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Study in UK | University of Brighton AHRC PhD Studentships 2026

February 18, 2026 7:30 am

Study in UK | University of Brighton AHRC PhD Studentships 2026

Students aiming to commence a fully funded PhD in the United Kingdom during 2026 now have a premier opportunity to secure substantial research funding. The University of Brighton has opened applications for its AHRC PhD Studentships 2026, backed by the prestigious Arts and Humanities Research Council. For the October 2026 intake, the university offers three fully funded doctoral positions in arts, architecture, and humanities disciplines. Consequently, selected candidates receive complete tuition coverage and a generous annual stipend designed to support focused research and professional development.

Comprehensive Funding Package

Each successful applicant benefits from a robust financial and training package that enables full immersion in doctoral studies. The studentships provide:

Full coverage of Home (UK) tuition fees for the entire PhD duration.
An annual tax-free stipend at current UKRI rates, approximately £20,780 per year.
Additional dedicated funding for research activities, training programmes, and professional development.
Access to interdisciplinary doctoral training workshops and seminars.
Opportunities for collaborative and community-engaged research projects.
Membership in a regional AHRC doctoral training hub with extensive networking potential.
Structured career development support for both academic and industry pathways.

Therefore, recipients can concentrate entirely on advancing their research while building valuable skills and professional connections.

Research Themes and Collaborative Opportunities

These studentships particularly welcome innovative proposals in creative disciplines, community-focused research, digital humanities, artificial intelligence and creative technologies, heritage studies, and visual storytelling. Scholars join a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment at Brighton, gaining exposure to real-world partnerships. Notably, candidates may explore potential Collaborative Doctoral Awards involving museums, archives, and heritage institutions, thereby enriching their research with practical engagement and professional networks.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

Candidates seeking these funded doctoral positions must satisfy the following conditions:

Normally holds a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
Meet the AHRC’s doctoral funding eligibility criteria.
Align their research proposal with arts, architecture, or humanities themes.
Secure written support from a confirmed University of Brighton academic supervisor before submitting an application.
Demonstrate English language proficiency with an overall IELTS score of 7.0, including a minimum of 7.0 in writing.
Commit to residing within a reasonable travel distance of the university during the PhD programme.
Submit a well-developed research proposal alongside academic transcripts, references, and required documentation.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying successfully requires early preparation and direct engagement with potential supervisors. Follow this structured approach:

Identify a Supervisor: First, explore the University of Brighton academic staff profiles to find a supervisor whose expertise aligns with your research interests.
Initiate Contact: Next, email your short research concept of approximately 300 words to the prospective supervisor, outlining your proposed project and its relevance to the university’s strengths.
Develop Full Proposal: If the supervisor supports your idea, collaboratively refine a detailed research proposal up to 2000 words, including research questions, methodology, and timeline.
Gather Documents: Then, assemble all required materials, including transcripts, references, a passport copy, English test results, and your finalized proposal.
Submit Online Application: Complete the University of Brighton PhD application form through the official portal, ensuring you include your confirmed supervisor’s name.
Prepare for Interview: Shortlisted candidates will receive invitations for interviews in early April 2026. Final outcomes will be announced by the end of April.

How to Apply

Access the official application portal and detailed guidance here:

Click Here to Apply

Crucially, speculative applications without confirmed supervisor support will not be considered.

Critical Application Deadline

All complete applications must reach the university by 22 February 2026 at 11:59 PM UK time. Submissions received after this deadline will not be eligible for consideration. Given the limited number of studentships and the requirement for supervisor endorsement, you must initiate contact and develop your proposal well in advance.

In summary, the University of Brighton AHRC PhD Studentships offer a transformative pathway to fully funded doctoral research in the arts and humanities. By securing supervisor support early and crafting a rigorous, compelling proposal, you position yourself to join a dynamic research community and advance your academic career with comprehensive financial backing. Begin your preparations immediately to meet the approaching deadline.