The University of Hertfordshire is ranked as the top post-1992 university in the Research Excellence Framework (REF). It is in the top 25% of all universities in terms of research impact. 78% of the University’s research has been ranked as ‘world leading’ (4*) and ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) while 90% of its research has been classified as having ‘outstanding’ (4*) or ‘very considerable’ (3*) impact.
Centre for Future Societies Research is a pan-university, interdisciplinary hub dedicated to exploring the complex pathways towards building a better future. It fosters the development of innovative insights and practical solutions to global societal challenges through rigorous interdisciplinary methodologies and strategic partnerships with research institutions, industry, the public sector, and non-governmental organisations. The Centre also provides a robust platform for doctoral training in its key thematic areas.
The Centre invites applications for five fully funded PhD studentships at the University of Hertfordshire. The studentships are offered on a full-time basis for three years from the 1st of October 2025 (subject to satisfactory progress) and provide a bursary of a minimum of £20,780 per annum (to be confirmed) and full tuition fee waiver for three years. Awards increase every year in line with UKRI recommendations.
Please note that the studentships are only available to applicants who are permanently resident in the UK and qualify for home-student status. The University particularly welcomes applications from British Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants.
Available PhD project titles: Candidates are welcome to apply for a wide range of pre-specified research projects. For full details of these projects click on on the above 'Apply' button. Please note that we will not be able to consider applications outside of these project titles.
Entry requirements: Applicants must have a UK honours degree (First-Class Honours or Upper Second-Class Honours) in a relevant field. An appropriate postgraduate qualification would be beneficial. Please click the link above to find out if there are further project specific requirements.
How to apply: Applicants are required to provide the following documents:
- A completed application form (download the application form).
- A cover letter explaining their interest in the proposed project title and the relevance of their background to the proposed project title
- An up-to-date CV
- Two academic references - to be sent direct from the referee to the Doctoral College
- Copies of qualification certificates and transcripts
Please send completed applications, choosing one of the available project titles and the reference number, to Doctoral College at doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk. Insert the following in the email subject line: “CFSR Research Studentships”.
Enquiries:
For procedural/administrative enquiries, email doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk.
For project specific enquiries, email individual academics from the dropdown menu which can be accessed via the above 'Apply' button.
For general enquiries, email Professor Hulya Dagdeviren (h.dagdeviren@herts.ac.uk).
Key dates
Closing date for applications: 26 May 2025.
Interviews will be held on the 9th and 11th of June 2025.
Studentships start date: 1 October 2025
£20,780 per annum
