The University of Sussex Scholarship 2027 in the UK offers an exciting opportunity for talented researchers to pursue doctoral studies in Arts and Humanities through the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA). The scholarship is open to eligible UK and international applicants planning to begin their PhD studies in September 2027.

The University of Sussex is offering up to six funded PhD scholarships, including opportunities supported by the Stuart Hall Foundation. Successful candidates can receive a tax-free annual stipend of £21,805, UK-rate PhD tuition fee coverage, and a Research and Training Support Grant of up to £2,000. The funding supports doctoral research, professional development, and research-related activities over 3.75 years.

University of Sussex Scholarship 2027 – Overview

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Host Institution: University of Sussex
• Scholarship Name: AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2027
• Scholarship Provider: Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
• Study Level: PhD / Postgraduate Research
• Eligible Applicants: UK and international applicants who meet the residency and other eligibility conditions
• Study Areas: Media, Arts, and Humanities
• Number of Scholarships: Up to 6, including up to 2 Stuart Hall Foundation Scholarships
• Annual Stipend: £21,805 (current UK Research Council rate for 2026–2027)
• Research Support: Up to £2,000
• Tuition Coverage: UK tuition fee rate
• Funding Duration: 3.75 years
• Study Commencement: September 2027
• Application Deadline: December 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM UK time

About the University of Sussex Scholarship 2027

The University of Sussex offers funded doctoral research opportunities to support outstanding researchers and encourage innovative academic work.

The 2027 AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award provides funding for PhD research across the university’s Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities. The program aims to develop researchers through independent research, academic training, and professional development opportunities.

Successful applicants will undertake a research project that can be completed within the funded period and participate in a funded three-month placement. Students will also benefit from training and development opportunities through a regional research hub.

The scholarship is offered in partnership with the Stuart Hall Foundation, which supports research addressing important questions relating to culture, society, race, and inequality.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants interested in the University of Sussex Scholarship 2027 must meet the following requirements:

• The scholarship is open to both UK and international applicants.
• Applicants must demonstrate an outstanding academic record or equivalent experience in a relevant academic, creative, or professional field.
• Applicants must apply for and receive an offer of admission to an eligible PhD program within the Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities at the University of Sussex.
• Candidates must plan to begin their doctoral studies in autumn 2027.
• Applicants must be able to undertake their studies while residing in the UK for the duration of the program, except for approved research fieldwork or conference activities.
• The proposed research must fall within the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s subject areas.
• Applicants must not have already commenced their doctoral studies.
• Candidates must meet the university’s PhD admission and English-language requirements.

Important for international applicants: Although international candidates can apply, the AHRC funding covers the UK tuition fee rate only. International students must arrange funding for the difference between the UK and international tuition fees.

Scholarship Benefits

The University of Sussex AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award provides the following financial and academic benefits:

• Annual Stipend: Receive a tax-free living allowance of £21,805 per year at the current UK Research Council rate for 2026–2027.
• Tuition Fee Coverage: Covers PhD tuition fees at the UK home student rate.
• Research and Training Support Grant: Provides up to £2,000 to support eligible research and training expenses.
• Funded Placement: Includes a three-month funded placement that can be completed flexibly.
• Research Training: Provides access to professional development and research training opportunities through a regional hub.
• Scholarship Duration: Funding is available for 3.75 years for full-time doctoral study.

Note: International students are responsible for covering the difference between the UK and international tuition fee rates, as well as other expenses not covered by the award. Relocation, visa, and NHS surcharge costs are not covered.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents for their PhD and scholarship applications:

• Completed University of Sussex PhD application form
• Academic degree certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Two academic references
• Research proposal
• Sample of written work of up to 5,000 words or an equivalent creative practice submission
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Any additional documents requested by the selected PhD program

Applicants should check the official scholarship instructions to ensure that all required documents are submitted before the deadline.

How to Apply for the University of Sussex Scholarship 2027?

Follow these steps to apply for the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award:

1. Explore Eligible PhD Programs: Visit the University of Sussex website and identify a suitable doctoral program within the Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities.
2. Develop Your Research Proposal: Prepare a research proposal that aligns with the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s research areas.
3. Prepare Your Supporting Documents: Collect your degree certificates, transcripts, academic references, CV, and sample of written or creative work.
4. Complete the Online Application: Apply for an eligible PhD program through the University of Sussex postgraduate application portal.
5. Select the Scholarship: In the funding section of your application, enter AHRC DLA 2027 or AHRC DLA STUART HALL 2027, depending on the scholarship you wish to be considered for.
6. Submit Your Application: Make sure your application includes the required supporting documents and complete references before the deadline.
7. Wait for the Selection Results: The university will assess applications based on research quality, academic potential, and suitability for the supervisory team and research environment.

Applicants who already hold a confirmed PhD offer and have deferred their start to autumn 2027 must follow the separate instructions provided by the university.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the University of Sussex AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2027 is December 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM UK time.

Applicants should submit their complete PhD and scholarship applications before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the University of Sussex Scholarship 2027 fully funded?

The AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award provides a stipend, UK-rate tuition fee coverage, and research support of up to £2,000. However, international students must cover the difference between the UK and international tuition fee rates.

2. Who can apply for the University of Sussex PhD Scholarship 2027?

Both UK and international applicants can apply if they meet the academic, research, admission, and UK residency requirements.

3. What is the monthly stipend for the University of Sussex Scholarship?

The scholarship provides a tax-free annual stipend of £21,805 at the current 2026–2027 UK Research Council rate.

4. Does the scholarship cover international tuition fees?

The AHRC award covers tuition fees at the UK home rate. International students are responsible for arranging additional funding to cover the difference between the home and international tuition fees.

5. What is the duration of the University of Sussex PhD Scholarship?

The scholarship provides funding for 3.75 years for full-time doctoral study, including a three-month placement.

6. What subjects are covered by the scholarship?

The AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award supports eligible research within Media, Arts, and Humanities at the University of Sussex.

7. Is the University of Sussex Scholarship open to international students?

Yes. International students can apply, but they must meet the UK residency requirement and arrange funding for any international tuition fee difference.

8. Is IELTS required for the University of Sussex Scholarship?

Applicants must satisfy the University of Sussex English-language requirements for their selected PhD program. The specific accepted qualifications and scores depend on the course.

9. How many scholarships are available in 2027?

The university is offering up to six AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards, including up to two Stuart Hall Foundation Scholarships.

10. What is the application deadline for the University of Sussex Scholarship 2027?

The deadline is December 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM UK time.

11. What documents are required for the application?

Applicants generally need academic certificates, transcripts, two academic references, a research proposal, and a written or creative work sample of up to 5,000 words or an equivalent creative submission.

12. Can I apply for the scholarship without a Master’s degree?

Applicants must meet the University of Sussex admission requirements for their chosen PhD program. Whether a Bachelor’s degree alone is sufficient depends on the specific doctoral program and its admission rules.

13. Does the scholarship cover visa and travel expenses?

No. The AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award does not cover relocation, visa, or NHS surcharge expenses.

Final Summary

The University of Sussex Scholarship 2027 in the UK offers eligible UK and international researchers an opportunity to pursue doctoral studies in Media, Arts, and Humanities. Through the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award, successful candidates can receive a £21,805 annual stipend, UK-rate tuition fee coverage, and up to £2,000 in research and training support. With funding available for 3.75 years, the scholarship supports independent research, academic development, and professional training. Interested applicants should review the eligibility conditions and submit their complete applications by December 10, 2026.