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Postgraduate Research in the Faculty

Learn more about your postgraduate research career with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

A diverse community of postgraduate researchers

In the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, postgraduate researchers work across 35 disciplines and represent over 70 countries. Each person brings their own unique mix of knowledge and experience. Together, we form an intellectually rich and diverse community.  

The research culture at Newcastle University is well placed to tackle some of the most significant challenges faced by society. However, we also strive to provide an environment in which we can encourage our trainee researchers to push boundaries. We want you to feel confident in asking some of the most difficult questions about our world. 

Joining our postgraduate research community

Postgraduate research students within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences provide a critical role in sustaining and enhancing our thriving research environment.

You will join an exciting cohort of interdisciplinary thinkers. We'll provide you with support and training to ensure you reach your full potential. You will have a dedicated postgraduate supervisor. You will also be supported by an independent Dean of Postgraduate Studies.

Contact Dr Ian Biddle, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, with any questions you have about postgraduate research in the Faculty.

Email: hasspgdean@newcastle.ac.uk

two female students chatting outside the Armstrong building

PhD support from Newcastle University Doctoral College

Do you wish to pursue a PhD (or MPhil) in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences? Our Doctoral College can support you in every aspect of your academic, personal, and professional growth.  

The College also offers a range of additional grants to support your research work. For information on the grants we offer to support your research, see the College’s funding page.

Supporting the research leaders of the future

The Newcastle University Academic Track (NUAcT) Fellowship scheme aims to find and develop our research leaders of the future. Schools across the University have appointed more than 15 Fellows per year to the scheme, since it was launched in 2019. These colleagues are often pursuing interdisciplinary projects that span different academic areas.

We are investing £30m over five years to build and support this scheme. 

Graduate School

When you join us as a postgraduate research colleague, you become a member of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Graduate School. This is a diverse and globally inclusive community of students and staff engaged in postgraduate activity across our academic schools. 

Through the Graduate School, we provide guidance and support from application to graduation.  

Visit the Graduate School or email the team directly: gradschool@ncl.ac.uk

HaSS and SAgE Graduate School
Level 6, Sir Henry Daysh Building
Newcastle upon Tyne
United Kingdom
NE1 7RU

Doctoral training

We are part of two large Doctoral Training partnerships. They offer funding opportunities to a small number of candidates each year. Below is an outline of these programmes and links to find out how to apply.  

Northern Bridge Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership

What is the Northern Bridge Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership?  

Northern Bridge Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership (NBCTDP) is a collaboration between Durham University, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Queen’s University Belfast, Sunderland University, Teesside University and Ulster University and their non-HE partners.

NBCTDP brings together the expertise and resources of all partners involved. It is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

What does it offer?  

NBCTDP funds up to 67 doctoral studentships from a full range of arts and humanities subjects. Candidates are chosen during an annual competition to select the best doctoral candidates. Successful applicants receive a comprehensive package of financial support over the duration of their studies.

Northern Ireland North East Doctoral Training Partnership

What is the Northern Ireland North East Doctoral Training Partnership?  

Northern Ireland North East Doctoral Training Partnership (NINE DTP) is a collaborative enterprise between seven Universities across Northern Ireland and the North East of England.

It is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, with support from the Department for the Economy Northern Ireland (DfENI). The goal is to support outstanding students with fantastic opportunities to conduct their Doctoral studies and develop core research skills in an exciting and creative environment. 

What does it offer?  

NINE DTP funds up to 50 studentships from across the seven partner Universities. This includes funding to support:

  • Doctoral studies on three/four-year (PhD),
  • three-and-a-half year programmes (PhD with Research Methods)
  • three/four-year (Masters and PhD) programmes (or part-time equivalent where applicable)