AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award at the University of Sheffield, UK

Applications are now open for the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA) at the University of Sheffield for 2027/28 entry. This fully funded scheme offers four PhD studentships per year in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. Each studentship lasts 3.5 years (pro rata for part time study) and covers your tuition fees plus a yearly stipend of £21,805 at the UKRI rate for 2026/27.

Both UK and international students can apply, although only one place may go to an international candidate, so competition for it will be very strong. Candidates already enrolled on a PhD are not eligible. The study application deadline is Monday 14th December 2026, and the funding application deadline is 5 PM GMT on Friday 19th February 2027. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Host university: University of Sheffield
• Host country: United Kingdom
• Degree level: PhD
• Funding type: Fully funded
• Open to all nationalities: Yes
• Duration: 3.5 years (pro rata for part time study)
• Study application deadline: Monday 14th December 2026
• Funding application deadline: 5 PM GMT, Friday 19th February 2027

What This Scholarship Offers:

The AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award gives you the funding and support to focus fully on your PhD.

• You receive a yearly stipend of £21,805 to cover your living costs.
• Your tuition fees are paid in full at the Home or International rate.
• You get 3.5 years of funding to complete your PhD without financial pressure.
• You join a regional cohort of researchers across Sheffield and nine other universities, with training and events to build your skills and connections.
• You become part of a Faculty with more than 200 PhD researchers and over two dozen research centres.
• You can use the dedicated desk and social spaces at the Doctoral School Centre.

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Eligibility Criteria:

• You are applying for a PhD place at the University of Sheffield.
• Your research fits within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
• You are not already enrolled on a PhD. The scheme is not open to current PhD students.
• You can commit to taking part fully in the cohort training and other activities of the DLA North/Northwest Hub.
• You submit both a study application and a funding application before their deadlines.

International Applicants

International students are welcome to apply. However, up to one of the four studentships may be allocated to an outstanding international candidate, so competition for that place will be particularly intense.

Programs Available:

The studentships are available for PhD research in the four schools of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities:

• School of English
• School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities
• School of Languages, Arts and Societies
• School of Law

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Important Dates:

• Monday 14th December 2026: Study application deadline
• Friday 19th February 2027: Funding application deadline (5 PM GMT)
• March 2027: Faculty panel meets to confirm final selections
• End of March 2027: All candidates notified of the outcome

How Applications Are Assessed:

1. Applications are shared with the relevant school for the first phase of assessment.
2. Candidates selected by their school are nominated to a Faculty panel.
3. The Faculty panel meets in March 2027 and confirms the final selections.
4. All candidates are notified by the end of March 2027.

Tips for a Strong Application:

• Submit your study application well before 14th December 2026, because you need your application number to start the funding form.
• Draft your funding answers in the template first, since the form must be completed in one sitting.
• Choose the school that best matches your research topic.
• If you are an international applicant, make your case as compelling as possible, since only one place is available.

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How to Apply:

1. Open the official University of Sheffield postgraduate application portal, create an account and submit your PhD study application before Monday 14th December 2026.
2. Save the application number you receive after submitting.
3. Open the official funding application form and enter your study application number.
4. Prepare your answers in advance using the official template, because the form must be completed in one sitting.
5. Submit your funding application before 5 PM GMT on Friday 19th February 2027, then wait for the outcome by the end of March 2027.

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