ESRC STUDENT-LED OPEN COMPETITION 2020/21
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 2020/21 Competition is now closed for Stage 1 applications
The Scottish Graduate School of Social Science is delighted to announce the launch of the 2020/21 ESRC Student-led Open Competition
The application process for the Student-led Open Competition, for ESRC-funded PhD studentships commencing in autumn 2021, is now open.
Prospective students are invited to submit applications by the deadline of 5pm on 7 January 2021. We have extensive application guidance available for prospective students and their supervisors (see Competition Guidance and Documents section).
A full overview of the competition timeline can be found below and within the guidance.
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 required documents, with the full support of their supervisor.
Please Note: Applications are submitted via our application portal, GradHub. As such, please register for GradHub as soon as possible to avoid any delays, as accounts are approved manually during office hours.
Competition Guidance and Documents
- Application Form (right-click, save as)
- Open Competition Guidance for Students 2020/21
- Deciding between a +3 and a 1+3
- Open Competition Guidance for Supervisors 2020/21
- Open Competition Guidance for Pathways 2020/21
- Reference 1 template for referees
- Reference 2 template for referees
- Masters Arrangement Form
- Competition Timeline for Students and Supervisors
- Assessment Framework +3
- Assessment Framework 1+3
Online Webinar – Starting Your Journey Towards a PhD: First Steps in the Application Process
On Monday 23 November, SGSSS held a webinar designed to help honours and masters students in social science subjects considering postgraduate research.
Topics covered included ‘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.
Click here to view the recording of this webinar.
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
