Apply for the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Scholarship Awards at Birmingham City University 2027 - six fully funded PhD studentships in the arts and humanities for September 2027 entry, backed by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and BCU match-funding.
Birmingham City University is one of 50 UK universities awarded AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award funding (15 studentships over five years). For 2027 entry, BCU offers three AHRC-funded and three BCU match-funded awards, with Midlands regional hub training, expert supervision, and a strong equality, diversity and inclusion focus - including a dedicated Global Majority home-fee award and one international place with a full fee waiver plus UKRI stipend.
Expression of Interest closes 16 November 2026 (noon UK); the hard full-application deadline is 20 January 2027 (noon UK). This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official BCU / AHRC materials. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards at BCU 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards (BCU) |
| Host Landmark | Library of Birmingham / Birmingham city centre, UK 🇬🇧 |
| Awards | Six fully funded PhD studentships (3 AHRC + 3 BCU match-funded) |
| Start | September 2027 (full-time 3.5 years; part-time route available for eligible home students) |
| Funding | Full tuition scholarship + tax-free UKRI stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) for 3.5 years |
| International | One international awardee/year: full tuition waiver + UKRI stipend (no self-funded fee gap) |
| EDI | Minimum one home-fee Global Majority studentship/year (That’s Me! legacy) |
| EOI deadline | 16 November 2026, 12:00 noon UK time (optional but strongly encouraged) |
| Final deadline | 20 January 2027, 12:00 noon UK time (hard deadline) |
| Official Gateway | Expression of Interest form · BCU Doctoral Landscape Awards |
Benefits
- Full tuition fee scholarship for 3.5 years (full-time)
- Tax-free stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (£21,805 per annum for 2026/27) for 3.5 years
- Access to professional development, placements, additional funding, and the East and West Midlands Regional Hub
- Expert supervision and mentoring from leading arts and humanities researchers
- Inclusive research environment with cultural and industry partner links
- Part-time route (eligible home students): part-time fees + 7-year pro-rata UKRI stipend
Eligibility
- Open to 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 another institution
- Proposed research must fall within an AHRC primary subject area (interdisciplinary welcome; at least 50% AHRC-focused)
- Meet BCU research degree entry requirements; international applicants need accepted English language evidence (offers may be conditional)
- International applicants cannot study part-time under UKVI rules
How to Apply
- Read the official DLA Applicant Guidance Notes on the BCU page (downloadable forms and scoring criteria).
- Submit an Expression of Interest by 16 November 2026, noon UK (strongly encouraged; not mandatory).
- Contact potential supervisors early and confirm your supervisory team before the full application.
- Start a BCU Online Application for your chosen postgraduate research degree.
- Complete the Doctoral Landscape Award Funding Application Form and upload it to the BCU portal (you do not need a separate research proposal - note you are applying for AHRC DLA funding and upload the DLA form).
- Upload two completed DLA Reference Request Forms, HE certificates/transcripts, and English evidence if applicable.
- Submit a complete application by 20 January 2027, noon UK. Late or incomplete applications are not considered (except rare extenuating cases).
Already holding a BCU research offer for 2027? Submit DLA documents by email to Research.Admissions@bcu.ac.uk and DLA@bcu.ac.uk before the same deadline, and ensure your start is deferred to September 2027 if needed.
Official Links
AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards at Birmingham City University (official)
Online Expression of Interest Form
Check if your proposal suits AHRC funding (UKRI)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Expression of Interest deadline?
16 November 2026 at 12:00 noon UK time. EOI is optional but strongly encouraged.
What is the final application deadline?
20 January 2027 at 12:00 noon UK time - a hard deadline for complete applications.
How many studentships are available for 2027?
Six fully funded PhD places (three AHRC-funded and three BCU match-funded).
Can international students apply?
Yes. One international awardee per year receives a full tuition fee waiver and UKRI stipend with no self-funded fee gap.
What funding do awardees receive?
Full tuition for 3.5 years plus a tax-free UKRI stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27), plus regional hub training and development opportunities.
Where do I apply?
Start with the EOI form, then complete the full BCU research application with DLA forms via the official BCU Doctoral Landscape Awards page.
