AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA)
Apply for one of five fully funded AHRC studentships
We have five fully funded AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award studentships available for October 2026 entry.
Three of these awards are available across all AHRC subjects; two are available within the thematic areas of 'Creative Places' and 'Policy in Place'
Each award will include tuition fees paid at the home rate and a minimum annual tax- living allowance of currently £20,780. Newcastle University will fund the difference between the home and international fees rate for international students who are awarded a studentship.
Additional research costs will also be available on application for primary research activities such as data collection and research-related travel.
The deadline for applications is 4pm on Friday 16th January. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors to discuss their applications.
Information on research areas can be found via School webpages and Faculty Research webpages
Supporting our applicants
Newcastle is committed to generating a diverse and inclusive doctoral community. We are looking to attract applicants from all backgrounds and believe this begins with the application process.
We will assess AHRC DLA applications not only on previous qualifications but will place a greater emphasis on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. You do not require a master’s qualification if you have a minimum 2:1 at undergraduate level and can evidence alternative experience in a work or research-based project equivalent to master's level. Research Training is mandatory throughout the DLA, to support students to become effective and confident independent research scholars.
We are adopting the Equity in Doctoral Education through Partnership and Innovation (EDEPI) Postgraduate Researcher Competency-based Admissions Framework.
How to apply
You must complete a two-stage application process. This requires you to apply for an offer of a PhD place at Newcastle University; and you must submit a Nomination Form and Competency-based Assessment Form.
AI notice: We have experienced reading AI generated answers and would strongly recommend you express your responses to the questions in your own voice. Our review panels are looking for genuine insights and authenticity is key in highlighting who you are, your passions and what drives you. Using AI may undermine the unique perspective you bring to your application and could detract from the opportunity to make a meaningful connection with the review panel.
Start your application
Stage 1:
You must register on the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal.
Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application.’
Use ‘Course Search’ to find your programme of study:
You can search for the Course Title using the programme code if known (for example ‘8210F’)
The Research Area, (for example ‘History’)
Select the programme of study, (for example, ‘PhD School of History, Classic and Archaeology (full time) – History’)
Provide the following information in the ‘Further Questions’ section:
- A completed DLA Competency-based Assessment Form - upload the document as your Personal Statement. We will not consider your application for a studentship award if we do not receive this completed form.
- The studentship code AHRC26 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field.
- An outline of your Research Proposal.
In addition, you will need to upload the following supporting documentation:
- Degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification if already completed.
Home and international applicants are welcome to apply. Applicants whose first language is not English need an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all sub-skills.
We will not consider applications received after the closing date for a studentship award.
Stage 2:
You must complete a Nomination Form and submit it the school you are applying to.