John Heathershaw and David Lewis are accepting applications for PhD study in all areas of Central Asian and Post-Soviet politics, particularly related to conflict management, authoritarian governance, and offshore and extra-territorial aspects of politics.
There is funding available at the University of Exeter for both UK/EU and international students both of which are highly competitive:
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=2508
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=2461
UK/EU students applying for ESRC awards may also consider collaborative studentships where they collaborate with an NGO or the public sector. This may enhance your chances of success. For some examples:
http://www.esrc.ac.uk/collaboration/postgraduate-collaboration/
The deadline is short and interested candidates should send a proposal to Heathershaw or Lewis in early January if they would like feedback. Basic guidelines are here:
http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/proposal/
Thank you to those of you that have already been in touch. Best wishes for your applications.