Structure of Awards

Types of ESRC funding available at the UBEL DTP

ESRC studentships at the UBEL DTP are structured around the following routes: 1+3, +3, 2+3 and +4 funding.

Please note that not all route structures are available in all institutions or pathways – please check pathway pages for further information.

A one-year Master’s programme precedes the three-year MPhil/PhD which will deliver the majority of the core training requirements. If awarded, funding is provided for both the masters year of training and the PhD. 

Funding for a three-year MPhil/PhD, which assumes that a student has already met the majority of the core training requirements or that the MPhil/PhD focus is largely on more advanced training

An extended two-year Master’s for specialist training followed by a standard three-year MPhil/PhD programme.

Up to four years’ funding for a PhD which assumes that core and advanced training requirements can be met during the course of the programme. The requirements are normally met by undertaking modules from a linked Master’s programme

+3.5 studentship: funding for three and a half years for a PhD which assumes that core and advanced training requirements can be met during the course of the programme. The requirements are normally met by undertaking modules totalling 60 credits from a linked Master’s programme.

+3.25 studentship: funding for three and a quarter years for a PhD which assumes that core and advanced training requirements can be met during the course of the programme. The requirements are normally met by undertaking modules totalling 30 credits from a linked Master’s programme.

Note that if you require more than 60 credits of modules to complete your training requirements, you should normally select the +4 route, if that is available for your pathway and institution.

  • Your studentship application will not be disadvantaged if you select the ‘wrong’ route: the DTP Board will recommend an appropriate route based on previous training if that is the most appropriate one for your studies. 
  • Occasionally, candidates may be awarded a slightly different configuration (eg 3.5 years depending on previous training, or two years if the candidate has already started doctoral study);
  • Applications for all routes are considered equally by the pathways, Group Panels and DTP Board. There are no quotas at the UBEL DTP for applications to any particular route or pathway.
You may only apply for one route and it is important that you discuss which one is appropriate for you with your proposed supervisor. 

Please note: the above time-frames are for full-time students; part-time ESRC students undertake their studentships pro rata.  For example, a +3 route at a 50% rate would be six years long for part-time student.