SeNSS Studentship

Competition 2021/22
Professor Andrew Canessa and Laura Ruddick
20 October 2022
 Key dates
 1 October: Competition opens

 20 October 11am-12pm: Workshop and Briefing Meeting for colleagues and applicants

 Deadline 12pm (midday) Friday 10 December: Submit draft applications for early stage feedback from academic
lead –email to laura@essex.ac.uk

 Before midnight on Monday 5 January: date by which student has to have applied for a place at Essex (you do
not have to hold an offer but must have applied for your course)

 Monday 10 January 2022: work-in-progress draft applications downloaded from HEI Apply and sent to Essex
PILs and Graduate Directors for review and follow-up with applicants and their supervisor(s)

 12pm (midday) Tuesday 25 January 2022: deadline for SeNSS applications to be submitted on HEI Apply

 5pm Tuesday 25 January 2022 : PGRE Team to circulate applications to departments

 Monday 31 January OR Tuesday 1 February 2022: Departments to review applications and Pathway Selection
Panels to be held to choose top 3/4 applications for improvement. Pathway Selection Panels to provide
feedback to applicants for them to work with the identified member of staff (normally the potential supervisor) to
improve applications
 Key dates
 Wednesday 2 February – Tuesday 8 February 2022: PILs and Graduate Directors to contact Top 3 (or 4 if
additional WP candidate identified) and work with them on any identified improvements
 12pm Wednesday 9 February 2022: Deadline by which improved applications must be resubmitted (by
the applicant) on HEI Apply
 Thursday 10 February 2022 : Following review of the revised applications, the Essex Academic Lead
confirms the top 3 applications for each pathway - any urgent and exceptional last minute feedback for
students to be provided
 4pm Monday 14 February 2022: Deadline for institutional nominations to SeNSS

 Wednesday 2 - Thursday 3 March 2022: SeNSS DTP Pathway Selection Panels held to make final
nominations to SeNSS Management Board.
 Wednesday 6 April 2022: SeNSS Management Board meets to confirm final awards.
 By Friday 8 April 2022: Successful students receive email offer.
 Important items to note
 Eligibility criteria changed from 2020:  there are now two residential
categories 'Home' and 'International'.  In order to be considered a
'Home' student, you'll need to 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

 If you do not meet the criteria above, you are classed as an

'International' student and are eligible to apply for funding, but there
is a cap on the number of 'International' awards that can be made –
30% of the total number awarded across the DTP.   This cap will be
applied at the Management Board final agreement of the final awards.
 Important items to note
 Essex is currently involved in the following pathways: Business and Management; Economics;
Linguistics; Psychology; Politics and International Relations; Socio-Legal Studies; Sociology.  This
is 7 pathways of a total of 13.​

 There is a cap of three studentship nominations per pathway, per institution, and at least one of the
three nominations must be a 1+3/+4 application. ​
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 (Option 4)
+3 applications 0 1 2 2
1+3/+4 applications 3 2 1 0

 SeNSS is keen to receive application from applicants that meet the criteria forming part of its
widening participation policy. There are widening participation criteria to consult, and applicants
use the equal opportunities form to highlight that they fulfil the criteria for additional consideration
under the WP strategy. Each institution is able to submit a fourth nominated candidate, per
pathway, under the WP consideration.
 Important items to note
 SeNSS is also keen to receive applications for the ring-fenced AQM-based studentships; projects which use
advanced quantitative methods, and/or large datasets, and/or big data methods and associated innovative
analytical methods. You should consult the guidance on AQM eligibility and ensure this is highlighted in
your application.

 Students must reference Overseas Fieldwork and/or Difficult Language Training within their application in
order to be eligible for the funds in future – even if they say they are uncertain and may do it.  Otherwise, they
are excluded from applying for it.

 Students who have not studied on a Masters course which has been assessed as ESRC “compliant”, must
undertake a 1+3/+4 course. SeNSS has a master list of ‘compliant Masters’ on their website.

 There is the option to recommend a +3.5 course, which is a +3 but with an additional 6 months skills training
for those who have a masters which meets most but not all of the training criteria. We have the opportunity
to refer any questions of this sort to the Deputy Director to consider ahead of the final application
submission.

 SeNSS has policies on supervisory experience and training requirements for supervisors – please consult
the application guidance.
 Important items to note
 The following key documents are produced by SeNSS and should be read by applicants and supervisors, as
well as those involved in the recruitment and nomination process at departmental level:

 SeNSS Student-led Studentship Competition Policy (Previously circulated to PILS by SeNSS)

 STUDENT-LED STUDENTSHIP APPLICATION: GUIDANCE NOTES FOR OCTOBER 2022 ENTRY
 STUDENT-LED STUDENTSHIP APPLICATION: GUIDANCE FOR SUPERVISORS
These document will be circulated as soon as we receive them, and they will also be available in the resources
section of HEIapply.

 HEIapply access is open to all applicants - the URL is https://senss.heiapply.com/application/student_led_home

 In addition to the Studentship Guidance document, there is a Frequently Asked Questions section on the
SeNSS website

 We hope to have a Word version of the online application form shortly, which can be shared with applicants and
colleagues, for ease of reference
SeNSS Selection Criteria
 All 4-year award applications (which include 1+3
and +4 structures of study) will be assessed in a
way that recognises that someone applying for a
4-year studentship has had less training and fewer
opportunities to think about and to research their
proposed research project than someone applying
for a +3 studentship. In other words, the way in
which the selection process is carried out will
ensure that those applying for 4-year awards will
not be disadvantaged relative to +3 applicants.
SeNSS Selection Criteria Category I
1. Applicant’s preparedness (40%)
Please provide a grade (1.0-6.0, up to one decimal point, e.g. 5.4) based on your judgement of the
applicant’s description of how their previous educational and/or work/life experience has prepared
them for postgraduate study and research. Reference should be made to the applicant’s personal
statement and their supervisor’s supporting statement.
 State the significance of your proposed research project.
 Place it in the context of the current field.
 State why YOU are best-placed to undertake this research.
 State the impact of this research.
 Evidence that you are well-prepared for your proposed research project
SeNSS Selection Criteria Category II
2. Research proposal’s quality and feasibility (40%)
Please provide a grade (1.0-6.0, up to one decimal point, e.g. 5.1) based on your judgement of the
research project, the reasons for pursuing it, and its wider significance. Please look for evidence of
ability to design and conduct a research project, a coherent and well thought out research plan, a
strong awareness of the literature within the current field, and potential impact on professional
practice. Reference should be made to the applicant’s personal statement and the supervisor’s
supporting statement.
 Evidence your research skills, training and experience so far.
 Outline your planned advanced skills training.
 Demonstrate the feasibility of your project.
 Write a clear timeline for completion of your project and thesis within 3 - 4 years.
SeNSS Selection Criteria Category III
3. Research environment quality, including supervisory expertise (20%)
Please provide a grade (1.0-6.0, up to one decimal point, e.g. 4.9) based on your judgement of the
proposed supervisors’ knowledge and expertise in relation to the research project, the individual
roles of the proposed supervisory team, and identified training needs and the plan for meeting
these. Reference should be made to information provided by the proposed primary supervisor,
which should reflect on expertise brought to the project by the second supervisor.

 Reference why Essex is the most suitable place for your doctoral training and research

 Explain why the proposed supervisory team is best-placed to supervise your project.
Writing a proposal
Essential ingredients for any good proposal

 The issue – what problem does your research address? Why is it interesting?

 Research design – how will the research achieve its objective? State a clear
research question and make sure your methodology can answer that question
within your resource constraints (time and money).

 Benefit – what will the research contribute? Not just academic – could also be
practical impacts. What are the implications of your research beyond the
narrow confines of your project?
How do assessors evaluate

Positives: High quality and strong potential for doctoral study (evidence of
intellectual purpose and originality, reasons for, and approach toward,
undertaking your proposed study, awareness of the research context).
 
Negatives: Typos, lack of clarity (e.g. extensive background info), extreme jargon
(don’t over-specialise), brief proposal with long references section.
In short
 Innovation – make sure your idea stands out (amongst approx. 30 applications
per pathway)
 Support – ensure that you have adequately covered the literature (key and up
to date reference are included)
 Do not under or over promise – this comes together with the feasibility
questions
 Ensure that you have appropriate methodology and a contingency plan
(what if you planned on interviews and did not manage to access
participants?) – panels like to see a plan B.
Personal statement
 Your reasons for applying and why you deserve a studentship, including:
 Academic interests, why you wish to study with SeNSS, your chosen
University, your chosen department
 Discuss the aspects of studying with SeNSS you find most appealing, such as
taking certain modules or placement opportunities
 Demonstrate preparedness for postgraduate study life
Finding a supervisor
• Make contact or speak to your Pathway Institutional Lead for help
• Tell them something interesting, e.g. motivation, background; explain
research interests and how you feel your research proposal matches the
department’s expertise
• Prepare for face-to-face discussion, be willing to meet/visit, think about
possible questions and prepare answers
• Attach a document with a brief abstract of the idea (what, why and how you
will address it)
7 questions to take home
 Is my topic of broader interest and accessible to a wider audience?

 Do I present my research question in a clear, coherent and concise way? (3 Cs)

 Does my research make a clear contribution to an established body of literature?

 Is my project feasible in 3 (max. 4 years)? What criteria do I use to assess the feasibility of my
project?

 Is the department and the supervisor a good fit for my research? Could I have done the same
degree/topic in a different institution?
 What do I need from SeNSS (besides money)? What is the added value of SeNSS training?
 If I am submitting a studentship application to both SeNSS and CHASE, how do I make my
applications distinct and specific to each separate DTP?
Questions for supervisors/PILS
 Is the research question clear, coherent and concise?
 Is the research proposal written in an accessible and simple way?
 Is the methodology clear?
 Is the contribution clearly stated and the correct literature addressed?
 Is the project feasible within 3 (max. 4 years)? Can you anticipate any
challenges/problems?
 What is the SeNSS added value for this project?
 Why is the department/supervisor the best person to support and work with this project?
 Can you build in time to appropriately proof-read the application ahead of submission?
SeNSS Student-led awards*, by pathway previously

*This excludes Collaborative and SeNSS-ARIES awards

What can we do to ensure greater success in the SeNSS
studentship competition this year?
 Advertising Essex-SeNSS
opportunities as widely as possible
 Ensuring we submit all three/four
nominations for each pathway
 Improve the quality of applications
 Ensuring a strong supervisory team
and training plan for the student
Contact details
 Andrew Canessa, SeNSS Academic Lead for Essex: canessa@essex.ac.uk
 Laura Ruddick, SeNSS Administrative Lead for Essex: laura@essex.ac.uk
 Fliss Kingsgate, SeNSS Administrative Support for Essex: pgresearch@essex.ac.uk
Pathway Pathway Institutional Lead(s) Email
Business and Management Prof Martyna Sliwa, Essex Business School masliwa@essex.ac.uk
Dr Shin Kanaya, Department of Economics sk19812@essex.ac.uk
Economics
Dr Cara Booker, ISER cbooker@essex.ac.uk
Prof Enam Al-Wer, Department of Language and
Linguistics enama@essex.ac.uk
Linguistics
Politics and International Relations Dr Laura Sudulich, Department of Government l.sudulich@essex.ac.uk
Psychology Dr Rick O’Gorman, Department of Psychology rogorman@essex.ac.uk
Socio-Legal Studies Dr Stephen Turner, School of Law s.j.turner@essex.ac.uk
Sociology Prof Joan Busfield, Department of Sociology busfj@essex.ac.uk
SeNSS applicant webinars
In order to register for these webinars, applicants should click on the following links (noting registration is
essential in order to attend):
 12.00 – 1400: Wed 10 November – Ask SeNSS Information Webinar – Applying for a SeNSS Studentship
https://essex-university.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z25PWzAASx6j4iRFdy9MYw

 19:00 – 21:00: Tuesday 23 November – Ask SeNSS Information webinar – Applying for a SeNSS Studentship
https://essex-university.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GVUBHUMSSVq8bSiAMgACFw

 12:00 – 13.00: Saturday 4 December – Ask SeNSS Q&A Session – Applying for a SeNSS Studentship
https://essex-university.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LHbIwmvsTYmk3D5AwQajjQ

SeNSS will also be holding a webinar for putative supervisors of applicants to the student-led competition from
12.00 – 13.30: Wednesday 17 November - Preparing for a SeNSS application & SeNSS competitions. Supervisors
should register here (again, registration is compulsory):
https://essex-university.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4mRyINpZTxiVgZKG5sF_fg
All four webinars will be recorded and will be made available shortly after they've been held on the SeNSS
website (or SeNSS YouTube channel).