Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) invites applications for Doctoral Research Studentships in the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). The studentships are open to both UK and international students and are awarded based on outstanding academic potential. These studentships are for those wishing to pursue a full-time or part-time PhD programme starting in September 2026.

The awards will be made in mid-March 2026, with funding provided for up to three and a half years full-time or six and a half years part-time.

Eligibility

To be considered for a Doctoral Research Studentship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Qualification: Applicants must hold (or expect to hold by the end of the 2025-26 academic year) a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant field.

• PhD Programme: The studentships are available for full-time or part-time PhD programmes in one of the following areas within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS):

  • School of the Arts (English, Drama, Languages, Linguistics, Film)

  • School of Business and Management

  • School of Economics and Finance

  • School of Law (CCLS)

  • School of Society and Environment (Geography, History, Politics, International Relations)

Funding Details

The studentships cover:

• Full tuition fees

• Maintenance stipend at the QMUL rate:

  • £21,874 per annum (full-time)

  • £10,937 per annum (part-time)

The studentships are tenable for up to three and a half years full-time or six and a half years part-time.

BAME Studentships for UK Applicants

For the 2026-27 academic year, QMUL is offering a fully funded doctoral studentship specifically for a UK applicant from a BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) background. This studentship covers both tuition fees and the stipend at the QMUL rate and is aimed at improving the representation of BAME candidates in the research community.

Applicants for this studentship must:

• Be a UK permanent resident from a BAME background

• Be eligible to pay home student fees

• Apply by the same deadline as other studentship applicants.

How to Apply

Application Deadline

• General application deadline: Wednesday, 21 January 2026 (17:00 GMT)

• School of Business and Management: Friday, 16 January 2026 (17:00 GMT)

• Department of Law (CCLS): Monday, 4 December 2025 (17:00 GMT)

It is strongly advised to apply as early as possible.

Application Process

1. Apply for a place in your chosen PhD programme via the QMUL online portal.

2. Indicate on the application form that you wish to be considered for the HSS Studentship Competition.

3. Applicants for the BAME studentship should clearly state their eligibility and interest in the studentship in their statement of purpose.

If you have already submitted an application to QMUL for the PhD programme starting in September 2026, you may revise your research proposal and statement of purpose to align with the Guidance to Applicants.

For more information click here

How Applications Will Be Assessed

Applications will be reviewed in two stages:

1. Discipline Selection Panel: Applications will be evaluated based on:

   • Quality of proposal (50%)

   • Preparedness of applicant (25%)

   • Feasibility of project (25%)

2. Faculty Panel: Further evaluation based on:

   • Quality of proposal (40%)

   • Preparedness of applicant (20%)

   • Feasibility of project (20%)

   • School ranking (20%)

If two or more candidates are equally ranked, priority will be given to the applicant with the stronger research proposal.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 21 January 2026 (for most schools)

• Decision Announcement: Mid-March 2026

• Funding Available: Up to 3.5 years full-time or 6.5 years part-time