The NWSSDTP runs an annual collaborative studentship competition (CASE) where academics from the five NWSSDTP institutions can apply for funding towards postgraduate projects that will be co-supervised with a representative from a non-HEI partner organisations. Successful applicants will then be invited to recruit a postgraduate candidate to undertake the project.

CASE Studentships provide an opportunity for PhD students to gain first-hand experience of work outside an academic environment, with the student working on a doctoral project supported by both expert academic supervisors and a co-supervisor from a non-HEI partner organisation.

The CASE Studentship Competition for projects starting in October 2025 has now closed.

How to Apply for CASE Projects Starting October 2026

The NWSSDTP CASE studentship competition is a two stage process:

The first stage is the proposal stage, where an academic and a non-HEI partner organisation collaborate to put together a proposal for a CASE Studentship. The deadline for this first stage of the competition will be the 3rd November 2025:

• NWSSDTP CASE Studentship Guidance [PDF]¦ NWSSDTP CASE Studentship Guidance [Word]
• NWSSDTP CASE Studentship Application Form

If the proposal is successful, the second stage of the process will require the academic and the non-HEI partner organisation to select a suitable postgraduate candidate to undertake the project. A Student Nomination Form will need to be submitted to appoint the chosen candidate by the 10th April 2026:

• NWSSDTP CASE Studentship Nomination Form
• NWSSDTP Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

It is permissible for academics to submit a CASE Studentship Application with a student already attached to undertake the project. In these cases, a CASE Student Nomination Form – with supporting documents – should be submitted alongside the CASE Application Form by the 3rd November 2025 deadline.

Prospective PhD students…

Please note that prospective PhD students should propose their own projects, even those that may involve a non-HEI partner organisation, through the NWSSDTP Standard Studentship Competition. CASE Studentship Application Forms will only be accepted from academics employed at one of the five NWSSDTP institutions.