PhD Funding
We are delighted to invite applications for postgraduate research funding. We cannot guarantee funding, but we are happy to offer advice, support, and feedback on funding applications and research proposals.
Applying for funding
Your first step should be to get in touch with the member of staff you are hoping to work with. The funding application process is very competitive and, in addition to achieving a distinction/first class in your previous studies (Masters level and/or Bachelors level depending on the point at which you are applying), your proposal will need to be very carefully crafted.
We would, therefore, suggest this contact is made at least eight weeks before submitting a final funding application. This will allow your proposed supervisor to discuss your research proposal with you and offer advice on your application.
Fees
Information about fees for our research programmes can be found on the PhD fees page.
Funding Competitions
The following funding competition is now open for 2024 entry:
AHRC White Rose College of Arts and Humanities (WRoCAH) Open Competition Scholarships
- AHRC White Rose College of Arts and Humanities (WRoCAH) Open Competition Scholarships
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Deadline for application: 17:00 GMT, Wednesday 24 January 2024
The White Rose College of the Arts & Humanities (WRoCAH) is a Doctoral Training Partnership of the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York. It is responsible for the distribution of AHRC-funded doctoral studentships for these universities and for the coordination of a doctoral training programme.
WRoCAH has around 45 AHRC studentships that will be awarded through open competitions.
Award Details: WRoCAH studentships cover UK/home tuition fees and an annual stipend. More information on the award details and eligibility criteria are available through the WRoCAH website.
Guidance notes: applicant guidance notes are available here. (For the most up to date version of this guidance please access via the WRoCAH website) You should read the guidance notes carefully before beginning your application, paying particular attention to the Grade Descriptors (from p22) as well as the step-by-step guide to the questions in the form (from p6).
Please note that you can only apply for one studentship at one of the above universities.
Key steps for WRoCAH application:
Contact your proposed supervisor to discuss their availability and your initial proposal. Apply to the Philosophy PhD programme at Sheffield - please ensure your referees are aware of the funding deadline. Submit a draft of your funding application by 17:00 GMT, Monday 8 January 2024, using this Google Form. If you are unable to access Google Apps you can email your draft funding application form to pgrphilosophy@sheffield.ac.uk, with the subject line ‘DRAFT WROCAH APPLICATION’. Your draft will be reviewed by the department and feedback will be emailed to you by the end of Monday 15 January 2024. Submit the WRoCAH funding form through the WRoCAH website by 17:00 GMT, 24 January 2024.
- Humanitarian NGOs and Trade Unions: a history of conflict and collaboration
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The following funding competitions are now open for 2024 entry.
Humanitarian NGOs and Trade Unions: a history of conflict and collaboration
Deadline for expressions of interest: 12 noon Thursday 28 March 2024
This is a Collaborative Doctoral Award project scholarship funded by the AHRC White Rose College of Arts and Humanities (WRoCAH).
Project summary
This project examines the changing relationship between humanitarian NGOs and trade unions across the twentieth century, with a particular focus on the archives of Save the Children. In recovering the contours of this past relationship, it revitalises historiographies on political participation in contemporary Britain, and provides strategic insight for project partner Save the Children in the present day. Full project description.
Award Details: WRoCAH CDA studentships cover UK/home tuition fees and an annual stipend (£18,622 in 2023/24). International students are eligible to apply for this Studentship and the difference between the UK/home and International fee will be met by the University of Sheffield for a successful international applicant. More information on the award details and eligibility criteria are available through the WRoCAH website.
Applying: Expression of interest, including CV and covering letter, should be submitted through the WRoCAH website.
Please note that you do not need to apply for a PhD course place at Sheffield ahead of expressing interest in this project. Short-listed applicants will be advised to submit a course application prior to interview.
For more information about this project contact:
Dr Emily Baughan, Department of History, University of Sheffield (emily.baughan@sheffield.ac.uk)
Dr Juliano Fiori, Save the Children UK (j.fiori@savethechildren.org)
PhD scholarships
PhD Research Council Scholarships
General information about Research Council scholarships can be found here.
The Research Council that is relevant to applicants is the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The WRoCAH scholarship detailed above is the relevant scholarship provided by AHRC.
University of Sheffield scholarships
These include:
- University of Sheffield Research Scholarships (Not currently available to Arts & Humanities applicants)
- Hossein Farmy Scholarships (Closed)
- China Scholarship Council (Open)
School/project scholarships
Departments and Supervisors may have funding for specific projects throughout the year. When available these projects may be advertised in the PhD projects directory or via information provided on Departmental webpages
Postgraduate Doctoral Loans
Government loans are available for postgraduate students studying doctoral level courses. Loans are non-means tested i.e. your incoming will not effect the amount that you receive and are available to students studying either part-time or full-time.
More information including eligibility criteria
Funding research study through a student loan is a big commitment and we would strongly recommend talking about this option with your proposed supervisor.
Other funding bodies
Many charities, foundations and trusts provide funding for postgraduate study, from small grants to full scholarships. Some are for specific subject areas while others have more general eligibility criteria. Please see our list of additional funding for more information.
Income from teaching
The Department offers some paid teaching to its PhD students. From early in their PhD studies, students are eligible to run tutorials for first-year undergraduates on a range of topics. More senior PhD students can then apply for the opportunity to design and deliver a whole module on the topic of their research. Other students gain some lecturing experience through delivery of one or two lectures for an existing module.