Human Geography: Fully Funded ESRC Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) Collaborative Studentship in the Human Geography pathway (RS700)

Funding provider(s): ESRC WGSSS 50%; Swansea University 50%

Subject area(s): WGSSS ESRC studentship Human Geography pathway 

Project start date(s): 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Supervisors: This studentship is an ‘open’ award. Applicants must approach a potential supervisor before submitting their application to confirm that there is appropriate supervisory capacity within the University and to discuss their draft application. Information on the research interests of our staff can be found on the Swansea University webpages. Short descriptions of each accredited pathway are available on the ESRC Wales DTP website.

The Swansea-based representative for the pathway, Dr Christopher Muellerleile, might be able to advise you.

Pathway Lead: Dr Christopher Muellerleile

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Human Geography

Mode of study: Full or part-time study is possible.

Please note that full-time ESRC studentship award holders cannot hold either a full-time job, permanent part-time job or temporary role for an extended period of time, during the period of their award. Part-time ESRC studentship award holders cannot hold a full-time job.

Project description:

The Geography Department at Swansea is a vibrant and dynamic place for doctoral studies, and we host a large contingent of both domestic and international PhD students. The Human Geography staff at Swansea have a long history of successfully training PhD students for careers in the academy, as well as the public, private and third sectors. Our staff have a wide range of expertise, including in social theory, and cultural, urban, political, environmental, rural, and economic geography. We emphasise research that is both theoretically sophisticated and empirically situated. Many of us are actively recruiting PhD students and we encourage you to explore our staff webpages and get in touch with potential PhD supervisors who may align with your interests. https://www.swansea.ac.uk/staff/science-and-engineering/school-of-biosciences-geography-and-physics-staff/geography/ 

As part of the ESRC supported Welsh Graduate School in the Social Sciences, the Human Geography pathway is founded on longstanding institutional links between Swansea’s Department of Geography, Aberystwyth’s Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, and Cardiff’s School of Geography and Planning. All three departments collaborate extensively in funded research ventures, PhD supervision, and broader postgraduate training in cutting edge theories and methods of human geography. 

PhD training is provided through a coordinated programme of standalone and residential workshops dedicated to advances in Human Geography Theory, and an annual cohort-building postgraduate conference with participation from across the pathway. The pathway also sponsors a peer-reviewed journal, Agoriad, with PhD students serving as editors. Should PhD students wish, they will have a chance to gain paid teaching experience, including as demonstrators or assisting with fieldtrips and seminars. 

Duration of study: The duration of study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs which will be assessed by completing an Initial Development Needs Analysis (Initial DNA) at the application stage and a Full DNA prior to award if successful.

Duration of study may vary from 3.5-4.5 years, full-time (or part-time equivalent) dependent on your prior research experience. Swansea University, in conjunction with colleagues in the WGSS, will undertake an assessment of the successful applicant’s training needs and work with them to tailor the training they are offered to meet their research needs. This might take the form a full master's course, or might be comprised of individual courses designed to enhance skills required for their chosen area of study.

Research in practice placement:  All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.  

To receive ESRC studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equal to an honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters from a UK academic research organisation.  

Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply. 

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.   

The WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.  

We welcome applications for both full and part-time study. 

English Language: IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.0) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here. 

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.  

Students also have access to a Research Training Support Grant, worth up to £940 per year.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select as per preferred mode of study, either:
   (Full Time) Human Geography/ PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October

   OR

   (Part Time) Human Geography/ PhD / Part-time / 6 Years / October

   In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS700 - WGSSS 7'

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.  Please click the following link to complete your EDI Monitoring Form: 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form) 

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

Please include the following documents with your application:   

• WGSSS Application Form 
• Academic CV (two pages maximum) 
• 2 academic or professional references (candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths). 
• Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable)   
• If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry) 
• Confirmation of submission of EDI Form

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Dr Cai Ladd (c.j.t.ladd@swansea.ac.uk).

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.