Background Information
In May 2009 ESRC announced its new Postgraduate Training Framework. The Framework moves the ESRC away from a system of providing training through 'recognised' outlets and individual courses and will instead create a new national infrastructure through the establishment of institutional and consortium-level Doctoral Training Centres (DTC) and Doctoral Training Units (DTU). The primary purpose of the new framework will be to promote excellence and further enhance provision for postgraduate training in the UK by building upon the considerable strengths that already exist across the social science research base.
For further information about the ESRC Postgraduate Training Framework please follow the link.
Institutions wishing to hold ESRC studentships within this new framework must first apply for ESRC accreditation. Accreditation will be given to institutions, or collaborations between different institutions, whose training provision meets the expectations, set out in the ESRC Postgraduate Training and Development Guidelines 2009 (hereafter known as the Guidelines).
The requirements specified in these Guidelines will apply:
- from September 2009 for applications for ESRC DTC/DTU accreditation
- from October 2011 for new ESRC studentships and provide the reference point for all applications for ESRC accreditation during this cycle.
For information about applying for ESRC accreditation under the new framework, please see the link.
Currently Recognised Departments and Outlets
Departments/outlets wishing to apply for ESRC studentships prior to October 2011 must firstly hold ESRC recognition.
The following information relates to those outlets that are currently recognised to hold ESRC students. Please note that where outlets are currently recognised to hold ESRC studentships, this status is based on the requirements of the Postgraduate Training Guidelines 2005 (Fourth Edition) and should continue to be adhered to for the remainder of the current recognition cycle (e.g. for all studentships starting prior to October 2011).
Students wishing to apply for a +3 studentship should check whether their Masters qualification was obtained from an ESRC-recognised outlet. Therefore, results from previous Recognition exercises are given below:
Details on current and past recognition exercises are available from:
For information on the upcoming recognition exercise please see the New ESRC Postgraduate Training Framework.