Doctoral Landscape Awards
AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards at 探花直播
The听AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award听is a major new funding scheme from the . Its aim is to grow the UK鈥檚 capacity for doctoral research in the arts and humanities and to create a vibrant, inclusive research culture.
探花直播 is one of 50 universities across the UK awarded funding to support 15 doctoral studentships over five years.听At BCU, we will offer six fully funded PhD studentships each year for the duration of the award 鈥� three funded by the AHRC and three match-funded by BCU.听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.听
Fostering equality, diversity and inclusion
A key focus of the scheme is听equality, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to attracting talented students from a wide range of backgrounds and providing the support they need to thrive throughout their PhD journey.听As part of this commitment, one of BCU鈥檚 six studentships each year will be awarded to a home fee status candidate from a Global Majority background.听This dedicated award continues the legacy of BCU鈥檚 That's Me!听project, which addresses barriers to postgraduate research study and promotes widening participation in doctoral research across the West Midlands.
What is on offer?
As part of the award, BCU will offer:听
- Six fully funded PhD studentships each year听(covering home fees, stipend, and additional funding opportunities)
- A minimum of one听studentship each year will be dedicated to a Global Majority candidate, sustaining the legacy of BCU鈥檚听That鈥檚 Me!听widening participation initiative
- Collaborative training, professional development and networking opportunities across the East and West Midlands
- Expert supervision and mentoring听from leading arts and humanities researchers
- A welcoming, inclusive research environment听with strong connections to cultural and industry partners
Key deadlines
Expressions of Interest open on 1 October 2025.
The deadline for an Expression of Interest is 12pm (Noon, UK Time)听17 November 2025.
The final application deadline is 12pm听(Noon, UK Time)听27 January 2026
If you have any further questions please contact听DLA@bcu.ac.uk.
Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is currently only open to UK/Home Students who are eligible for Home Tuition Fees.
You must not already be in receipt of a doctoral level qualification and听cannot be currently enrolled as a doctoral student either at BCU or another institution.
Your proposed research must fall within one of the听. We welcome interdisciplinary proposals but do be aware that at least 50% of your project must focus on one of the AHRC鈥檚 primary research areas.
Expressions of interest
- The Expression of Interest process is now open.
- The deadline to submit an Expression of Interest is 12pm (noon) 17 November 2025.
- Expressions of Interest are not a mandatory part of the application process but are strongly encouraged.
Full application stage
Please read the 听(or ) before applying to ensure the full application process has been completed.听
To apply for the Doctoral Landscape Awards, you will need to:听
- Begin a BCU Online Application听Form for your chosen听Research Degree
- You will need to complete the Doctoral Landscape Award Funding Application Form听and upload this to the above BCU Online Application Form
- Upload Two Completed References to the above BCU Online Application Form
- Upload copies of your Higher Education Certificate and Transcripts to your BCU Online Application Form Portal
- Submit your BCU听Online Application听Form, with all of the above documents attached, before the final application deadline of听12pm (Noon, UK Time)听on 27 January 2026.听
Applications that are considered incomplete or submitted after the deadline will not be considered.听
The full list of documents to support you in completing the application process can be found below.听
Frequently asked questions
Applicant writing workshop
BCU will also be offering an听Applicant Writing Workshop, which provides advice on the application process, discussions around what makes a successful application and a chance for you to ask questions. We strongly recommend that you participate in this workshop if possible.
This year鈥檚 workshop will take place online from 10am 鈥� 2pm on Saturday 8th听November.
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