School of History Access to Research Scholarship 2026/27

The School of History invites prospective postgraduate researchers from Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups who wish to study for a PhD commencing in the academic year 2026/27 to apply for the School of History Access to Research Scholarship. <br /> <br /> One full scholarship is available covering Home fees (GBP 5,006 in 2025/26) plus a maintenance stipend (currently GBP 20,780 in 2025/26).<br /> <br /> The scholarship is open to prospective postgraduate researchers who are eligible to pay UK fees. This fully funded PhD place provides an exciting opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in historical studies.<br /> <br /> The award is open to full-time candidates who have been offered a place on a PhD degree at the School of History. We especially welcome applications that connect to the School's research interests in health histories, war and conflict, politics, diplomacy and international relations, empires and their aftermaths, women, gender and sexualities, and public histories.

<p><u><strong>Duration and Value of the Award </strong></u></p> <ul> <li>The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant (£20,780 in Session 2025/26) for full-time study, part-time will be pro-rata. This amount increases per annum in line with the UKRI rate. Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years (Part-time awards are pro-rata). </li> <li>Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights, etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award. </li> </ul> <p><u><strong>Eligibility Criteria </strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate. </li> </ul> <p><u><strong>Other Conditions </strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1 October 2026 </li> <li>Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered </li> <li>The awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time or part-time research study leading to the degree of PhD.  </li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship. </li> </ul> <p><u><strong>Selection Process</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>The deadline to be considered for the School of History PhD Scholarship is <strong>17:00 (UK time) on 3rd April 2026</strong>. However, before you can apply, you will need to have already secured your place on a course and have your 9 digit student identification number. Therefore, we advise you to apply for a place on the PhD at least 6 weeks before the scholarship deadline, and we also recommend that you should be in dialogue with potential supervisors prior to this to discuss your proposals. </li> <li>All scholarship applications will be considered after the deadline. Only complete applications will be considered. </li> <li>The final list of awards are based on academic merit and no other factors such as financial hardship are taken into account. </li> <li>Please note that whilst you may be successful in securing an academic offer for any project specifically linked to this funding opportunity, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis. </li> </ul>

<p><u><strong>Stage 1</strong></u></p> <p>First, apply for a research place of study, through the <a href="https://studentservices.leeds.ac.uk/pls/banprod/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon">online application form</a>. Please state clearly that the funding you wish to be considered for is <strong>“The School of History Access to Research Scholarship”</strong>. You will be expected to meet our<a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/history-research-degrees/doc/apply-7"> eligibility criteria</a> for PHD candidates.</p> <p>In order to be considered for a Studentship you must submit all the required<a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/history-research-degrees/doc/apply-7"> supporting documents </a>for your application for PhD study.</p> <p>Once you have received your student ID number (a 9-digit number) move onto stage 2.</p> <p><u><strong>Stage 2</strong></u></p> <p>Apply for the School of History Access to Research Scholarship by completing the<a href="https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/leeds/school-of-history-access-to-research-scholarship-202627"> Scholarship Application Form</a>. You must submit your scholarship application by <strong>17:00p.m. (UK time) on Friday 3^rd April 2026.</strong></p> <ul> <li>Please note that an unsuccessful application for this scholarship does not exclude you from applying for other research study opportunities or scholarships offered by the University of Leeds.</li> <li>Please note that, due to the large volume of applications typically received, the University of Leeds will not enter into any correspondence regarding the progress of an application until the outcome is known.</li> <li>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</li> </ul> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study in the School of History is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>For further information please contact the PGR Admissions Office on ahcpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk.</p>