PhD Funding Available

The Doctoral Landscape Awards is an AHRC-funded initiative hosted by Birmingham City University (BCU), supporting the development of a vibrant and inclusive doctoral research culture in the arts and humanities. The scheme provides combined research expertise for the professional and personal development of the next generation of arts and humanities doctoral researchers. It delivers excellence in all aspects of research supervision and training and provides access to a wide range of facilities, cohort events, and development opportunities across the university and a regional Hub that consists of seven universities across the East and West Midlands.

For 2026 entry, BCU will offer six fully funded PhD studentships through an open competition. One international applicant per year will be eligible for a full tuition fee waiver and a living-cost stipend at the UKRI rate. Each year, a minimum of one studentship will be dedicated to a home fee status candidate from a Global Majority background, continuing the legacy of BCU’s That’s Me! widening participation initiative and offering bespoke professional development.

RAAD at Birmingham City University is inviting applications from students whose research interests connect with our fields of expertise in:

• Art Activisms

• Contemporary Visual Arts Asia (CCVA)

• Printing History & Culture (CPHC)

• Creative Pedagogies

• Lifeworlds

• Made & Worn

• Material Encounters

• Urban Cultures

We support practice research as well as historical and theoretical inquiry in and across art, architecture, design, fashion, jewellery and photography. Enquiries about PhDs can be directed to Lisa.Metherell@bcu.ac.uk or Sian.Hindle@bcu.ac.uk

The deadline for Doctoral Landscape Award funding applications is 27 January 2026 - 12.00 hours (noon, UK Time). For full details of eligibility, funding, research supervision areas, and for dates of our November application writing workshop, please visit our BCU DLA webpage here.