick leave for up to 13 weeks within any 12-month period; additionally, the studentship will be extended by a commensurate period. For periods of sick leave over 13 weeks, award-holders should suspend their studies until they are fit to return to work.

You may be eligible for additional support via Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) or other institutional services. We recommend early discussion with your university’s disability support team. NINE DTP is committed to supporting students with a range of needs, and where appropriate, we will work with your institution to agree flexible arrangements that reflect your individual circumstances.

Deferrals are only granted in truly exceptional circumstances and are rarely approved. Awards are expected to begin on 1 October 2025, and students should plan accordingly. If you believe your situation may warrant a deferral, please contact the NINE DTP team as early as possible to discuss.