New Generation PhD Scholarships (School of Arts, Languages and Cultures) 2026 Entry
Fully-funded PhD scholarships for Black or Black Heritage candidates.
Funding introduction
Excellence through Diversity scholarships that provide fully-funded PhD scholarships for Black or Black Heritage candidates who have a record of academic excellence and demonstrate the potential and motivation for postgraduate research.
The School of Arts, Languages and Cultures sits in the Faculty of Humanities, part of The University of Manchester, and is located in the vibrant and diverse city of Manchester. The principles of equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded in our teaching and research, ensuring a positive and inclusive environment for work, study and research.
We are committed to improving the diversity of our student and staff populations, as well as the diversity of the academy and researchers in the Humanities.
Key features of this scholarship
- Full tuition fee award for 3.5 years (full-time or part-time).
- Annual UKRI maintenance stipend - (this was £20,780 p/a 2025/26).
- Three awards available for Black/ Black British students.
How to be considered
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to everything we do at The University of Manchester. We know that a diverse research community drives creativity, productivity and research quality, and strengthens our impact on society and the economy.
We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and career paths. We encourage interest from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
These scholarships are open to UK-domiciled applicants who qualify for home fee status and who identify with one of the following groups currently under-represented in postgraduate research in the Humanities:
- Black/Black British - African
- Black/Black British - Caribbean
- Black/Black British - Other
- Black/Black British background - Mixed
Section 9 of the application asks for your funding intentions. Candidates for this award will be identified based on whether you have indicated your intention to apply for a New Generation PhD Studentship.
If you identify with the above specified criteria, please add a funding source to section 9 and populate the fields as below:
- Type of Funding: Uni of Manchester Scheme
- Awarding Body (free text): SALC New Generation
- Status of Funding: Intend to Apply
This funding is available to students undertaking study in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures in:
- Anthropology, Media and Performance
- Arab World Studies
- Archaeology
- Art History and Visual Studies
- Arts Management and Cultural Practices
- Chinese Studies
- Classics and Ancient History
- Digital Humanities, Cultures and Media
- Drama
- East Asian Studies
- English Literature, American Studies and Creative Writing
- French Studies
- German Studies
- History
- Humanitarianism and Conflict Response
- Institute for Cultural Practices
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Linguistics and English Language
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Music
- Religions and Theology
- Russian and East European Studies
- Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies
- Translation, Interpreting and Intercultural Studies
Academic requirements
You must meet the academic requirements of your programme.
For most programmes in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, this is:
- Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
- Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent)
You must submit your online application for a place on your chosen Postgraduate Research programme by .
To enter the competition, you must also submit an application for: ESRC North West Social Science DTP (NWSSDTP)
Section 9 of the application asks for your funding intentions. Candidates for this award will be identified based on whether you have indicated your intention to apply for a New Generation PhD Studentship.
If you identify with the above specified criteria, please add a funding source to section 9 and populate the fields as below:
- Type of Funding: Uni of Manchester Scheme
- Awarding Body (free text): SALC New Generation
- Status of Funding: Intend to Apply
Your full online application must include:
- A 1,500 word PhD research proposal; Please state the word count on page 1 of the document.
- A copy of your bachelor's and master's academic transcript and certificate. If your master's degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript.
- An up-to-date academic CV summarising your academic record, employment history, publications and highlighting experience demonstrating your research potential.
- The names of two academic referees, including one from your most recent institution. Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following the submission of your application form.
- A certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency.
Successful candidates will be chosen on the basis of:
- Academic merit and preparedness for research
- Quality and feasibility of research proposal
- Consideration of ethical responsibility
This award will cover:
- Full tuition fee award for 3.5 years (full-time or part-time).
- Annual UKRI maintenance stipend - (this was £20,780 p/a 2025/26).
Offers of funding are not deferrable. If you cannot start your programme by the date mentioned in your studentship offer letter, the award will be withdrawn. You are permitted to re-apply in future.
Application Deadline – tba
Receive Formal Offer – tba
Funding Interview Decisions – tba
If you have any questions about this studentship, please contact hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
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