A NINE DTP studentship provides a significant number of benefits and opportunities.

NINE DTP award-holders have the costs of their tuition fees paid and/or waived for the full duration of the period of study. This includes all fees for those candidates who need to undertake a Masters course, or a six-month research methods course.

A NINE DTP ESRC award also provides a tax-free stipend, set at £17,668 per year in 2022-23. These monies are paid to the student directly, traditionally on a monthly or quarterly basis, to cover living costs.

In addition to covering fees and the stipend, a NINE DTP award provides a significant number of additional benefits.

Award-holders can receive support to develop research skills, whether attending the wide range of DTP events, or receiving funding to participate in national and international training courses and opportunities.

Our scholars can also apply for funding to undertake research. We provide funding for fieldwork, both overseas and in the UK, and can fund attendance / participation in conferences and research events. Funding can also be sought to purchase equipment and books, where appropriate.

We further encourage and support our award-holders to work with partners and external organisations. By funding activities which promote collaboration with partners, both academic and non-academic, we allow our scholars to develop and evidence professional research skills, and develop good practice in research dissemination, application and impact. Our scholars receive access to the RCUK Policy Internship Scheme, and our own NINE DTP Placement Scheme. We can further fund Overseas Institutional Visits, providing our scholars with an opportunity to travel to HE institutions around the world to develop networks, disseminate research findings, and develop skills and abilities.

Finally, an ESRC studentship is an internationally recognised  mark of excellence, proving that the student has met the exceedingly high standards required to receive funding.

Working in accordance with the rigorous standards of the ESRC, NINE DTP students will benefit exceptional supervision, with all pathways embedded in departments which have been ranked as being internationally excellent, or world leading. Our training is led by experts in their fields, and students will receive dedicated support to help them take advantage of the additional funding and opportunities that will be available to them.

Our Supervisors will work with students on the Development Needs Analysis, identifying opportunities which can assist the award-holder in progressing their research, and developing the skills, knowledge and experience to thrive and excel in their future careers – whether within academia, public, private or third sector industries.

We are keen to hear from all interested applicants; please feel free to contact the DTP directly, should you have any questions. Alternatively, please do contact your potential supervisor and department, who will also be able to help you with any queries you might have.