Directed Studentships

The NWSSDTP is committed to supporting greater equity in doctoral recruitment and widening participation for underrepresented groups. Following two years of successful implementation of Global Majority (GM) ring-fenced studentships, we are refining our strategy to focus more directly on the areas of greatest, persistent underrepresentation.

From the 2026 entry competition onwards, we will ring-fence:

• Two studentships for applicants who identify as Black British
• Two studentships for applicants who identify as Asian British

These changes are data-led and reflect the persistent underrepresentation of these groups within our cohort, despite progress made in other areas.

Applicants will be able to self-identify on the NWSSDTP application form if they wish to be considered for a ring-fenced award. There is no expectation that applicants provide additional justification or explanation.

Global Majority Commitment

In parallel, the NWSSDTP is also working towards a minimum 20% Global Majority candidate award rate across all studentships. We encourage eligible applicants to apply and welcome applications from across the Global Majority community. Final award decisions will take this target into account.

The NWSSDTP defines ‘Global Majority’ as a collective term for people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, indigenous to the global south, and/or have been previously referred to as ethnic minorities. The term challenges marginalisation by acknowledging that globally, these communities constitute the majority.

We remain committed to increasing participation across the wider Global Majority community and to continuously reviewing our policies in line with equal opportunities monitoring data to ensure they are achieving meaningful and equitable outcomes.

For questions about eligibility or our evolving EDI strategy, please contact the NWSSDTP Office: nwssdtp@liverpool.ac.uk