Applications open for 2026 University of Manchester / SHF studentship

The Stuart Hall Foundation is delighted to continue working with the School of Social Sciences at the University of Manchester to offer a studentship for a PhD candidate starting in September 2026.

The Stuart Hall Foundation Scholarship will be awarded to one student in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Manchester for a PhD starting in September 2026 and will cover fees and a stipend. The scholarship can be held in any of the eight Departments within the School of Social Sciences. It is expected that the award-winner will be working in an interdisciplinary area of study focused on one of Stuart Hall’s many areas of interest: cultural studies, race, ethnicity and inequalities. Successful applicants for the studentship will be invited to join the Stuart Hall Foundation Peer Network where they can benefit from its programme, which includes regular events and opportunities to develop their career and research profile.

This funding is available to all nationalities, and to students undertaking study in Criminology, Economics, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Social Anthropology, Sociology or Social Statistics in the School of Social Sciences.

This award will cover: 

• Fees (Home or overseas) for 3.5 years
• Stipend (maintenance) for 3.5 years (this was £20,780 p/a 2025/26)
• A research training support grant

Potential applicants should first apply to the Department of their choice for a PhD place, and will then be advised whether they can make a further application for this scholarship. See the website for information on the relevant Departments and how to apply for a PhD.

All Stuart Hall Scholarship Applications must be received by the Humanities Doctoral Academy before 5pm GMT, 2 March 2026.

In advance of this, you must submit your completed programme application by 1 December 2025.

Please note that this is a strict deadline and applications received after 5pm or incomplete applications will not be included in the competition.

If you have any questions about this studentship, please contact hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk 

Visit the University of Manchester website for more information.