The Social Sciences Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) at the University of Cambridge is part of a network of 21 centres accredited and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for the support of high-quality postgraduate training in the social sciences. At least 26 doctoral studentships will be offered each year between 2011-2016 to outstanding candidates wishing to benefit from the excellent graduate education and research environment offered at Cambridge. As a DTC student you will be part of a diverse social science community with outstanding opportunities for networking, collaboration and career-building.

All participating subject groups within the DTC offer the opportunity to study through a research preparation Masters year progressing to a further three years of doctoral study, or to commence at the doctoral level with appropriate prior training elsewhere.

Social Sciences at Cambridge offers world-class expertise in research in a wide range of fields, and provides in-depth research training, high-quality subject supervision by acknowledged subject experts, and comprehensive personal and professional development opportunities. As part of a social science research community, DTC students will have access to leading scholars, policymakers and esteemed visitors through their home disciplines, through the College network and through a range of interdisciplinary and other collaborations.

DTC students follow a tailored pathway drawing on core research methods and subject skills, monitored and developed through regular skills reviews and needs analysis so that individualised additional training can be identified and built in. DTC students will also benefit from the personal and professional development opportunities offered by the University's Researcher Development Programme, tailored development work within Colleges and Departments, seminars and other networking activities within the DTC cohort, and a wide range of lectures, workshops and other activities available across the social sciences.

The Cambridge DTC actively supports students in finding opportunities for collaborative activity with non-academic partners, including internships and placements with government, business and third-sector organisations.