Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) scheme PhD Studentships
Cardiff University welcomes applications for 3 fully funded PhD studentships, funded through the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) scheme.
The scheme is an open competition, which means that applicants design their own project. This must fall under the remit of the subjects funded by the AHRC. This encompasses a broad range of Arts and Humanities subjects, including Archaeology, History, Languages, Literatures, Linguistics, Philosophy, Human Geography, Theology, Law, Political Science, Music, Media and Architecture, amongst others. View a full list of AHRC subjects.
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of postgraduate researchers from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.
Entry criteria
We welcome applications from full-time and part-time applicants from the UK or abroad (applicants from the EU are included as international students). A maximum of one international studentship from the three available in each cycle can be funded, in line with UKRI guidance.
Students in full-time employment during their PhD are not eligible for a studentship. A student in part-time employment during their PhD may be eligible for a part-time award; part-time study should not be less than 50% of full-time.
The award of studentships to international applicants is conditional upon their obtaining any necessary visas or permits to study in the UK and applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.
Successful applicants will be expected to be resident in the UK for the duration of their studies and living within a reasonable distance of Cardiff University, except for periods of fieldwork, placements, or research-related travel.
We are committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive postgraduate researcher community and welcome applications from under-represented groups.
Studentship value and length
The studentship includes tuition fees, a stipend set at UKRI rates (£20,780 at 2025-26 rates) and access to additional funding to support research and training needs.
The difference in fees between home and international students will be covered by the award. This means that international candidates will not be expected to cover this cost and will be fully funded but need to be aware that they will be required to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.
The studentship duration is for a minimum of 3.5 years and a maximum of 4 years, depending on the training needs of the researcher and the requirements of the project (for example, including a placement). The duration of the funding will be determined after awards are made and will not inform the allocation of awards
How to apply
Once you have decided the broad area in which you would like to develop your research proposal, you should find a potential lead supervisor at Cardiff University. You can do this by looking through the research profiles of staff in your chosen school, or by reaching out to the Director of Postgraduate Research in the School. You should discuss your proposal with your potential supervisor. Your chosen supervisor will be asked to confirm their support for your project as part of the selection process, so it is important that you approach them before applying.
Once you have confirmation of support from a potential supervisor and you have completed your research proposal, you should submit a formal application via the Direct Application Service for the relevant PhD programme, along with supporting documentation normally required by that programme. The relevant school will be able to support you in this process.
In addition to providing evidence to meet the standard School programme entry requirements, you should also complete and upload an additional form providing information specific to the DLA. This contains a statement outlining your potential and aptitude for study and a statement outlining the fit of your project to your chosen school at Cardiff. This should be uploaded to the Miscellaneous Information ‘Supporting Documentation’ section of the University online application form. In the funding section of the standard University application form, you should note that you wish to be considered for the AHRC DLA.
Your completed application (including all supporting documentation) should be submitted via the direct application system by 29 January 2026.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh or English. Detailed application guidance is available to help you.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview in April 2026. Applicants can choose to be interviewed in English or Welsh.
