College of Arts and Law announces postgraduate research funding for 2026
Applications are now open for doctoral research funding in the College of Arts and Law for 2026 entry.
The College of Arts and Law is investing in the future of doctoral studies in the arts, humanities and law. With a range of postgraduate research funding available for 2026 entry, we're committed to supporting the best arts and law doctoral students.
Open awards include the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Landscape awards, as well as scholarships and bursaries offered by the College.
The College of Arts and Law funding announcement follows the launch of the University of Birmingham's Doctoral School, signifying Birmingham's commitment to supporting our postgraduate researchers.
We are at a major pivot point for the arts and humanities nationally. Here at Birmingham we are looking for the brightest stars who want to be part of an ambitious trajectory within a thriving interdisciplinary university striving to become a Global Top 50 institution in line with our 2030 Strategic Framework. We know that the most innovative researchers produce their best work when they are encouraged to address themes of leading concern to economic and social transformation, how to live well in global, technology-driven societies, and what it means to be human.
The open awards for 2026 are:
- AHRC Landscape Awards
- College of Arts and Law Doctoral Scholarships
- Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities
- Music Doctoral Scholarships
- Stanley Ray Scholarship
- Henry Thomas Scholarship
- Haywood Scholarship
The AHRC awards are specifically targeted at groups currently underrepresented in the College of Arts and Law Postgraduate Research community. In 2026/7, applications are invited from Home students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds.
The College of Arts and Law Doctoral Scholarships are open to Home and International applicants and welcome research proposals aligned to the College's research priorities:
- Environment
- Creative Industries
- Culture and Heritage
- Inequality
- Interdisciplinarity
Other awards cover specific disciplines, ensuring there's exciting research opportunities across the College. Find out more about the disciplines available in the College.
This funding has enabled me to fully commit to my PhD without the constant concern of financial pressures, giving me the freedom to think creatively, explore ambitious research ideas, and engage with critical professional development opportunities.
Take the next step in your postgraduate research journey
Explore the postgraduate research funding available in the College of Arts and Law and find the right PhD programme for you.