Birmingham City University (BCU) in the UK is offering six fully funded PhD studentships in the arts and humanities for September 2027, through the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards. One studentship each year is reserved for an international applicant, with a full tuition fee waiver and a tax-free stipend of £21,805 a year. That means African researchers can compete for it.
Submit an expression of interest by 16 November 2026 (strongly encouraged). The final deadline is 20 January 2027, both at noon UK time.
At a Glance
| University | Birmingham City University, UK |
| Funder | Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), with BCU match funding |
| Studentships | 6 for September 2027: 3 AHRC-funded and 3 BCU-funded |
| International places | 1 a year, with a full fee waiver and stipend |
| Funding | Tuition fees plus £21,805 a year, tax-free, for 3.5 years |
| Expression of interest | 16 November 2026, 12 noon UK time |
| Final deadline | 20 January 2027, 12 noon UK time |
About the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards
The Doctoral Landscape Award is a major AHRC funding scheme to build doctoral research capacity in the UK’s arts and humanities. BCU is one of 50 UK universities funded to support 15 studentships over five years. BCU’s doctoral students join a cohort across the Midlands and take part in the East and West Midlands Regional Hub for training and networking.
Benefits
- Full tuition fees for 3.5 years. The international award waives the full fee difference.
- A tax-free stipend of £21,805 a year (the 2026/27 UKRI minimum rate) for 3.5 years
- Training, professional development and networking through the Midlands Regional Hub
- Expert supervision and mentoring from leading arts and humanities researchers
- Links with cultural and industry partners
International applicants should budget for visa, Immigration Health Surcharge and travel costs.
Eligibility
- Open to UK/home and international applicants. One international studentship is available each year.
- You must not already hold a doctorate.
- You can’t currently be enrolled as a doctoral student at BCU or anywhere else.
- Your research must fall within the AHRC’s subject areas, with at least 50% of the project in a primary AHRC area. Interdisciplinary projects are welcome.
- International applicants must study full-time, as the part-time route is for home students only.
- At least one studentship a year goes to a home-fee candidate from a Global Majority background.
AHRC subjects include history, philosophy, languages and literature, creative and performing arts, design, music, media, cultural studies, heritage, archaeology and related fields.
How to Apply
- Submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 16 November 2026. It’s optional but strongly encouraged, and BCU shares EOIs with the relevant school, which may offer limited support.
- Find your supervisors. You must confirm your full supervisory team when you submit, so contact potential supervisors early.
- Start the BCU online application for a postgraduate research degree.
- Upload the DLA Funding Application Form, two DLA reference forms, and your degree certificates and transcripts.
- Submit by 20 January 2027 (noon UK time). Incomplete or late applications won’t be considered.
Official BCU AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards page · Expression of Interest form
Questions: [email protected]
Tips for African Applicants
- Competition is tough. There’s only one international place a year, so make your proposal stand out.
- Submit the EOI early. It’s your chance to get feedback and connect with a school before the full application.
- Propose research with an African angle that fits BCU’s strengths, such as African music and media, Nollywood, heritage, design or postcolonial literature.
- Agree supervision before applying. A confirmed supervisory team is required.
