Students planning to begin a fully funded PhD in the UK in 2026 now have a major opportunity to secure research funding through the University of Brighton AHRC PhD Studentships 2026. Backed by the prestigious Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), this doctoral funding round offers fully funded PhD positions with tuition fee coverage and a generous annual stipend for selected candidates.
For October 2026 intake, the University of Brighton is offering three fully funded PhD studentships in arts, architecture, and humanities. Each award covers Home tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stipend at UKRI rates currently set at £20,780 per year, alongside research and training support. With strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and career development, this funding is designed for scholars ready to push creative and academic boundaries.
This opportunity is particularly attractive for applicants seeking funded doctoral study in creative disciplines, community-focused research, digital humanities, AI and creative technologies, heritage, and visual storytelling. Candidates will join a vibrant research environment while receiving structured doctoral training to support long-term academic and professional careers.
Benefits of University of Brighton AHRC PhD Studentships 2026
Winning one of the three AHRC-funded PhD studentships at the University of Brighton provides a comprehensive funding package and access to high-level research training. Each selected doctoral researcher will receive full tuition support and a competitive annual stipend designed to sustain living and research costs throughout the PhD journey.
The studentships provide:
- Full Home (UK) tuition fee coverage
- Annual tax-free stipend of approximately £20,780 at UKRI rates
- Additional research, training, and development funding
- Access to interdisciplinary doctoral training and workshops
- Opportunities for collaborative and community-engaged research
- Participation in a regional AHRC doctoral training hub
- Career development support for academic and industry pathways
Scholars will also benefit from Brighton’s collaborative research culture and exposure to real-world partnerships, especially through potential Collaborative Doctoral Awards with museums, archives, and heritage institutions.
Eligibility Requirements for AHRC PhD Studentships 2026
If you are aiming for a funded PhD in arts and humanities fields, these studentships are open to candidates with strong academic or professional backgrounds and innovative research ideas.
Applicants must:
- Normally hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification
- Meet AHRC doctoral funding eligibility criteria
- Align research proposal with arts, architecture, or humanities themes
- Secure support from a University of Brighton academic supervisor
- Meet English language requirement (IELTS 7.0 overall, writing 7.0)
- Be willing to reside in the UK within reasonable travel distance
- Submit a well-developed research proposal
- Provide transcripts, references, and required academic documents.
How to Apply for University of Brighton AHRC PhD Studentships 2026
Applying for these funded PhD positions requires early preparation and direct engagement with a potential academic supervisor. The process is structured and research-focused to ensure strong candidate selection.
Here is the simplified step-by-step application process:
Step 1: Identify a potential supervisor
Explore University of Brighton academic staff and research areas to find a suitable supervisor aligned with your research idea.
Step 2: Contact supervisor with proposal idea
Email a short research concept (around 300 words) explaining your proposed project and its relevance to the university’s strengths.
Step 3: Develop full research proposal
If supported by a supervisor, prepare a detailed research proposal including research questions, methodology, and timeline (up to 2000 words).
Step 4: Prepare application documents
Gather transcripts, references, passport copy, English test results, and finalized research proposal.
Step 5: Submit online application: https://www.brighton.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/funding-opportunities-and-studentships/funded-phds-ahrc-landscape-award.aspx
Complete the University of Brighton PhD application form and include your confirmed supervisor’s name.
Step 6: Interview stage
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews in early April 2026, with final outcomes announced by end of April.
All applications must be submitted with supervisor support. Speculative or unsupported applications are not accepted.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the University of Brighton AHRC PhD Studentships 2026 is 22 February 2026 (11:59 PM UK time). Applicants must submit their complete application with supervisor support before this deadline to be considered for the fully funded doctoral awards starting in October 2026.