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United Kingdom PhD Fully Funded

Durham University Transformative Humanities PhD Studentships 2027

Durham University offers up to eleven fully funded PhD studentships in Transformative Humanities for October 2027 entry, covering tuition fees and living stipends for 3.5 years (full-time) or 7 years (part-time).

October 13, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Jan 15, 2027

Quick Overview

Host CountryUnited Kingdom
University/OrgDurham University
Degree LevelPhD
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyArts and Humanities, Classics, English Studies, Social Sciences, Transformative Humanities
DeadlineJanuary 15, 2027

Scholarship Overview

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Overview

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Durham University is offering up to eleven PhD Studentships in Transformative Humanities for candidates beginning their doctoral studies in October 2027. These awards are funded through the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award and supported jointly by the Faculties of Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences.

The scheme targets outstanding researchers whose projects align with Durham’s Transformative Humanities framework—an initiative emphasising cross-disciplinary approaches to humanities research that address contemporary global challenges.

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What the Scholarship Covers

Each successful applicant receives comprehensive financial support:

  • Tuition fee waiver — full coverage of university fees
  • Maintenance stipend for 3.5 years (full-time) or 7 years (part-time), set at UKRI standard rates
  • Additional funding opportunities for research activities
  • Training and placement resources to support career development

The UKRI stipend rate for 2026/27 is approximately £18,622 annually for full-time students, though the 2027/28 rate will be confirmed closer to the award date.

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Eligibility Requirements

This competition has specific eligibility criteria that African and SADC applicants should note carefully:

  • PhD admission to Durham University with a supervisory team led by Arts & Humanities or Social Sciences
  • Supervision must involve collaboration across at least two departments (cross-disciplinary requirement)
  • Up to nine awards for home (UK) students covering home tuition fees
  • Up to two awards for overseas students covering overseas tuition fees

For Zimbabwean and SADC applicants, this means competing for one of only two overseas fee-waiver positions. Overseas status typically attracts higher tuition fees, making these two awards particularly valuable for international candidates.

Application Process

The application process involves several stages. Candidates are strongly advised to begin early:

Step 1: Contact Potential Supervisors

Before applying, reach out to potential supervisors to discuss your research project. This preliminary contact is essential for developing a viable proposal that meets the cross-disciplinary requirement.

Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

Submit your application through Durham’s online system to the PhD programme of your lead supervisor’s department. Available departments include:

  • Classics and Ancient History
  • English Studies
  • History
  • Modern Languages and Cultures
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Theology and Religion

Step 3: Indicate Funding Scheme

In the funding section under ‘Scholarship details,’ type ‘Transformative Humanities’ to be considered for this scheme. You may list additional schemes if applying to multiple opportunities.

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

Your complete application must include all specified materials (see Documents section below).

Key Dates

  • Information session: 10 November 2026, 11:00 GMT (online via Teams)
  • Application opens: October 2026
  • Application deadline: 15 January 2027, 12:00 noon UK time
  • Notification of results: March 2027
  • Programme start: October 2027

Research Proposal Guidance

Your research proposal (maximum 1,000 words including footnotes, excluding bibliography) must clearly address:

  • Research questions and academic context
  • Intended approach and methodological framework
  • Relevance to transformative humanities
  • Fit with Durham University’s research strengths

Given the competitive nature of this scheme—especially for the two overseas positions—proposals should demonstrate exceptional clarity, originality, and alignment with Durham’s strategic priorities.

Contact and Support

For questions about the scheme, contact: artsandhumanities.pgrteam@durham.ac.uk

Attend the information session on 10 November 2026 for direct Q&A with programme administrators. A Teams link will be available on the official Durham University funding page.

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Official scholarship page: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/arts-humanities/study/postgraduate-funding/phd-studentships-in-transformative-humanities/

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Full tuition fee waiver; UKRI-rate stipend for 3.5 years full-time or 7 years part-time; additional research funding; training and placement resources

Eligibility Criteria

PhD students accepted to Durham University with supervisory team led by Arts & Humanities or Social Sciences; supervision must span at least two departments; up to 9 awards for home/UK students, up to 2 awards for overseas/international students

Required Documents

Research proposal (max 1,000 words including footnotes, excluding bibliography); CV (max 2 pages); Equal opportunities monitoring form with submission code; Contact details for two referees

Application Process

1) Contact potential supervisor(s) to discuss project; 2) Submit online application to lead supervisor's department PhD programme; 3) Indicate 'Transformative Humanities' in scholarship details section; 4) Upload all required documents; 5) Ensure referees submit letters via online system
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but with important limitations. The scheme explicitly offers only up to two awards for overseas students covering overseas tuition fees. All other African applicants would compete for these two positions against other international candidates worldwide. You must also secure PhD admission at Durham with a cross-departmental supervisory team before being considered.
The stipend follows UKRI rates and is paid for 3.5 years if studying full-time or 7 years if part-time. This covers living expenses in the UK. The exact 2027/28 rate has not been published, but the 2026/27 UKRI rate is approximately £18,622 annually. The award also includes full tuition fee waiver and additional research funding.
Your proposal must clearly define research questions, methodology, and relevance to 'transformative humanities'—research that addresses contemporary challenges through humanities approaches. Crucially, it must demonstrate fit with Durham University and explain how two departments will collaborate on supervision. The 1,000-word limit includes footnotes but not bibliography.
The deadline is 15 January 2027 at 12:00 noon UK time (GMT/BST). Applications received after this time will not be considered. For African applicants, this is typically 14:00 in South Africa/Zimbabwe during standard time, but verify daylight saving adjustments.
While not strictly mandatory, the scheme 'recommends' contacting potential supervisors beforehand. Given the cross-departmental supervision requirement and competitive nature—especially for overseas applicants—early contact is practically essential. Supervisors can help refine your proposal and confirm departmental fit.
With only two overseas awards available from eleven total positions, competition is intense. Success requires exceptional academic credentials, a precisely aligned research proposal, confirmed cross-departmental supervision, and early preparation. Consider also applying to other Durham funding schemes simultaneously, which you can indicate in your application.

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