SGSSS STUDENT-LED OPEN COMPETITION 2021/22
The 2021/22 competition has now officially launched. please submit a Stage 1 application by the deadline of 9 December 2021 at 5pm
The Scottish Graduate School of Social Science is delighted to announce the launch of the SGSSS Student-led Open Competition 2021/22
Prospective students looking to apply for ESRC studentship funding to undertake a PhD research project of their own design (starting in the academic year 2022/23) are now invited to submit an application by the deadline of 5pm on 9 December 2021.
This Competition round the SGSSS plan to make 34 studentship awards.
To ensure you have the best chance of success, please review the Open Competition Guidance for Students (see “Competition Guidance 2021/22”) in advance of submitting an application.
To ensure you are aware of important Competition dates and deadlines, please review the Open Competition Timeline (see “Competition Guidance 2021/22” and/or below). N.B. institutions may have their own earlier internal deadlines. As such, please check this with the institution of your choice in advance.
Please Note: Prospective students should read the student eligibility guidance carefully before submitting a proposal.
Competition Guidance 2021/22
Online Webinar – Starting Your Journey Towards a PhD: First Steps in the Application Process
SGSSS held a webinar in October 2021 which was 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.
To view the webinar, please click here.
Whole Person Approach (new for 2021/22)
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 asks 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.
For further details on how applications will be assessed using a Whole Person Approach, please see the Open Competition Marking Framework (see “Competition Guidance 2021/22”).
SGSSS students come from all walks of life and all types of backgrounds. Click here to view some short videos where some of our current and past PhD students share their PhD stories and advice, which we hope you will find helpful.
Pathway Eligibility
Student-led Open Competition Overview
Step 1
Contact your preferred supervisor
- You must have the support of a First Supervisor before making an application
Step 2
Create an account on SGSSS Apply
- 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 of the upmost importance that you contact your two referees as soon as possible and let them know that they will be expected to provide a reference for you, no later than 5pm on 13 December 2021 (reference deadline). Please refer to the reference section within the Guidance for Students document (see "Competition Guidance 2021/22" above) so you are fully aware of how to manage your reference requests and the implications of missing and/or late references. It is also vital that you submit your referees details as soon as possible via your online application within SGSSS Apply.
Submit your application via SGSSS Apply – deadline 5pm, 9 December 2021
- Referees Details
- 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 Hub 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 Review Stage
Outcome = Unsuccessful
Your application will not be taken any further in the Competition
Step 7
Global Review Stage
Outcome = Successful
Global Panel designates the 2021/22 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
