SGSSS STUDENT-LED OPEN COMPETITION 2021/22
We are currently making preparations to launch our 2020/21 ESRC Open Competition. Please check back on 5 November for more information. You can also sign up for our Newsletter, register for GradHub, or follow us on Twitter to be kept up to date with all of our competition launches and dates.
The 2021/22 competition will officially launch on 1 October, however please start thinking about speaking to a prospective supervisor and developing a research proposal now
On 1 October 2021 the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science will
officially launch the SGSSS Student-led Open Competition 2021/22
The application process for the Student-led Open Competition, for ESRC-funded PhD studentships commencing in October 2022, will officially launch on 1 October.
Prospective students will then be invited to submit applications by the deadline of 5pm on 9 December 2021. By the official launch date of 1 October 2021 (if not before), we will have extensive application guidance available for prospective students and their supervisors* (see the “Competition Guidance” section for last year’s Guidance for Students).
For a full overview of the Competition timeline for 2021/22, please see below. N.B. institutions may have their own earlier internal deadlines. You must check this with the institution in advance.
Prospective students should read the eligibility guidance carefully before submitting a proposal.
*Please note, from the 2021/22 competition, we will be moving to a new application system. The guidance for this new system will be provided by the official launch on 1 October 2021.
Competition Guidance (from 2020/21)
Online Webinar – Starting Your Journey Towards a PhD: First Steps in the Application Process
SGSSS will be holding a webinar on 5 October 2021 which will be designed to help honours and masters students in social science subjects considering postgraduate research.
Topics covered will include ‘what is a PhD?’ and ‘what opportunities are available to me?’ as well as tips on designing a research project, approaching a potential supervisor and getting started with the application process.
To register for the webinar, please click here (you will be redirected to Eventbrite).
Whole Person Approach
As part of the assessment of applicants, SGSSS are very interested in you as a whole person. What this means is that rather than solely looking at your academic achievements (for example, it is not necessary to have a first-class degree to be assessed as an excellent PhD student and to receive funding), we will consider what you can bring to a PhD through your work and life experiences too (including challenges and resilience). We want you to be able to demonstrate and articulate your potential to undertake and complete a PhD, to flourish as a result of PhD funding and to be a proactive contributor to a positive research culture. The application form (which will be available by the official launch on 1 October 2021) will ask you to tell us about your preparedness to undertake and complete a PhD and to flourish as a result of PhD funding and how you will contribute to a positive and diverse PhD community.
Pathway eligiblity
Step 1
Contact your preferred supervisor
- you must have the support of your preferred supervisor before making an application
Step 2
Create an account on GradHub
- please ensure you register ahead of the deadline to avoid any delays with your application
Step 3
Provide contact details for both referees
It is vital that you contact your referees as soon as possible and let them know that they will be expected to provide a reference, no later than 12pm on 7 January 2021 (to allow time to upload references to applications before the deadline of 5pm on 7 January 2021). Referees can be directed to this page where guidance and reference templates can be found, however they will receive the reference template in the email sent to them when you submit their details.
Upload your application via GradHub – deadline 5pm, 7 January 2021
- Research Proposal (application form)
- Transcripts
- CV
Step 4
HEI Review Stage
Outcome = Successful
Your institution nominates you to go forward to the Pathway Review Stage
- Complete the final version of your application form on GradHub and upload your Supervisor Statement of Support
Outcome = Unsuccessful
Your application will not be taken any further in the Competition
Step 5
Pathway Review Stage
Outcome = Successful
Your Pathway nominates you to go forward to the HEI Review Stage
Outcome = Unsuccessful
Your application will not be taken any further in the Competition
Step 6
Hub Review Stage
Outcome = Successful
Your Hub nominates you to go forward to the Global Panel Review Stage
Outcome = Unsuccessful
Your application will not be taken any further in the Competition
Step 7
Global Panel Review Stage
Outcome = Successful
Global Panel designates the 2020/21 Open Competition awards, subject to ratification and eligibility checks
Outcome = Reserve
Your application will remain eligible for consideration as a reserve in the Competition for approximately 1 month
Outcome = Unsuccessful
Your application will not be taken any further in the Competition
Awards
Final eligibility checks undertaken and official awards offered
