AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award at the University of Sheffield 2027/2028

Applications are open for the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award at the University of Sheffield for the 2027/2028 academic year. The award is funded through the Arts and Humanities Research Council and supports postgraduate researchers undertaking doctoral study within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Sheffield.

The University of Sheffield’s Doctoral Landscape Award is associated with the AHRC North and Northwest Hub, which brings together the University of Sheffield and nine other regional universities. The wider Doctoral Landscape Award programme is part of UK Research and Innovation’s investment in postgraduate research training and aims to strengthen the breadth of research skills and doctoral activity across the United Kingdom.

For the 2027/2028 intake, the University of Sheffield will support four full PhD studentships. Up to one studentship may be allocated to an outstanding international candidate, meaning overseas applicants are eligible to apply but should be aware that competition for the international place is expected to be particularly strong.

About the Opportunity

The AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award provides funded doctoral study for researchers whose proposed PhD projects fall within the scope of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

Students selected through the award will join the AHRC North and Northwest Hub cohort and are expected to participate fully in cohort training and related activities. The programme provides an opportunity to undertake advanced doctoral research while developing wider research, professional and transferable skills through the doctoral training environment.

The University of Sheffield is home to more than 200 PhD researchers within its Faculty of Arts and Humanities, alongside numerous research centres bringing together academic staff, postgraduate researchers, early career researchers and external stakeholders.

Opportunity Benefits

• Three and a half years of PhD funding

• Maintenance stipend at the UKRI rate

• Current stipend of £21,805 for the 2026/2027 academic year

• Tuition fees covered at the applicable Home or International rate

• Part time study supported on a proportional basis

• Membership of the AHRC North and Northwest Hub doctoral cohort

• Access to cohort training and development activities

• Opportunity to conduct doctoral research within the University of Sheffield Faculty of Arts and Humanities

• Access to Sheffield’s wider doctoral research environment and research centres

Programme Areas

Applicants may propose research within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, including areas represented by:

• English

• History

• Philosophy

• Digital Humanities

• Languages

• Arts

• Societies

• Law

• Interdisciplinary research within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Applicants should ensure that their proposed research is appropriate for the relevant academic school and that suitable supervisory expertise is available at the University of Sheffield.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be seeking admission to a PhD at the University of Sheffield within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

• Applicants must not already be enrolled on a PhD.

• Applicants should have a research proposal suitable for doctoral study within the Faculty.

• International applicants are eligible to apply.

• Up to one of the four annual studentships may be allocated to an outstanding international candidate.

• International applicants should be aware that competition for the available international place may be particularly strong.

• Applicants must complete the required PhD study application before submitting the funding application.

The University of Sheffield specifically states that the award is not open to candidates who are already enrolled on a PhD.

Required Application Materials

The application process consists of two stages.

• PhD study application submitted through the University of Sheffield online application portal

• PhD research proposal and other materials required for admission to the relevant programme

• University of Sheffield study application number

• Funding application submitted through the dedicated funding form

• Information requested within the funding application

Applicants should prepare their funding responses before starting the funding form because the University states that the funding application must be completed in one sitting.

How to Apply

1. Identify a suitable PhD programme within the University of Sheffield Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
2. Develop a strong doctoral research proposal that fits the academic area and available supervisory expertise.
3. Contact the relevant academic department or prospective supervisor where appropriate to discuss your proposed research. The University recommends prospective students engage with the relevant academic staff before beginning their application.
4. Submit your PhD study application through the University of Sheffield online application portal by December 14, 2026.
5. Obtain your University of Sheffield application number after submitting the study application.
6. Prepare your answers for the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award funding application.
7. Submit the funding application using the dedicated University funding form by 5 PM GMT on February 19, 2027.
8. Ensure that all information is accurate and that the funding application is completed in one sitting.
9. Monitor your email for further communication regarding academic assessment, nomination and the final selection process.