College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Awards

The College Research Student Awards scheme is designed to attract high quality students applying for PhD research.

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As a student with us you will work with some of the most influential academics in your chosen field and learn about the very latest developments in your subject. Those chosen exemplify the high standards the University of Edinburgh sets for its research students and the investment that we make in their potential.

Who can apply

The College Research Awards have a high number of applicants, and as a result are highly competitive. Applicants with an outstanding track record of academic achievements and research potential are encouraged to apply. Those candidates with research areas that fall under UK Research Council Awards and meet eligibility criteria are advised to apply to the relevant Research Council as well. 

Tips for writing a successful proposal

We recommend that you submit a project that can result in an initial thesis being submitted within 3 years, in line with the length of funding available. 

Your proposal should provide insight into what you plan to research, how you will conduct your research, and the contribution(s) it will make. At this stage your proposal provides evidence of your ability to write, think, create, and argue. It also helps indicate how your research will fit into the institution and its goals. A strong proposal contains a clear proposition and/or question, sets up outcomes that can be delivered, contains several propositions which are then connected to for the structure, is intelligible to non-experts, has a relevant audience, and shows critical thinking.

Awards

The award provides full tuition fees with an annual stipend for three years or part time equivalent. The stipend will be set to the UKRI level for 2025/26. The UKRI level for 2025/25 is currently £19,237 for full-time students, or the pro rata equivalent for part-time students.

Eligibility

Candidates for the College Research Award must be seeking to start their first year of full-time, part-time or distance PhD study in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences within the academic year 2025/26.  MSc by Research programmes are not eligible.

Criteria

Applicants must be of outstanding academic merit and research potential.

Applying

Applications are made via the EUCLID Scholarships Portal.

The scholarship deadline is 3rd February 2024: you are strongly advised to ensure that you have submitted your application for admission at least five working days before this date and within the School admission deadline if earlier. 

  • Please note that some Schools have admission application deadlines which are earlier than this scholarship deadline. Please check the relevant School PhD Scholarship webpage.
  • Applicants within the Edinburgh College of Art are advised to refer to ECA College Research Awards for additional requirements.
  • Applicants within Moray House School of Education and Sport are advised to refer to the MHSE College Research Award page for additional statement requirements.
  • Applicants within the School of Social and Political Science are advised to refer to the SPS Research Award page for additional statement requirements.

 Frequently Asked Questions

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Notification

Applicants will be notified of their standing by their intended School of study.  Please contact your School's postgraduate office for information on your status.

Further Information

 pgawards@ed.ac.uk