AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA)
Apply for one of three fully funded AHRC studentships
We have a minimum of 3 fully funded AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award studentships available for October 2026 entry. These awards are available across specific AHRC thematic areas, to be announced soon.
Each award will include tuition fees paid at the home rate and a minimum annual tax- living allowance of currently £20,780. Successful international applicants may have to fund the difference between the home fees and international fees.
Additional research costs will also be available on application for primary research activities such as data collection and research-related travel.
We will announce the studentship competition timeline soon. Prospective applicants and supervisors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the application process in the meantime.
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, which requires you to first apply for an offer of a PhD place at Newcastle University; then you must complete a DLA Nomination Form if you are selected by your school to be nominated for a studentship award.
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:
Your school will consider your PhD application and will nominate their strongest applicants to the final stage of the competition.
If your school selects you, you and your supervisory team must complete the AHRC DLA Nomination Form
You must include the following attachments:
- A Maximum of Two References.
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Transcripts (not Degree Certificates).
Current master’s students must provide evidence of provisional marks / marks received to date.
- Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
We will separate this from the Nomination Form before circulating the nomination for review. The assessors will not view it.
- Competency-based Assessment Form
A copy of the form you uploaded with your online postgraduate application form.
We cannot consider incomplete nominations or nominations received after the deadline under any circumstances.