If you are an aspiring legal scholar seeking advanced training in law within a dynamic research environment that encourages innovation and interdisciplinary exploration, the SENSS Doctoral Training Partnership at Essex Law School could be your gateway to an exciting academic journey.

What is SENSS?

The South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS), an ESRC-funded Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), is dedicated to fostering innovative and inclusive social science research training and collaboration. Among the eight distinguished institutions comprising SENSS, the University of Essex plays a pivotal role as the coordinating institution.

SENSS provides fully-funded doctoral studentships, mentorship from global experts, personalised research methods training, and diverse placements as part of its Doctoral Training Partnership. These opportunities empower researchers to extend their social scientific skills beyond academia.

Here at the Essex Law School and Human Rights Centre, aspiring PhD students can apply for SENSS studentships, unlocking comprehensive support and collaborative excellence in their academic journey.

Why choose the Essex Law School?

Choosing where to pursue your doctoral training is a significant decision. At the Essex Law School, we have meticulously crafted an environment that champions excellence and fuels innovation. Here is why you should join us:

We are a research powerhouse. Our Law School has been ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in law according to the Times Higher Education research power measure (REF2021). Law at Essex is also ranked 47th in the THE World University Rankings, which show the strongest universities across the globe for key subjects (and 9th for UK Universities). This speaks volumes about the calibre of research conducted within our School. Our academic staff collaborates globally, working with the United Nations, the European Union, governments, and non-governmental organisations.

We believe in the power of interdisciplinary research. Our dynamic research clusters foster collaboration across diverse backgrounds, creating a vibrant intellectual space for innovative and stimulating legal exploration.

With expertise spanning diverse legal disciplines, our academics are the driving force behind the Law School’s excellence. Our faculty boasts exceptional scholars, providing intellectual leadership in key areas, including Human Rights Law, led by Dr. Andrew Fagan who is Director of the Human Rights Centre; International & Comparative Law led by Professor Yseult Marique, an associate member of the International Academy of Comparative Law; Private and Business Law, led by Professor Christopher Willett who also spearheads the Law, Business and Technology Interdisciplinary Hub; as well as Public Law & Sociolegal Studies, led by Professor Theodore Konstadinides, who is also a founder member of the Constitutional and Administrative Justice Initiative (CAJI).

Our academic leads are ready to guide you and link you with the ideal academic mentors.

Our research student community is central to our success. These talented individuals explore a broad range of exciting topics under expert supervision, forming a vibrant tapestry of ideas.

Our Essex Law Research Blog features Vanessa Topp, a SENSS-funded doctoral candidate at the Essex Law School & Human Rights Centre, who offers below her insights into the application process and provides valuable advice for prospective candidates.

Can you share your experience with the application process for the SENSS Doctoral Training Partnership and highlight how the partnership’s collaborative approach influenced your decision to apply? 

“I applied for the student-led studentship with SENSS, and throughout the application process, I received invaluable support from my supervisors and my department which allowed me to refine and greatly improve my proposal.”

“While the multiple rounds of review and steps involved in the application process initially felt somewhat intimidating and fast-paced, the ability to receive and implement feedback from several different perspectives was ultimately crucial to building a successful application.”

“There are several reasons why I was particularly drawn to SENSS. I am particularly excited to be a part of the SENSS network because it allows me to collaborate with academics from other institutions that are part of the DTP working on research relevant to my own and I look forward to participating in cross-institutional knowledge sharing.”

“I also appreciate the opportunities provided through SENSS to conduct fieldwork in collaboration with external partner organisations or to potentially participate in an overseas institutional visit at another university which I feel will lead to more meaningful and impactful research.” 

Reflecting on your successful application, what tips or insights would you offer to prospective candidates aiming to secure SENSS funding and maximise the opportunities offered by this collaborative platform of universities? 

“Start the process as early as possible so you can revise your application several times and be open to taking on board feedback, while also remembering that ultimately it is your project, and you have to be happy with the proposal you design.”

“The SENSS application contains a lot of different elements – not just the proposal – so make sure to take your time with these as well. The space to write your proposal in the application form is quite compact, so these other parts of the application form can provide an important opportunity to provide more information that you could not include in the proposal for space limitations; about your project, who you are as a candidate, and how you are the best fit to your project.” 

“SENSS is a collaborative network, so it is also important to look into what this means and to highlight what aspects you would like to participate in and what your contributions will be.”

Where can you find out more?

Explore the opportunities offered by the SENSS scholarships at the Essex Law School on our informative webpages. Discover eligibility criteria, application processes, and the outstanding benefits that await you by accessing the downloadable documents provided below.

For inquiries about legal research and the SENSS scheme, please contact Dr. Anil Yilmaz Vastardis, our Postgraduate Research Director. 

Specific questions about academic disciplines? Reach out directly to our dedicated Academic Leads (mentioned above) who can put you in touch with suitable supervisors.

Embark on your journey to become a world-leading scholar in law. Do not miss the chance to join SENSS at the Essex Law School, where innovation, excellence, and transformation define the doctoral experience.