AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership studentships

Entry
2025
Scholarships collections
Research Council Scholarships

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) supports research that furthers our understanding of human culture and creativity. The AHRC funds research on a wide range of subjects, from traditional humanities (such as history, English or philosophy) to creative and performing arts (such as drama, dance or music).

The AHRC-funded studentship competition opens each autumn for students starting the following September. The studentship includes a personal and professional development programme which complements and adds value to the training already on offer at the University.

AHRC-funded students can access resources available in all Scottish higher education institutions. They will also be able to attend unique training opportunities developed in partnership with SGSAH’s supporter organisations. These include:

  • National Museum of Scotland
  • National Library of Scotland
  • National Theatre of Scotland
  • National Galleries of Scotland
  • BBC Scotland
  • Scottish Opera
  • Royal Scottish National Orchestra
  • Royal Scottish Chamber Orchestra
  • Edinburgh International Book and Film Festivals
  • Scottish Sculpture Workshop
  • a diverse range of local and regional arts, culture and heritage organisations.

AHRC supports students by providing exclusive access to training events, mentoring, talks, visits, funded placements and internships. In 2015, SGSAH launched its new internship programme, which includes an artist-in-residence element. Through the internship programme, students can extend their funded period to accommodate placements or residencies funded through the programme.

Value of award (per year)

Home tuition fees at UKRI rate (£4,786 2024-25)

Annual stipend paid monthly at UKRI rates (£19,237 from 1 October 2024-25)

Duration of award

up to 4 years (based on full fee paying years). It does not include periods of leave, write-up, continuation or extension

At what stage of my course application can I apply for this scholarship?

Please apply after you have submitted your application for an eligible course at the University of St Andrews. You do not need to wait until you have received an offer of a place before applying.

Application restrictions

Study level

Available to students studying at:

Postgraduate research

Subjects

Available to students studying:

Scottish and English literature; Theology; Philosophy; Linguistics; Modern Languages; International development, Diplomacy and International Relations; Media; History; Creative Writing; Drama, Theatre Studies and Performance; Music; Visual Arts; Museum Studies; Classics; Art history and Archaeology. Please visit the SGSAH website for full details.

Domicile for fee status

Scotland home, Rest of UK, Overseas

Schools

Available to faculty members from:

Art History, Classics, English, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Modern Languages, Philosophy

Application assessment

Academic merit

Available to

Prospective students

Mode of study

Full time, Part time - daytime

Additional criteria

All funding and reporting is via the University and students will be requested to provide project details for the AHRC annual submission via the student data portal (SDP) in October of the first year. Additional information may be requested at any time and any changes in status or the project should be forwarded to the finance advice and support office on AHRCfas@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Limited awards may be available for International applicants. Please check the full UKRI eligibility criteria.

How to apply

Apply to an eligible course at the University of St Andrews by completing the research application form. Prior to applying, you must make contact with a potential supervisor.

Full details of the internal application process can be obtained from the postgraduate office in your prospective Academic School: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/about/schools/

Applicants must have been accepted to study a PhD at one of the Doctoral Training Partnership members:

  • Glasgow School of Art
  • Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  • the universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Highlands and Islands, St Andrews, Strathclyde or Stirling.

Applicants must be nominated for an award by their higher education institution. SGSAH encourages and welcomes cross-institutional supervisory teams.

Residency eligibility criteria apply.

Terms and conditions

Please read the University of St Andrews scholarships terms and conditions

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Any issues with fees and funding should be reported to finschol@st-andrews.ac.uk in the first instance.

Current award holder should refer to the AHRC Training Grant Funding Guide for full details on RTSG claims, fieldwork expenses, maternity cover and any other LOA’s or extensions likely to affect funding or submission dates. Requests for these should be emailed to Registry and the financial advice and support adviser on AHRCfas@st-andrews.ac.uk.

It is the responsibility of the student to notify the University as soon as possible of any interruption to study and return to study thereafter. Guidance for a request can be found on our Leave of Absence page. Please refer to the AHRC terms and conditions regarding funding and interruptions.

If a student is prevented by sudden illness or accident from following their studies for a period of more than two weeks, they should inform Registry immediately and provide them with a medical certificate, even if a formal leave is not requested.

Students are reminded that they must comply with both the AHRC and the University of St Andrews terms and conditions whilst registered.

Contact

ahrcfas@st-andrews.ac.uk

Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities