School of Law (William Harrison) Doctoral Scholarships 2026/27

Two full scholarships are available in the School of Law to prospective UK postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27. These scholarships are open to UK applicants only and provide full UK fees with a tax-free maintenance allowance that matches UKRI rates (currently &pound;20,780 in 2025/26), which rises annually in line with UKRI rates for 3.5 years. They are available to full-time or part-time UK candidates who have been offered a place on a PhD degree at the School of Law. One scholarship will be awarded by the School, and the other will be funded through the William Harrison Doctoral Scholarship and awarded as 'The School of Law William Harrison Doctoral Scholarship'. The William Harrison funding is an endowed scholarship provided by a donation to the School of Law.<br /> <br /> The School of Law is an outstanding place to study. We have been consistently ranked amongst the top 10 UK law schools. The last REF found that 88% of our research is either world-leading or internationally excellent and placed us 4th in the UK for overall research impact. We especially welcome applications that connect to the work of our four research centres: the Centre for Criminal Justice Studies, the Centre for Law &amp; Social Justice, the Centre for Business Law and Practice, and the Centre for Innovation and Research in Legal Education.<br /> <br /> Supporting PhD study is central to our identity. We have a vibrant and inclusive community of around 90 postgraduate researchers within the School. We seek to attract the brightest and best scholars and provide them with an outstanding study experience. We also ensure that they have access to a huge array of career and personal development opportunities. Our postgraduate researchers are encouraged to get involved in a range of academic and social events, networks, and societies. <br /> <br /> We are committed to diversifying our community 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 on merit and ability.

<p><strong>Duration and Value of the Award </strong></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><strong>Eligibility Criteria </strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Conditions </strong></p> <ul> <li>Awards must be taken up by <strong>1 October 2026</strong></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><strong>Selection Process</strong></p> <ul> <li>The deadline to be considered for the PhD School of Law Doctoral Scholarship is <strong>Wednesday 15^th April 2026</strong>. Before you can apply for this scholarship, you will need to apply for your study place and have your 9-digit student identification number. We strongly advise you to submit your study application at least 2 weeks before the scholarship deadline to allow the Admissions team time to process your application. </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> </ul>

<p><strong>Stage 1</strong></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 “The School of Law Doctoral Scholarship”. You will be expected to meet <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/law-research-degrees/doc/entry-requirements-1">our eligibility criteria</a> for PHD candidates.</p> <p>In order to be considered for the Studentship you must submit all the <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/law-research-degrees/doc/apply">required supporting documents</a> for your application for PhD study.</p> <p><br /> Once you have received your student ID number (a 9-digit number) move onto stage 2.</p> <p><strong>Stage 2</strong><br /> <br /> Apply for the School of Law Doctoral Scholarship by completing the <a href="https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/leeds/school-of-law-doctoral-scholarship-2026-27-1">Scholarship Application Form</a>. You must submit your scholarship application by <strong>12.00 p.m. on Wednesday 15th^th April 2026</strong></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <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 this scholarship in the School of Law should normally have a first-class Undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) AND/OR a Distinction (or predicted Distinction) in their Masters degree (both in an appropriate discipline). 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 postgraduate research study in the School of Law is an IELTS of 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 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.

<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Admissions Office.<br /> e: <a href="mailto:applypgr.socialsciences@leeds.ac.uk?subject=School%20of%20Law%20Doctoral%20Scholarship">applypgr.socialsciences@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>