AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award (UCL)

What the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award gives you

You get your full tuition fees paid, plus a yearly maintenance stipend to live on: about EUR 27,000 (GBP 23,466) for 2026/27. A stipend is a fixed living allowance. It is raised slightly each year at UKRI rates. You also get a Research Training Support Grant: money towards fieldwork, conferences and specialist training. The funding runs for 3.5 years full time, or up to 7 years part time. The money comes from the UK's Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and is managed by University College London (UCL). For October 2026, UCL has three of these awards to give out. International students are covered too. UCL adds an "International Scholars Award for Doctoral Training" to pay the gap between home and overseas fees. Note that visa costs and the NHS health surcharge are not included.

Who can apply

• Level: You are applying to start a PhD (doctoral research degree) at UCL in October 2026. You do not need an offer yet, but you must be under consideration for a place.
• Subject: Your PhD must be in one of the eligible arts, humanities or social-science departments, such as History, Philosophy, English, Classics, History of Art, Archaeology, Information Studies, the Slade School of Fine Art, SSEES or SELCS.
• Where you study: You spend most of your studies in the UK. Time abroad is allowed only for fieldwork or a long-term placement.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply, both UK (Home) and international students. Up to one third of the awards can go to international candidates.
• Grades: You have an excellent academic record. Academic merit is the main thing panels look at.
• Current situation: You can apply if you are finishing a Master's and will start the PhD in October 2026. You cannot apply if you are already doing a PhD or working full time.
• Timing: You must take up the award in 2026/27. You cannot postpone it.

How to apply

You apply through the UCL department where you want to do your PhD. Send your application form, CV, transcripts and references there. Each department sets its own deadline, so check the department's page. Departments must nominate their top candidates to the faculty by 30 January 2026. A faculty panel then scores nominees mainly on their research proposal. Successful applicants hear back from early to mid-March.

How realistic are your chances?

With only three awards for October 2026 and a large, well-known funder behind them, this is competitive. Your department must rate you among its very best before you even reach the faculty panel. The research proposal counts for most of the score, so a sharp project that matches a UCL supervisor's interests is what decides it. If you have strong grades, a clear proposal and a supervisor whose work fits yours, applying early to your chosen department gives you a real shot.