About the programme
BCU offers six fully funded PhD studentships for September 2027 entry: three funded by the AHRC and three match-funded by BCU. At least one award each year goes to a home-fee candidate from a Global Majority background. One international applicant per year can receive a full fee waiver and UKRI-rate stipend. Awardees join an East and West Midlands regional training cohort. Applicants submit an optional Expression of Interest first, then a full application.
Duration: 3.5 years full-time stipend and fee coverage (part-time route available for UK/home applicants, 7 years pro-rata)
Eligibility
- Open to both UK/Home and International applicants
- Must not already hold a doctoral-level qualification
- Must not currently be enrolled as a doctoral student at BCU or elsewhere
- Proposed research must fall within one of the AHRC's primary subject areas, with at least 50% of the project in those areas
- Two references on the DLA reference request form, at least one able to assess expertise relevant to the project
- International applicants must provide valid English language qualification if held at submission
- Must confirm full supervisory team agreement at application
- Sign in to check these against your background.
What they look for
- Candidates from a Global Majority background (home fee status) for at least one studentship each year
- Strongly encouraged: Expression of Interest and attendance at the Applicant Writing Workshop
What you receive
- Full tuition fee scholarship for 3.5 years
- Tax-free stipend at UKRI minimum rate for 3.5 years
- Access to professional development, placements, additional funding and East and West Midlands Regional Hub
- Expert supervision and mentoring
- Participation in regional training cohort
What you will need
- DLA Funding Application Form
- Two DLA reference request forms completed by referees
- Higher Education certificates and transcripts
- English language qualification (international applicants, if held)
How to apply
- Optional but strongly encouraged Expression of Interest online by 16 November 2026 12pm UK time
- Begin BCU Online Application for a Postgraduate Research Degree
- Upload DLA Funding Application Form, two DLA references, and HE certificates and transcripts
- Submit before 12pm UK time on 20 January 2027; incomplete or late applications are not considered except under the extenuating circumstances policy
Applications are submitted on Birmingham City University (funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council)’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.
From people who applied
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Source and verification
- Official source
- Birmingham City University (funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council) · Application
- Last checked
- 10 Nov 2026, read automatically from the official page
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