IFS has been allocated a number of associated studentship awards via our ESRC Institute for the Microeconomic Analysis of Public Policy. Students must be studying or have a place to study on a pathway that is eligible for ESRC funding, based at a university within either the UBEL (University College London, Birkbeck College, University of Greenwich, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, SOAS, University of East London) or SeNSS (City University, University of Essex, Cranfield University, University of East Anglia, Goldsmiths College, University of Lincoln, Middlesex University, University of Roehampton) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP).

Students work for their PhD at their university in conjunction with their supervisor, but are partially based at the IFS, sitting with a research team whose work programme has synergies with the student’s area of interest.

The aim of the scheme is to enhance the work of doctoral students by providing collaboration and learning opportunities in a vibrant and highly respected research institute, and to enhance our research community and networks with the inclusion of outstanding students.

It is our goal to build capacity in the social sciences in the UK more widely, and support and promote research that has a positive impact on society.

About the Studentships

The Studentships are intended to give students the opportunity to broaden their research by accessing the opportunities available at the ESRC Institute at IFS. Students have the chance to attend a range of internal seminars and other events, work with IFS researchers and receive support from the senior academics based at IFS. They will have the chance to develop networks with academics and develop their understanding of the interaction between research and policy, which will stand them in good stead for their future careers.

In addition to taking formal courses and carrying out doctoral research at their host university, the student will be integrated into the daily life of the ESRC Institute. The student’s research project will be managed as a sub-project of the Institute’s set of research projects. At least one senior researcher at the ESRC Institute will be assigned to mentor the student and provide additional supervision to their PhD work, to complement the supervision they receive at their host DTP.

Students are expected to spend part of their time at the IFS offices in central London when they are not at their university.

Collaborate

Students have the opportunity to find new collaborators for their research project, or to start a collaboration on something related to their field. Collaboration is encouraged at the Institute through seminars, research group meetings, events and workshops.

Students will be placed in a team whose research is aligned with their own interests. The Associate Director leading the team will take responsibility for ensuring that the student is integrated into the team and has the chance to work with others in the team and meet with visiting senior academics.

Develop research independence

The Studentship is also an opportunity for doctoral candidates to develop some research independence as they progress in their studies. The inspiration from learning and collaboration may prompt new ideas that can be further developed in the future.

Access to data and data analysis expertise

IFS researchers use a range of large datasets and have HPC computing to facilitate data analysis. Students can apply to use these data in their research. Formal and informal training opportunities and support from colleagues are available for programming, including in particular in Stata and R.

Build new skills and networks

Sitting within a research team at IFS will allow students to see policy-oriented research projects being framed and conducted, to see research that deals with issues of the day as they arise and to see dissemination of research to a wide range of audiences including those involved in policy formulation. IFS researchers not only carry out rigorous research, but also pride themselves on their ability to communicate complex findings to a wide audience. Whilst working at IFS, students will be in an environment where researchers are interacting with national, regional and international policymakers, journalists, NGOs and business people. Students will have the opportunity to attend training in communication skills and to attend events where researchers present to and meet a policy audience.

Award

Funding to cover stipend, fees and any other allowances will be issued by the ESRC, as additional funding, to the relevant Doctoral Training Partnership's (DTP) or Centre for Doctoral Training's (CDT’s) doctoral training grant. Students will be expected to abide by IFS policies: for example, regarding data access and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Eligibility criteria

Students must meet all the following eligibility criteria to be considered for the scheme.

• Students must be registered on or have been accepted onto an accredited pathway within either the SeNSS or UBEL DTP and have the support of their university to undertake their PhD whilst partially based at IFS.

• Students must be on a pathway eligible for ESRC funding. The Studentships are intended to fund the whole or the majority of the duration of a PhD. This includes 1+3 and +3 pathways.

• The student’s supervisor (or equivalent) must support their application and be willing to continue supervising them while they are at IFS.

Assessment criteria

IFS will use the following criteria to assess applications. When preparing their application, students should demonstrate how they meet the following criteria.

Applicant

• Demonstrates top-level abilities in quantitative methods;

• Demonstrates academic excellence in economics or a closely related field, in an MSc or equivalent prior degree;

• Has interests in pursuing research that is aligned with the ESRC Institute’s research agenda in microeconomic analysis of public policy.

• Is supported by strong references from the student’s supervisor or equivalent and another referee who can speak to their suitability for the Studentship.

• Demonstrates communication skills and the ability to collaborate with others in a research setting.

Research proposal

• The research proposal is clear and demonstrates a good understanding of the topic and the potential for an original contribution to the field.

• Candidate demonstrates how they would benefit from their time at IFS.

Application process

Timeline

Applications open: January 2025

Application deadline: 9 February 2025

Interviews: week commencing 19 February 2025

Outcomes communicated: 7 March 2025

How to apply

Candidates should discuss the scheme with their supervisor and university department to gain their approval to participate. We recommend sharing the guidance note, included in the document about the scheme, for universities with your department.

Candidates apply directly to IFS. You will asked to fill in a number of questions on the online platform. You can also upload a CV as a pdf; the pdf should include a covering letter, and may also include a research outline.

You will need:

• The covering letter should set out why you are interested in applying to IFS and what you hope to get out of your time here; please refer to the assessment criteria outlined above. Please also let us know if there are any individual circumstances you would like us to take into account, such as a disability.

• An outline of your research.

• Details of two academic referees (who will be invited to submit a reference).

• Information about:

o Which university you are registered with or have been accepted to for your PhD;

o Which DTP you are or will be registered with;

o Details of any other funding you are receiving or expect to receive during the course of your PhD.

The deadline for applications is 9 February 2025.

Assessment process

All applicants are assessed on their application and references. Short-listed applicants will be invited to interviews. These may be held remotely. Applications will first be checked for eligibility. All eligible applications will then be reviewed by the IFS Research Directors. IFS reserves the right to reject applicants who do not meet the criteria at any stage.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We hope that the Studentship scheme will attract a diverse pool of applicants. All applications will be considered on their merits. Applicants can be of any nationality and applicants from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. We welcome applicants from across the SeNSS and UBEL DTPs. We recognise that there may be individual circumstances that we need to be aware of. We aim to accommodate specific needs and personal circumstances, but are reliant on applicants sharing this information with us. To discuss an adjustment to the application process please contact our team directly at jobs@ifs.org.uk. We will treat any information you disclose to us as sensitive and will handle it in line with the Data Protection Act 2018. You find out more information about how handle your personal data in our privacy notice.