AHRC Doctoral Landscape Scholarship Awards at Birmingham City University 2027

Deadline: November 16, 2026

Applications are open for the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards at Birmingham City University 2027. The AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award is a major new funding scheme from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Its aim is to grow the UK’s capacity for doctoral research in the arts and humanities and to create a vibrant, inclusive research culture.

Birmingham City University is one of 50 universities across the UK awarded funding to support 15 doctoral studentships over five years. This year BCU will offer six fully funded PhD studentships – three funded by the AHRC and three match-funded by BCU for September 2027 entry. This represents a major institutional investment in the next generation of researchers and in building a thriving and a diverse research community.

BCU DLA doctoral students will belong to a cohort drawn from across the Midlands, benefiting from a rich, interdisciplinary training environment and a wide network of researchers across the region.

Benefits

As part of the award, BCU will offer

Six fully funded PhD studentships for September 2027 entry (covering home tuition fees, stipend, and additional funding opportunities)

A minimum of one studentship each year will be dedicated to a Global Majority candidate, sustaining the legacy of BCU’s That’s Me! widening participation initiative

One international applicant per year will be eligible for a full tuition fee waiver and stipend at the UKRI rate

Participation in the East and West Midlands Regional Hub, providing collaborative training, professional development and networking opportunities

Expert supervision and mentoring from leading arts and humanities researchers

A welcoming, inclusive research environment with strong connections to cultural and industry partners

Eligibility

The scheme is open to both UK/Home and International applicants.

You must not already be in receipt of a doctoral level qualification.

You cannot currently be enrolled as a doctoral student either at BCU or another institution.

Your proposed research must fall within one of the AHRC’s primary subject areas. They welcome interdisciplinary proposals but do be aware that at least 50% of your project must focus on one of the AHRC’s primary research areas.

Application

The deadline for an Expression of Interest is 16 November 2026, 12pm (Noon, UK Time). The final application deadline is 20 January 2027, 12pm (Noon, UK Time).

Complete the Online Expression of Interest Form

For more information, visit AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards.

The scheme is open to both UK/Home and International applicants. You must not already be in receipt of a doctoral level qualification. You cannot currently be enrolled as a doctoral student either at BCU or another institution. Your proposed research must fall within one of the AHRC’s primary subject areas. They welcome interdisciplinary proposals but do be aware that at least 50% of your project must focus on one of the AHRC’s primary research areas.

As part of the award, BCU will offer

Six fully funded PhD studentships for September 2027 entry (covering home tuition fees, stipend, and additional funding opportunities) A minimum of one studentship each year will be dedicated to a Global Majority candidate, sustaining the legacy of BCU’s That’s Me! widening participation initiative One international applicant per year will be eligible for a full tuition fee waiver and stipend at the UKRI rate Participation in the East and West Midlands Regional Hub, providing collaborative training, professional development and networking opportunities

Expert supervision and mentoring from leading arts and humanities researchers

A welcoming, inclusive research environment with strong connections to cultural and industry partners

The deadline for an Expression of Interest is 16 November 2026, 12pm (Noon, UK Time). The final application deadline is 20 January 2027, 12pm (Noon, UK Time).

Complete the Online Expression of Interest Form

For more information, visit AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards.