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About the course

¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ (¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ) is one of 50 universities across the UK, and one of 7 universities in the Midlands, to receive funding for 15 PhD students over the next 5 years through the prestigious from the (AHRC). Each institution will be allocated studentships annually over the 5-year duration of the award.

The scheme is designed to strengthen and nurture arts and humanities doctoral research across the UK. It will enable students to train as researchers, develop their skills and experience, and prepare for careers in academia as well as the public and private sectors, as well as join a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community of researchers.

Specialist areas

We are inviting proposals for innovative PhD projects connected with the following themes:

Estimated thesis submission:

Funding information

The (AHRC) is one of a number of , each with a different range of research priorities. The AHRC supports and develops outstanding researchers across the arts and humanities, who pursue research with imagination, creativity and interdisciplinarity, and seek to tackle socio-cultural challenges of the past and present, whilst envisaging and designing possibilities for the future. This is underpinned by the AHRC’s deep commitment to the values of equality, diversity and inclusion. Allocating funding for doctoral study through the Landscape Awards is key to nurturing such research and the future generation of researchers.

Funding duration: 3.5 years full-time or 7 years part-time (thesis submission is required at the end of the funded period for both full and part-time candidates)

Fees and expenses:

Stipend

Funding includes:

  • A full tuition fee waiver for Home or International students, for full-time or part-time study;
  • A maintenance grant for 3.5 years full-time or 7 years part-time (thesis submission is required at the end of the funded period for both full and part-time candidates);
  • Potential to apply for further funding to support related research activities and events (such as fieldwork, archival trips, conference attendance/organisation, festival attendance and practice research endeavours as well as placements).

Entry requirements

  • The scheme is open to both UK/Home Students and International students for study on full-time and part-time routes. 
  • Applicants must not already be in receipt of a doctoral level qualification and cannot be currently enrolled as a doctoral student either at ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ or another institution.
  • Proposed research must fall within one of the . We welcome interdisciplinary proposals but do be aware that at least 50% of the project must focus on one of the AHRC’s primary research areas.
  • Applicants must have a Master's degree or Equivalent professional experience relevant to your proposed area of study.

How to apply

Stage 1 deadline: 28 January 2026 11.59pm

Stage 2 deadline: 2 March 2026 11.59pm

We would strongly encourage you to begin by approaching prospective supervisors at ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ aligned with the themes above and with your research interests, so that you can develop your project proposal and application in supportive dialogue with those supervisors. Check out our Blog on how to find a supervisor and also don’t forget to use our handy find a supervisor tool.

  • We invite a first stage application through a ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ Landscape Award Application Form found here.
  • Please review the guiding notes here before working on the application form.
  • An interview and pre-recorded presentation process will take place for shortlisted applicants across March 2026.

Successful applicants will begin their PhD journey at ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ on the 1st October 2026.

For support with your application find out more . 

Contact details

AHRC - Doctoral Landscape Awards - Email: a.clarke@dmu.ac.uk

 

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