The University of Aberdeen is proud to announce the AHRC – Research Council Awards for the academic year 2025-2026. This prestigious funding opportunity, supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), is available under the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). The awards are open to both new and continuing PhD students pursuing doctoral research in a wide range of Arts and Humanities disciplines.
The University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495, is one of the oldest universities in the UK. Located in Scotland, it has a rich history of academic excellence, blending ancient traditions with modern research and teaching. Over the centuries, it has produced notable alumni and fostered innovations in various fields, making it a globally recognized institution. Today, the university offers a wide range of programs and is known for its research impact, particularly in the sciences, arts, and humanities.
Table of Briefs
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | AHRC – Research Council Awards under SGSAH Doctoral Training Partnership |
| Eligible Subjects | Archaeology, History, Creative Writing, Law, Media, Modern Languages, Music, and more |
| Eligibility | New and continuing PhD students with remaining 50% of their programme |
| Funding | Covers tuition and provides a stipend for the remaining PhD duration |
| Application Deadlines | 29 November 2024 |
| Further Information | Attend the info session on 4 November 2024 at Crombie Halls |
Background
The AHRC – Research Council Awards are part of a broader initiative funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to foster high-level research in the Arts and Humanities. As part of a ten-university consortium, the University of Aberdeen provides PhD students the opportunity to receive comprehensive funding, covering both tuition fees and living expenses. This scholarship operates under the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), offering support across numerous disciplines ranging from Cultural Studies to Visual Arts. This award represents a vital resource for students aiming to contribute to cutting-edge research in their fields.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this prestigious award, applicants must:
- Be a new or continuing PhD student at the time of application.
- For continuing PhD students, at least 50% of the PhD programme (3.5 years full-time or 7 years part-time) must remain at the time funding begins in October 2025.
- Students who are ‘writing up’ or ‘thesis pending‘ are not eligible.
- Applicants are generally expected to hold or be pursuing a Master’s degree relevant to their chosen field of study. However, professional experience may also be considered for those without a Master’s qualification.
Benefits
The AHRC – Research Council Awards provide financial support to doctoral students, covering:
- Tuition fees for the remaining period of the PhD programme.
- A maintenance stipend for living costs, provided on a yearly basis for the remainder of the PhD.
Application Process
The application process is split into two stages:
Stage 1: Application for University Nomination
- Submit an application for PhD study at the University of Aberdeen by 12 noon (GMT) on 29 November 2024 via the university’s online application system. When applying, list “AHRC SGSAH DTP Scholarship” as your intended funding source.
- Complete the SGSAH DTP Scholarship Nomination Application Form and submit it along with your PhD application.
- Attach relevant academic references and undergraduate/postgraduate transcripts. Combine all documents into a single PDF file named “AHRC – [Your Surname, First Name]”.
Submit the PDF to pgrs-studentships@abdn.ac.uk by 12 noon (GMT) on 6 December 2024.
Stage 2: Application to SGSAH
If nominated by the University of Aberdeen, you will proceed to Stage 2, where you submit a detailed application to the SGSAH by 14 February 2025 (subject to confirmation).
Important Dates
 Application Deadline: 29 November 2024.
Conclusion
The AHRC – Research Council Awards represent an exceptional opportunity for PhD students in the Arts and Humanities. By providing comprehensive financial support and fostering a collaborative research environment through the SGSAH Doctoral Training Partnership, this award empowers scholars to advance their academic careers in some of the most prestigious universities in Scotland. For those who meet the eligibility criteria and are eager to contribute to the academic community, applying for this scholarship could be the next step toward achieving your academic and research ambitions.