Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and the SGSSS are looking to fund up to four new PhD studentships, starting in October 2027. This research will provide new knowledge and insights to help advance the understanding of key skills issues from a Scottish perspective.

The purpose of this PhD scheme is to engage with the academic community to support the production of new, high-quality research focused on the Scottish labour market. The scheme is led by supervisors, and designed to:

• Contribute to the development of a cadre of high-quality academic researchers with a deep knowledge of the Scottish skills landscape.
• Provide SDS with access to high-quality academic research around topics of longer-term interest.
• Increase the range and scope of SDS with academic experts in support of skills policy.

Please read the competition guidance carefully, paying particular attention to the role of SDS in the recruitment process and project support. 

ESRC is conducting a Mid Term Review of all DTPs during late 2026, which SGSSS is looking forward to participating in. The outcome will be shared towards the end of the year, and confirmation of studentship awards made will be subject to that outcome.

To be eligible to be first supervisor in any SGSSS competition, supervisors must meet the criteria listed in our Supervisor Eligibility page.

Second supervisors may work within any of the SGSSS 16 partner HEIs. We encourage applicants to consider co-supervision with different universities across our network. You can find full information about the SGSSS partner universities online here.

Please submit an application via our application system, SGSSS Apply, by the application deadline , 5pm on 15 October 2026.