Sponsor: Economic and Social Research Council

Closing Date: 17 February 2014

Introduction
The North East Doctoral Training Centre (NEDTC) is a joint venture between the universities of Newcastle and Durham.

NEDTC is offering between 34 and 38 fully-funded awards for students commencing their postgraduate studies in the social sciences at either Newcastle or Durham in the 2014/15 academic year.

Awards Available
For 2014 entry, fully funded awards are available in the following subject areas:

• Economic & Social History (Durham and Newcastle)
• Education (Durham and Newcastle)
• Environmental Planning (Newcastle only)
• Finance & Economics (Durham and Newcastle)
• Management & Business Studies (Durham and Newcastle)

Other subject areas are also funded under this studentship scheme, please see (please insert link to the other ESRC advert here) for further information.

Types of Award
The North East Doctoral Training Centre (NEDTC) will be funding the following types of studentship:

• 1+3 awards for students to complete a research training master’s degree and then move on to a PhD. Students who have only completed or are just completing an undergraduate degree and wish to study for a PhD must apply for these awards
• +3 awards for students who have already completed a master’s degree, which included social science research training, and are applying to start a PhD directly
• +3.5 awards for students who have already completed a master’s degree, but have not completed ESRC-recognised modules in social science research training, and are applying to start a PhD directly

Award-holders are granted up to six months additional time to complete modules in social science research training and receive a certificate in Research Methods.

Value of the Award and Eligibility
NEDTC provides award-holders with the following annual package of financial support over the duration of their studentships:

• a tax-free maintenance grant set at the UK Research Council’s national postgraduate rate, which is currently £13,726 (subject to review)
• full payment of tuition fees
• a research training support grant (RTSG) to support fieldwork and attendance at conferences

Due to funding requirements, students must be a UK/EU resident to hold an NEDTC studentship in all areas, except Economics & Finance, where international students are also eligible to apply.

Part-time award-holders receive funding for up to seven years, and are eligible to receive a maintenance grant and Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) at either 50% or 60% of the full-time rate depending on their mode of study.

For further details on eligibility, how to apply and contact details please see NEDTC’s website.