Doctoral Landscape Awards
AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards at Birmingham City University
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. At BCU, we will offer six fully funded PhD studentships each year for the duration of the award – three funded by the AHRC and three match-funded by BCU. 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.
Fostering equality, diversity and inclusion
A key focus of the scheme is 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. As part of this commitment, one of BCU’s six studentships each year will be awarded to a home fee status candidate from a Global Majority background. This dedicated award continues the legacy of BCU’s That's Me! 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:
- Six fully funded PhD studentships each year (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
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One international applicant per year will be eligible for a full tuition fee waiver and a living-cost stipend at the UKRI rate
- Collaborative training, professional development and networking opportunities across the East and West Midlands
- Expert supervision and mentoring from leading arts and humanities researchers
- A welcoming, inclusive research environment 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) 17 November 2025.
The final application deadline is 12pm (Noon, UK Time) 27 January 2026
Please read the DLA Applicant Guidance Notes before applying
If you have any further questions please contact DLA@bcu.ac.uk.
Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is currently open to UK/Home Students and International Students.
You must not already be in receipt of a doctoral level qualification and cannot be currently 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. We 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.
Expressions of interest
- The Expression of Interest process is now open.
- Please use this link to complete the online Expression of Interest Form for the Doctoral Landscape Awards at BCU.
- 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 Doctoral Landscape Award Guidance Notes (or accessible version) before applying to ensure the full application process has been completed.
To apply for the Doctoral Landscape Awards, you will need to:
- Begin a BCU Online Application Form for your chosen Postgraduate Research Degree.
- You will need to complete the Doctoral Landscape Award Funding Application Form and upload this to the above BCU Online Application Form
- Upload Two Completed References (using the DLA specific reference request form, which can be downloaded below) to the above BCU Online Application Form
- Upload copies of your Higher Education Certificate and Transcripts to your BCU Online Application Form Portal
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International students will also need to upload evidence of a valid English language qualification.
- Submit your BCU Online Application Form, with all of the above documents attached, before the final application deadline of 12pm (Noon, UK Time) on 27 January 2026.
Applications that are considered incomplete or submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Supporting documentation
The full list of documents to support you in completing the application process can be found below.
Frequently asked questions
Applicant writing workshop
We held an Applicant Writing Workshop, which provided advice on the application process, discussions around what makes a successful application and a Q+A.
Watch the welcome presentation from the Doctoral Landscape Award lead here.
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