ESRC WGSSS studentship in Criminology and Law at Cardiff University 2026

The School of Law and Politics at Cardiff University are delighted to offer fully funded Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) studentships in the Law and Criminology Pathway starting in October 2026.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineDecember 11, 2025
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorCardiff University
• City to studyCardiff
• School to studyCardiff University
• Course to studyCriminology , Law
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £20,780) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant. 

Requirements

To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equivalent to an UK honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply. 

International Eligibility: 

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements. 

Selection Process

• Applicants are reminded to submit all relevant documents (transcripts, supporting statement, etc) by the deadline. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview. As part of the interview process, applicants will be asked to give a short presentation and answer a series of panel questions consistent with previous practice on the pathway during the Wales DTP, and guided by the WGSSS’s commitments on EDI. Interviews will be held virtually via Zoom or Teams.
• Applicants can expect to hear the outcome of their interview within 8 weeks.

Application Documents

• WGSSS Application Form 
• Academic CV (two pages maximum) 
• 2 academic or professional references (candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths). 
• Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable) 
• If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry) 

Check also:
Wits-Edinburgh Programme in Sustainable African Futures by Mastercard Foundation 2026-2027
Department of Aeronautics MSc Scholarship at Imperial College London 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Applications should be received no later than 11/12/2025 including all required documents. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered. 

All applications should be submitted via – https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/law

Please include the following documents with your application: 

• WGSSS Application Form 
• Academic CV (two pages maximum) 
• 2 academic or professional references (candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths). 
• Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable) 
• If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry) 

For more details, visit Cardiff University Scholarship webpage