About this opportunity
The Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training Partnership, known as NINE DTP and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council as part of UK Research and Innovation, is accepting applications for its 2027 and 2028 doctoral studentship competition, with study beginning in October 2027.
This is a network competition rather than a single university application. NINE DTP brings together seven institutions: Durham University, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Teesside University, University of Sunderland, Ulster University and Queen's University Belfast. Awards combine tuition fee support, a tax-free maintenance stipend and structured research training across 18 ESRC accredited pathways in the economic and social sciences, plus an integrated three-month placement, placements, research support and networking.
Funding is substantial but has limits worth understanding. The current 2026 and 2027 rates listed by NINE DTP are a stipend of £21,805 and a UKRI fee rate of £5,238, with home fees covered for students receiving NINE DTP funding. Rates may be updated for the 2027 and 2028 academic year. International students may apply, since UKRI has permitted candidates to apply for NINE DTP funding regardless of residential status or nationality since October 2020, but NINE DTP may award a maximum of 30 percent of its studentships to international candidates, and where international tuition fees exceed the UKRI fee contribution the difference must be covered through other arrangements. Check the fee position at your chosen university before you commit.
A Master's degree is not required. NINE DTP states that applicants need only have completed an undergraduate degree, and where Master's level training is needed it can be built into the award structure. The application itself is a two-stage process that begins with finding a supervisor, so you should not wait for the
Application timeline
to make contact.
What you receive
- Tuition fee support, with home fees covered for students receiving NINE DTP funding
- Tax-free doctoral maintenance stipend
- Structured research training across 18 ESRC accredited pathways
- An integrated three-month placement included with every award
- Additional funding for activities such as overseas fieldwork and difficult-language training
- Overseas Institutional Visit support of up to £4,000 toward travel and accommodation, with possible extension of the studentship by up to three months
- Supervision and research community across seven universities in Northern Ireland and the North East of England
- Professional development for research careers inside and outside academia
Who can apply
- A completed undergraduate degree. A Master's degree is not required, and Master's level training can be incorporated into the award where it is needed
- A supervisory team at a participating NINE DTP department or school that supports your application
- A coherent research and training programme falling within the remit of the economic and social sciences
- Research aligned with your academic background and the resources of the intended institution
- A commitment, if funded, to live within reasonable travelling distance of your university or collaborative partner except when undertaking fieldwork
- Candidates of any nationality and residential status may apply, subject to the limit that a maximum of 30 percent of studentships may go to international candidates
Who should not apply
- Eligibility for NINE DTP funding does not guarantee admission to your chosen university, as each has its own admissions procedures
- International applicants should note the 30 percent cap on international awards and that tuition fees above the UKRI fee contribution must be covered elsewhere
- The competition is open and competitive, so meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not secure funding
Documents to prepare
- A research and training programme outline developed with your proposed supervisory team
- Details of your proposed university, department, pathway and supervisor
- A completed Stage 1 nomination form
- A supervisor approval section, completed and signed by your prospective supervisor
- Academic references, provided through the nomination process
- Your degree classification details from your undergraduate study
How to apply
- Identify the proposed university, department, pathway and a supervisor whose research matches your interests, at https://www.ninedtp.ac.uk/the-application-process/
- Contact that supervisor early and confirm they will support your application, since supervisor approval is part of the process
- Develop a coherent research and training programme within the economic and social sciences remit
- Complete the NINE DTP Stage 1 nomination and make sure your supervisor submits their approval section
- Submit before the Stage 1 deadline of 27 October 2026 at 4:00 p.m., since departmental and pathway assessment follows and Stage 2 is for shortlisted candidates
Selection process
- Stage 1 is a nomination submitted with supervisor support and closes on 27 October 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
- Departments and pathways assess Stage 1 nominations, and successful candidates progress to Stage 2
- Stage 2 involves the final studentship competition, with decisions based on the quality of candidates and their proposed research and training
- The exact number of awards varies by competition and funding arrangements
- Funded students begin their doctoral study in October 2027
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
Questions applicants ask
Do I need a Master's degree?
No. NINE DTP states applicants do not need to have completed a Master's degree before applying, and where Master's level training is required it can be incorporated into the award structure.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Since October 2020 UKRI has permitted candidates to apply for NINE DTP funding regardless of residential status or nationality. However NINE DTP may award a maximum of 30 percent of studentships to international candidates, and any tuition fees above the UKRI fee contribution must be covered through other arrangements.
Does funding include admission to the university?
No. NINE DTP funding and university admission are separate processes, and eligibility for funding does not automatically guarantee admission to the university of your choice.
How much is the stipend?
The NINE DTP page lists the 2026 and 2027 tax-free stipend as £21,805. Rates may be updated for the 2027 and 2028 academic year, so check the official NINE DTP information when planning your finances.
Important disclaimer
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