• An internship can open up new career paths – completing a research project outside the academic environment gives a valuable insight to different kinds of research career and activity;  
• Internships help to develop transferable skills and sector knowledge that will be beneficial for future career development in both academic and non-academic careers;  
• Designed to meet a need within an organisation – the internship provides the opportunity to step back from your PhD thesis, use your research skills to make a meaningful difference, creating impact outside academia whilst learning a lot along the way. 

SGSSS internships are open to all eligible social science postgraduate researchers registered at Scottish institutions, regardless of funding status.  

These placements are designed to be flexible and inclusive. All placements are hybrid, and SGSSS will support PhD interns who need to relocate or travel substantial distances to undertake the placements as per our Travel and Expenses Policy. 

Please read the FAQs for full details of eligibility.  

“I feel everyone should experience doing research beyond academia. For me this opportunity, although it was challenging at times and really fast-paced, opened a new career pathway that I never thought I would have been interested in before.”

“It was an incredible experience. Completing the internship developed my CV and professional capacities both for academia and for a life outside it. It gave me an alternative avenue for career development, making me a much better rounded individual.”

“The internship has changed my perspective on future career plans. I now understand that there are other environments where you can utilise your research skills outside academia. I’ve really enjoyed working in government and would now definitely consider this as a good option for a future career.”

Applications to SGSSS internships are collected via SGSSS Apply

The online process involves:

• Inputting information such as personal details, period of PhD study, pathway or discipline
• Selecting the chosen internship host and title
• Providing a description of the skills and experience you can bring to this internship (max 1000 words)
• Providing a short statement on your reasons for applying, what you’d hope to gain from an internship and how this fits with your PhD or career plans (max 500 words)
• Uploading your CV (2 pages max)
• Uploading a Statement of Support from your supervisor. Your supervisor will need to be aware of the timeline in order to contribute meaningfully to your application within the deadline. The statement should:
  • • Be written on headed university paper;
    • Confirm your status as a PhD student;
    • Outline why your supervisor feels that the internship will be a beneficial opportunity for you at this stage in your studies;
    • Outline the core attributes that your supervisor feels you will bring to the project.

We strongly advise applicants to complete the application process at least 48 hours in advance of the deadline. If you have any questions about this process please contact us at team@sgsss.ac.uk

For all the details on Internships check FAQs here.

Contact: team@sgsss.ac.uk.