UBEL (UCL, Bloomsbury and East London) Doctoral Training Partnership

Birkbeck, along with four other universities in London, is a member of the UCL, Bloomsbury and East London (UBEL) Doctoral Training Partnership, which is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Across the UBEL DTP there are 30 different disciplinary pathways. Each pathway provides a range of study routes with the option of master's level training attached if you do not already hold a master's qualification recognised by the ESRC, and accommodates both full-time and part-time students. 

If you would like to apply for ESRC UBEL funding for postgraduate research studies at Birkbeck, please read the following sections and contact the relevant pathway leader.

Find out more

• The Birkbeck Graduate Research School will run an online briefing session about applying for ESRC UBEL studentships in the Autumn term. The date of the next session will be made available on the BGRS timetable.
• If you would like to be notified when the date of this session is confirmed please complete this brief form.

How to apply for 2026/27 entry

Instructions for the 2026/27 entry competition will be made available on the ESRC website in the week commencing 15 September.

• UBEL applications are considered in two stages: a UBEL Preliminary application; followed by a UBEL Full application for a shortlisted subset of candidates. The two-stage process ensures that only the most competitive candidates need to undergo the time-consuming Full application process.
• UBEL provide guidance about applications and a 'useful documents' section which we strongly recommend you take time to look at because it includes detailed guidance and FAQs.

In order to be considered for an ESRC UBEL studentship beginning in 2026-27 you will need to submit a Preliminary application using the ESRC UBEL application portal. Preliminary applications open on 15 September 2025.

Deadlines

• 10 November 2025: Deadline for UBEL Preliminary applications.
• 15 December 2025: Full Application Stage Opens for candidates who have been successful at the Preliminary stage
• 2 February 2026: Deadline for Full applications.

Applications are student-led, but in practice are joint with the supervisor. Applicants are advised to be in discussion with prospective supervisors as early as possible in the Autumn term.

UBEL Pathways at Birkbeck

You can apply for UBEL funding at Birkbeck via the following pathways. For each pathway a Birkbeck contact is provided and you should notify them before you apply so they can provide you with information about how to apply via your chosen pathway.

Please note: UBEL encourage interdisciplinary applications so if you are unsure about the most relevant school, please contact the closest contact below and they will be able to advise you further.