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

Funding providers: ESRC WGSSS and Swansea University

Subject areas: Human Geography

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.

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 student serving as editor. Should PhD student wish, they will have a chance to gain paid teaching experience, including as demonstrators or assisting with fieldtrips and seminars. 

Eligibility

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 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.

Funding Details

Funding Comment

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.

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