Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The University of Sussex Stuart Hall Scholarship is a fully funded doctoral opportunity created through partnership between the University of Sussex and the Stuart Hall Foundation. Named after the influential cultural theorist Professor Stuart Hall, this scholarship specifically supports Black British postgraduate researchers pursuing PhD studies in Arts and Humanities or Social Sciences.
The scholarship runs for up to 4 years, including a funded 3-month placement project. For candidates without a Master’s qualification, the award may include one year of Master’s study before progressing to the PhD.
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What the Scholarship Covers
This is a comprehensive funding package designed to remove financial barriers to doctoral research:
- Full UK PhD tuition fees for the duration of study
- Annual stipend at UK Research Council rates: £21,805 per year
- Research and training costs: up to £3,000 for conferences, participant costs, overseas fieldwork, language training, and placement expenses
- Exclusive access to Stuart Hall Foundation resources and networks, including the annual gathering of Scholars and Fellows
- Regional hub membership providing innovative training and development opportunities
- Funded 3-month placement that can be completed flexibly (part-time or in several blocks)
The total financial support exceeds £24,805 annually when combining stipend and research allowances.
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Eligibility Requirements
This scholarship has specific eligibility criteria focused on supporting Black British researchers:
- Nationality/Residency: Black British candidates (United Kingdom)
- Academic level: Postgraduate researchers
- Field of study: Arts and Humanities or Social Sciences
- Degree requirement: PhD place at University of Sussex; Master’s qualification may be completed in year one if not already held
- Research scope: Independent research project achievable in 3.5 years
Note: Language proficiency tests are not required for this scholarship.
Research Areas and Eligible Courses
The scholarship supports a wide range of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines. Eligible courses include:
- African and Asian Studies
- Arabic and Islamic Studies
- Arabic Language and Literature
- Christian Religious Studies combinations
- History and related humanities disciplines
- Social Sciences research areas
Candidates should consult the University of Sussex’s research programmes to confirm their specific area aligns with eligible departments.
Application Process
The application follows a two-stage process with multiple review phases:
Step 1: Apply for PhD Admission
Submit your PhD application through the University of Sussex online portal. You must secure a PhD place before proceeding to the scholarship application.
Step 2: Submit Scholarship Application
Download the scholarship application form from the document link at the bottom of the official page. Write your application to be understood by non-specialists. Submit to: pgr-scholarships@sussex.ac.uk
Step 3: Shortlisting and Interview
Shortlisted candidates receive notification after the closing date. These candidates attend an interview before a final shortlist goes to the Stuart Hall Foundation.
Step 4: Final Selection
The Stuart Hall Foundation makes the final selection of the successful applicant.
Important Dates
Application deadline: 4:00 PM GMT on Thursday, 10 December 2026
Applicants should monitor their email for shortlisting notifications and interview invitations following the deadline.
About the Stuart Hall Foundation
The Stuart Hall Foundation works collaboratively to forge creative partnerships committed to public education and addressing urgent questions of race and inequality in culture and society. Scholarship recipients become part of this network, gaining access to resources, mentorship, and the annual gathering of Scholars and Fellows—creating valuable connections for academic and professional development.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Write for a non-specialist audience—avoid excessive jargon
- Clearly articulate how your research addresses questions of race, inequality, culture or society
- Demonstrate alignment with Stuart Hall’s intellectual legacy
- Ensure your research timeline is realistic for 3.5-year completion
- Highlight any relevant community engagement or public education experience
Why This Matters for Researchers from African and Diaspora Backgrounds
For scholars of African and Caribbean heritage in the UK, this scholarship addresses historical underrepresentation in doctoral programmes. The Stuart Hall Foundation’s explicit focus on race and inequality creates a supportive intellectual environment for research that engages with Black British experiences, postcolonial studies, and cultural politics. The flexible placement component allows candidates to build connections with communities, archives, or organisations relevant to their research.
Official scholarship page: https://scholarsregion.com/scholarship/university-of-sussex-qfulyb
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
