The Faculty of Arts and Humanities invites applications from outstanding UK and international students for a range of fully-funded PhD studentships to begin in the 2026/27 academic year.
We are globally recognised as leading research in Arts and Humanities, and we are committed to developing thoughtful, critical, and engaged citizens for a rapidly changing and complex world. Our vibrant and diverse research community is enriched by our several lively abd welcoming centres and institutes, including the Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies and the Institute for Medical Humanities.
Whatever your goal, the Durham PhD empowers you to combine rigorous research with high quality supervision and training to enable you to make a unique contribution to your field of study. You will have the opportunity to carry out your project in a supportive academic environment and through genuine collaboration with a diverse faculty community engaged in world-leading research.
With the support of our AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award and the Faculties of Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences, this scheme supports outstanding candidates on projects related to the themes of our Transformative Humanities framework. They include Creativity, Culture, and Heritage; Digital Humanities; Environmental Humanities; Medical Humanities; Science-Humanities; Social Justice, Communities, and Policy. Eight full studentships are available for projects beginning in October 2026: seven awards are open to home students and one award is open to overseas students.
Find out more about the PhD Studentships in Transformative Humanities
A centre of excellence for postgraduate social science scholarship, the ESRC NINE DTP (Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training Partnership) works with employers to ensure that doctoral training and research provides students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real world settings. This Partnership is supported by the Economic and Social Research Council.
The School of Modern Languages and Cultures and the Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (IMEMS) invite applications for two PhD studentships through the Institute’s flagship programme of research, Inventing Futures (IFs). These studentships are for full-time study and cover home-level fees and an annual stipend at the level set by UKRI. International candidates are eligible to apply, but must cover the difference between home and international fees.
Find out more about the Inventing Future Barker PhD Studentships
One full scholarship is available to a UK postgraduate researcher who demonstrates exceptional potential within the field of Modern European Languages, for entry in October 2026.
Find out more about the Barker Doctoral Scholarship in Modern European Languages
This award will cover home fees, catering and accommodation at St Mary's College, and a stipend to support a PhD student in the Department of Classics and Ancient History beginning in 2026/27.
Find out more about the Edna Jenkinson PhD Studentship in Classics
Up to 25 studentships are available to applicants from Mainland China wishing to study for a PhD in any discipline at Durham, thanks to our partnership with the China Scholarship Council.
Find out more about the China Scholarship Council
Durham alumni are eligible for a 10% discount on tuition fees for taught MA and MA by Research programmes in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances. The scholarships and bursaries are either funded by the University, through partnerships with external organisations or through generous donations from alumni and friends of the University.
Additional postgraduate studentship opportunities are listed at this page.
The scholarships, awards, and bursaries are dedicated to supporting students from countries around the world. Other options for funding your studies may also be available and can be found through the funding database.
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