In 2010 the ESRC established a new national network of 21 institutional and consortia level Doctoral Training Centres (DTCs) through which they now deliver all studentship funding. ESRC DTCs cover the full disciplinary range of the social sciences as well as areas of interdisciplinary research.

DTCs support postgraduate training to help ensure the flow of highly qualified people into research careers both within and beyond academia. Currently, ESRC DTCs support around 3,000 PhD students each year with an approximate funding total of £40 million. The PhD is the first step towards a career in research and provides training for a range of opportunities.

The ESRC has commissioned an independent review of its doctoral training network. The principal aims, objectives and panel membership of the review are provided in the Terms of Reference. 

The Association invites its members to submit their views on this indepenent review in order to help shape the Associations official response. 

Please send your submission to Professor Matthew Flinders by Monday 24 March. 

For more information on the ESRCs Doctoral Training Centres, visit the ESRC website.