WGSSS is pleased to announce the launch of the ADR UK Studentship Competition. This funding opportunity invites PhD supervisors within WGSSS Pathways to submit project proposals.
Administrative Data Research (ADR) UK is inviting applications from Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) to host a cohort of PhD studentships using ADR UK linked administrative data. WGSSS may apply to host up to five supervisor-led studentships.
These studentships provide an opportunity to address priority policy questions using ADR UK’s growing portfolio of flagship datasets, spanning areas such as education, justice, employment, and health.
ADR UK studentships will be fully funded and are subject to the same Terms and Conditions as students funded directly by ESRC/UKRI
Competition Timeline
WGSSS will run the first stage of the competition, with a submission deadline of 31 July 2026. After this date, applications will be reviewed and shortlisted, and five projects will be nominated to ADR UK on 15 September 2026.
Successful projects will be announced in January 2027. Pending notification of ADR UK outcomes.
Following recruitment, the PhD student cohort is expected to begin in October 2027.
| ADR UK Funding Opportunity Opens | 28th April 2026 |
| Deadline for applications to WGSSS | 31st July 2026 |
| WGSSS Review of Applications | August to September 2026 |
| ADR UK Closing Date | 15th September 2026 |
| Funding decisions | January 2027 |
| PhD Studentships Start | October 2027 |
Eligibility
The lead supervisor must be based within a WGSSS-accredited Pathway. Eligible departments are listed on the WGSSS Pathway Pages.
All applications must include the use of at least one existing ADR UK flagship dataset –Flagship datasets – ADR UK
Funding and Awards
The ADR UK studentships are fully funded and cover standard UKRI home tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates and include access to a Research Training Support Grant.
Award duration depends on the student’s training needs; awards range from 3.5–4.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) and includes a 3-month Research in Practice Placement. More details are available on the Studentships page.
How to Apply
Supervisors wishing to make an application will need to complete and submit Form B and provide an accompanying statement outlining:
- the supervisor’s strengths in quantitative methods research, analysis, and training;
- how a studentship using linked administrative data would contribute to the development of the WGSSS and the administrative data research community;
- whether initial access to relevant datasets has been sought or approved;
- the approach to attracting a diverse candidate pool, including those from underrepresented groups
Applications should be sent to enquiries@wgsss.ac.uk by Friday, 31 July 2026.
Further Information
Further information, including the full call specification, can be found on the ADR UK website.
ADR UK is also offering webinars, dataset briefings, and peer support to assist applicants.
This opportunity is not open to direct applications from students or from institutions that are not part of an existing ESRC DTP.
For further information, please contact ADRStudentships@esrc.ukri.org