Birmingham City University (BCU) is offering six fully funded PhD studentships for 2026 entry through the Doctoral Landscape Awards, an AHRC-funded initiative designed to foster a vibrant and inclusive doctoral research culture in the arts and humanities, with a particular focus on Law. The scheme supports the professional and personal development of doctoral researchers, providing access to expert supervision, interdisciplinary training, and a wide range of facilities and cohort events across BCU and a regional hub of seven universities in the Midlands. Each year, at least one studentship is dedicated to a candidate from a Global Majority background, continuing BCU’s commitment to widening participation and diversity through the 'That’s Me!' initiative.

Research topics of interest in the Law Department include, but are not limited to, the death penalty, UN Universal Periodic Review, women's rights, rights of older persons and children, artificial intelligence and the law, freedom of religion or belief, sustainability, social justice, human rights education, competition law, corporate governance, environmental law, international criminal law, intellectual property law, corporate finance law, legal history, and legal education. The awards cover home tuition fees and provide a 3.5-year tax-free stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26), with additional funding opportunities and professional development. Part-time study is available with a pro-rata stipend over 7 years.

Applicants must be UK/Home Students eligible for Home Tuition Fees, not already holding a doctoral qualification or currently enrolled in a doctoral program, and their proposed research must fall within one of the AHRC’s primary subject areas. The application process includes submitting an online Expression of Interest (optional but encouraged) by 17 November 2025, and a full application with supporting documents by 27 January 2026. For further information, applicants can contact Dr Philip Oamen or Dr Amna Nazir at BCU.