South West Doctoral Training Partnership

A partnership of eight universities

The South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) continues the success of the South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC) which was established in 2011 by the Universities of Bath, Bristol and Exeter.

We have extended our strategic partnership to include the University of Plymouth, University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), Bath Spa University, Bournemouth University and Plymouth Marjon, bringing together social science academic leaders across our 18 disciplinary and interdisciplinary pathways.

The SWDTP has been accredited by the Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC) and has been allocated 34 ESRC studentships annually.

Training programme

As one of only 15 partnerships in the UK, it is part of a national network that offers a unique programme of training for postgraduate students across the breadth of the social sciences.

Research training is offered in a comprehensive range of disciplines, as well as innovative multi-disciplinary programmes.

Applying to the SWDTP

Find out how to apply for a studentship, along with information about scholarships, eligibility criteria, and awards available.