ESRC OPEN COMPETITION 2020
We are currently making preparations to launch our 2020 ESRC Open Competition. Please check back in the coming weeks 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 Scottish Graduate School of Social Science is delighted to announce the launch of the 2019 ESRC Student-led Open Competition
The Student-led Open Competition for PhD study commencing in Autumn 2019 is now OPEN. Prospective students are invited to submit their research proposal by 12 noon on 11 January 2019. An overview of the competition timeline can be found below and within the guidance on the right.
n.b. institutions may have their own earlier internal deadlines. You must check this with the institution in advance.
Eligible students should read the guidance carefully and submit their proposal, along with all supporting documents, with the full support of their supervisor.
We are now accepting complete applications via our online submission portal, GradHub. If you are not submitting now, please still register for GradHub as soon as possible to avoid any delay as accounts are approved manually, during office hours.
- Application Form (right-click, save as)
- Open Competition Guidelines for Students
- Deciding between a +3 and a 1+3
- Guidelines for Supervisors
- Guidelines for Pathways
- Reference and Supervisor Statement process
- Reference template for referees (.docx)
- MRes/MSc arrangements for 1+3 awards approval form (.docx)
- Examples of successful studentship applications
- Guidance Note for Supervisor’s Statement of Support
- Note on Cross Institutional Supervision
- Timeline for Students and Supervisors
- Assessment Framework +3
- Assessment Framework 1+3
Stage 1
Contact your preferred supervisor
- you must have the support of your preferred supervisor before making an application
Stage 2
Create an account on GradHub
- please ensure you register ahead of the deadline to avoid any delays with your application
Stage 3
Upload stage one of your application onto GradHub – deadline 12 noon, 11 January 2019
- Research Proposal (application form)
- Transcripts
- CV
- Contact details of one referee
It is vital that you contact your referee as soon as possible and let them know that they will be expected to provide a reference as soon as requested to do so and no later than 11th January. Referees can be directed to this page where guidance and reference templates can be found.
Stage 4
Institution reviews your application
Outcome = Successful
Institution nominates you to go forward into the ESRC PhD Studentship Competition Pathway Review stage
- Complete your final version application form on GradHub plus supervisor statement and one additional reference
Outcome = Unsuccessful
Your application will not be taken any further in the Competition
Stage 5
Pathway review
Outcome = Successful
Pathway nominates you to go forward into the ESRC PhD Studentship Competition Hub Review stage
Outcome = Unsuccessful
Your application will not be taken any further in the Competition
Stage 6
Hub review
Outcome = Successful
Institution nominates you to go forward into the ESRC PhD Studentship Competition Global Panel Review stage
Outcome = Unsuccessful
Your application will not be taken any further in the Competition
Stage 7
Global panel review
Outcome = Successful
Global Panel designates 2019 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
Stage 7
Final eligibility checks undertaken and official awards offered
