Home / Scholarship / Study in UK | Stanley Burton Research Scholarship 2026 at University of Leeds

Scholarship

Study in UK | Stanley Burton Research Scholarship 2026 at University of Leeds

December 21, 2025 9:02 am

Study in UK | Stanley Burton Research Scholarship 2026 at University of Leeds

The prestigious University of Leeds has officially opened applications for the 2026 Stanley Burton Research Scholarship. Established through a generous legacy gift, this fully funded PhD award seeks to support one exceptional postgraduate researcher in the School of Music for the 2026–2027 academic year. If you possess a groundbreaking research idea in any music-related field, this is your invitation to pursue doctoral studies without financial constraints at a world-renowned Russell Group institution.

A Comprehensive Funding Package for Your Doctoral Journey

This scholarship is designed to provide complete financial security, enabling you to dedicate your full attention to original research and academic development. The funding package, commencing in October 2026, covers the full duration of a PhD program.

Specifically, the scholarship provides:

Full Tuition Fee Coverage: The award pays the full UK academic tuition fees for your doctoral program.
Annual Maintenance Stipend: You will receive a generous tax-free living stipend of £20,780 per year (based on the 2025/26 rate), which will increase annually in line with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rates.
Long-Term Support: Funding is available for up to three and a half years of full-time study, with part-time awards also available on a pro-rata basis.
Renewable Award: The initial scholarship is granted for one year and is renewed annually based on satisfactory academic progress.

Recipients must start by 1 October 2026 and live within commuting distance of the University. Selection is based solely on academic merit.

Are You Eligible for This Prestigious Award?

Before starting your application, ensure you meet all the core eligibility criteria set by the University of Leeds:

Academic Qualifications: You must hold, or be in the final stages of completing, a first degree equivalent to a UK Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or higher. Crucially, you cannot already hold a doctoral degree or be currently registered in a PhD program.
Programme of Study: Your application must be for a new, full-time or part-time PhD program within the University of Leeds School of Music.
English Language Proficiency: All applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements, which is an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no component less than 6.0, or an accepted equivalent qualification.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Successful Application

Applying for this competitive scholarship requires careful planning and attention to detail. The application deadline is Monday, 1 June 2026, at 17:00 UK time.

To submit a strong application, follow these essential steps:

Develop Your Research Proposal: First and foremost, craft a compelling and original research proposal. This is the cornerstone of your application and should clearly articulate the significance, aims, and methodology of your proposed PhD project in music.
Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather all necessary documentation, which typically includes your academic transcripts, a detailed CV, and two strong academic references.
Submit a PhD Application: You must first submit a formal application for admission to a PhD program in the School of Music through the University of Leeds online application system.
Secure the Scholarship: To be considered for the Stanley Burton Scholarship, you must tick the relevant funding box within the PhD application form and clearly state “Stanley Burton Research Scholarship” as your chosen source of funding.

Click Here to Apply

The selection involves a shortlist by the School of Music, followed by a final decision by the University’s PGR Recruitment Group. Shortlisted applicants will receive a decision within about 10 weeks of the deadline.

Don’t miss this fully-funded opportunity to advance music scholarship. For full details and to apply, visit the University of Leeds funding page.