NINE DTP runs an annual competition for postgraduate researchers across Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Teesside, Sunderland, Ulster and Queen’s Belfast Universities. It funds social-science PhD training starting 1 October 2027, including routes with Master’s or research-methods training.
All nationalities may apply, although international awards are capped at 30%. A parallel AforE route offers four additional scholarships to eligible home-fee British or Irish applicants from named under-represented groups.
Benefits & funding
- Home-rate tuition of £5,238 and a tax-free £21,805 stipend at 2026–27 rates; any international fee difference needs separate university, departmental or other funding.
- Full-time routes last 3.5, 3.75, 4 or 4.5 years; part-time funding is adjusted pro rata.
- A three-month placement is mandatory; not completing it reduces funding by three months. Visa, NHS surcharge and relocation costs are not covered.
Eligibility
- Hold a completed undergraduate degree.
- Propose research in an eligible NINE pathway, at least 50% within social science, with support from a supervisor in a participating department.
- Apply to start in October 2027 and live within reasonable travelling distance of the university, except during fieldwork or placements.
- Current PhD students must be within year one full-time or year two part-time and lack full funding.
- All nationalities may apply; international awards are capped at 30%.
- AforE additionally requires home-fee eligibility, UK domicile, British or Irish identity, and Black, Asian, Roma, Traveller or relevant mixed ethnicity.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
Bachelor
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Application process
- 1Identify a participating department and secure a prospective supervisor’s support.
- 2Apply first to that university for the relevant PhD or Master’s route.
- 3Develop the research programme with the supervisor and submit Stage 1 early enough for supervisor approval by 4pm on 27 October 2026.
- 4Department and pathway review follows; invited candidates submit Stage 2 with transcripts and a CV.
- 5The Studentship Committee makes final selections.
Program timeline
Stage 1 deadline
Oct 27, 2026, 4pm
Awardees selected
Mar 4, 2027
Program starts
Oct 1, 2027