SWDTP Sociotechnical Futures and Digital Methods studentships

Applications close on 14 January 2025 (12:00 noon UK time) and the studentship will start on 1 October 2025

Apply 

To apply for the SWDTP Sociotechnical Futures and Digital Methods pathway please use the online application form for the PhD programme discussed with your potential supervisor and simply click on the ‘online application’ link below:
Within the Research section of the application form, in the following fields, please add:
  • Proposed project title/studentship title: add your project title
  • Proposed supervisor: add the potential supervisor’s name 
  • Studentship code: add SWDTP 25-10 SFDM

Application guidance

It is important that you follow the instructions above or your application for this studentship may be missed and therefore will not be considered.
Before applying, please ensure you have read the Doctoral College’s general information on applying for a research degree .
For more information on the admissions process, please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business
The University of Plymouth has a strong track-record of internationally excellent research in the area of sociotechnical futures and digital methods. Our research is conducted at scale within a thriving interdisciplinary environment under the aegis of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business (FoAHB) , which supports research activities of more than 200 academics, and a large international body of PGR students. We foster trans and cross-disciplinary collaborations between SHAPE and STEM researchers through working with the university’s three Strategic Research Institutes (in Marine, Sustainability and Health) to tackle global research challenges through digital innovations. As a successful PGR student, you would be joining this dynamic research environment which nurtures talent and drives research excellence and impact by supporting and promoting strategic external partnerships, collaborations and networks, and sponsoring cross-university research initiatives which align with the ESRC’s priorities.
Collaborating with the researchers in the field of sociotechnical futures and digital methods will connect you with our research and thought leadership, which is at the cutting edge of the field. You will be working with outstanding academics of global standing who have extensive and active networks with universities and industries across the globe, and we are committed to ensuring our students have opportunities to explore the latest developments across a variety of areas.
Research in digital and technological innovation is supported by recent investments in state-of-the-art Digital Fabrication and Immersive Media Laboratories (DFIML) and a Cultural Technology Lab and delivered through four main research groupings: 
i) Smart Cities researches smart cities, smart villages, digital technologies and the role of space and place. 

ii) i-DAT , which focuses on digital technologies and design. 
iii) Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR) which has an international reputation for innovative research at the crossroads of science, technology, and music.
iv) Arts/health – health, care and ethical practices and technologies which push the boundaries of arts and health.
v) Story – the Story Research Group works playfully and creatively across narrative methods and formats, including film, performance and immersive experiences. 
ESRC-funded studentships can be taken up in any of these specialist areas of research supported by the faculty.
Successful applicants will be part of a large, vibrant, highly collaborative community of PhD students with good interdisciplinary links, providing opportunities for research, training, and collaboration.
Initial enquiries
If you would like advice on potential supervisors, please contact Professor Katharine Willis .

How to apply

The ESRC SWDTP encourages collaboration across the universities of the partnership and with external organisations.
Closing date: 14 January 2025 12:00 noon (UK time)
Start date: 1 October 2025 
The studentship is supported for three to four years depending upon the pathway and includes full home tuition fees plus a stipend which is currently £19,237 per annum (2024/2025 rate). There are limited number of places for international students.

Eligibility 

Information on the eligibility criteria for full awards can be found on the South West DTP website.

Application process

We strongly encourage you to discuss your proposed research topic with an academic staff member in your field. You can explore the member lists of Plymouth's research groups and centres or search staff profiles using subject-area search terms (e.g. citizenship) or an individual's name.
Please discuss with your potential supervisor the PhD programme title you need to submit a formal application for.
You will need to submit the following documentation in order for us to consider your application:
Your application will only be considered if it contains the above and you have met our minimum criteria. If we need further details or additional documentation, we will contact you.
For full details on the studentship process, please visit the South West Doctoral Training Partnership: How do I apply for a studentship? page.