Application Deadline: 4pm on 8 January 2027.
LOCATION: Northern Ireland
Ulster’s Annual PhD Studentship Competition offers Department for the Economy studentships to home and overseas applicants for full-time and part-time study on-campus. Where available, part-time study mode will be at 50% of the full-time mode. The competition is open for applications from 9 October 2026 for September 2027 entry. The deadline for applications is 4pm on 8 January 2027.
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain by September 2026, a first- or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study. We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.
In exceptional circumstances, the university may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.
Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing researchers, are not eligible for a studentship.
All applicants should also hold a relevant English language qualification (opens in new window).
All applications for studentships will be considered on a competitive basis and with regard to the applicant’s qualifications, skills, experience, and interests.
Further information
Applicants can refer to our guidance for help on making an application.
Applicants may discuss their application with the supervisors noted within the project description prior to submission.
Competition for funded entry is very high. It is important that all parts of the application process are completed in accordance with the instructions.
Applicants should note that disclosure of disability or personal circumstances should be made as part of the application process or as soon as possible thereafter in order to facilitate any necessary adjustments or accommodation.
All requested supplemental items (e.g. degree certificates, research proposal, CV, examples of academic writing, etc.) must be submitted as part of the application by the closing date.
Failure to supply the required supplemental items by the closing date will mean that your application will not be deemed to have been submitted on time.
Please contact researchstudent@ulster.ac.uk if you have any queries.
BENEFIT:
Studentships will cover fees (three years for full-time, six years for part-time), an annual non-taxable maintenance grant of approx. £21,000 (pro-rata for part-time), and a Research Training and Support grant of £900 per year (pro-rata for part-time).
