Scholarships & funding

ESRC Doctoral Studentship – What works in supporting secondary school non-attenders? An evaluation of careers provision in Scotland’s National Digital Academy for students not in in-person attendance.

Project details

The negative consequences of school absence for employment destinations are well-known: Klein & Sosu (2024) found risk tier levels impacted attitudes to absence, with a more pronounced effect on pupils of lower socio-economic status, who are also disproportionately impacted by declines in parent-school engagement (Gibbons, McNally & Montebruno 2023). Further, although a growing number of young people are unable to have their needs met in traditional school settings (Lester & Michaelson 2024), evidence-informed approaches to careers provision in other forms of school-community partnership are lacking (Major 2024).

Alternative learning provisions, supporting interrupted learners in technology-enabled environments outside school, have expanded, and although there is evidence (i-Sgoil 2024) of successes, the extent this prepares young people for positive destinations remains unclear, in part due to evidence and regulatory gaps. This study addresses Major’s (2024) recommendation for more evidence-informed
approaches to school-community partnership, carrying out a detailed review of policies, datasets and inspection practices in Scotland and internationally to identify gaps in evidence to support the attainment and destinations of all young people. It will provide close-to-practice exploration of shifts in attitudes and outcomes around non-traditional attendance practices, to enable understanding of
how the social contract has shifted in relation to parent-school engagement (Lundie 2023). By engaging directly with children and families through partnership with a virtual provider, this studentship will explore the realities of technology-enabled environments for young people and make recommendations for how careers advice provision and evidence quality can be enhanced, and disadvantage reduced. This is an essential contribution to building an inclusive society, where people feel they belong and can live well, in the context of changing patterns of engagement with education and careers. The student will benefit from close partnership links with Skills Development Scotland, i-Sgoil, and the University of Glasgow.

Collaborative Partner: Skills Development Scotland

This studentship will be undertaken in collaboration with Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Scotland’s national skills agency. The successful candidate will be supported by an SDS sponsor with expertise in the PhD topic, who will facilitate access to relevant networks and resources.

The studentship offers extensive opportunities to engage with SDS policy, practitioner, and stakeholder communities through seminars, networking events, and other activities. For further information, please refer to the SDS PhD Brochure.

SDS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Additional Collaborative Partner: iSgoil

Supervisory Team: 

• First Supervisor: Professor David Lundie, david.lundie@glasgow.ac.uk
• Second Supervisor: Dr Emily Oxley, emily.oxley@glasgow.ac.uk

About the University

Part of the College of Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow – ranked 19th in the world in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025 and 12th globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 – the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability offers a diverse learning environment where real-world impact is at the heart of everything we do.

Based at our Dumfries Campus in south-west Scotland, the School is set within 85 acres of historic parkland and surrounded by rich natural landscapes. This setting provides an ideal base for outdoor learning, fieldwork and research into global challenges in the fields of environment, sustainable development, tourism, and education.

University of Glasgow School of Social & Environmental Sustainability

Our international campus is home to a vibrant, close-knit community of students and staff from over 40 countries. With small class sizes, excellent access to academic support, and strong links to local and global partners, #UofGDumfries offers a unique student experience – combining academic excellence with outstanding placement opportunities that connect our students directly with industry, preparing them for world-changing careers.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Applicants must hold or be predicted a First or a good 2:1 undergraduate degree in the social sciences, or have relevant comparable experience.
• Applicants can have a Masters degree, however this is not a requirement.
• The applicant must also show demonstrable interest in the topic area under investigation.
• Applicants can study part-time or full-time.

Applicants must be eligible for PVG clearance to work with vulnerable young people.

Funding

As per guidance published by UKRI in October 2020, a maximum of 30% of all studentships awarded can be made to international students, with the remaining 70% going to home students. 

Residential Criteria

To be classed as a home student, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK national (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

For more on the UKRI eligibility guidance, click here

Number of Scholarships

1

Value

Award details

The scholarship is available as a +3.5 (3 year PhD and placement) or a 1+3.5 (Masters year, 3 year PhD, and a placement) studentship depending on prior research training. This will be assessed as part of the recruitment process, however you can access guidance here to help you decide on which to apply for. The programme will commence in October 2026. The full ESRC studentship package includes, as advised by ESRC:

• An annual maintenance grant (stipend)
• Fees at the standard institutional home rate
• Students can also draw on a pooled Research Training Support Grant (RTSG)

How to apply

1. Applicants must register on SGSSS Apply, completing their Equal Opportunities data.
2. Applicants must apply via SGSSS Apply, uploading the following documentation:

• Application Questions (answered within SGSSS Apply, no upload needed)
• Academic transcripts
• Academic prizes
• Referee information
• CV
• Other information (if required by the advert)

We strongly encourage applicants review the applicant guidance document for more on the process. 

Please Note:

• This is not an application to the relevant University, this is an application for SGSSS (ESRC) funding.
• Students do not need a Masters/PhD offer from the relevant University before they can apply for funding, i.e. this studentship.
• If successful in obtaining the SGSSS (ESRC) studentship, students can only start the funded studentship once they have an unconditional Masters/PhD degree offer from the relevant University. It is your responsibility to find out the University’s application process, including when you need to secure your offer, as SGSSS plays no role in this process.

Apply now via SGSSS Apply

 

Applications are due 24 March 2026, 5 pm GMT and

References are due 26 March 2026, 5 pm GMT

For more information contact: team@sgsss.ac.uk