University of Brighton Funded PhD in Surfacing and sharing visual design records through AI-driven datasets 2026

The University of Brighton and The National Archives are pleased to announce the availability of a fully funded Collaborative doctoral studentship from October 2026, under the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) scheme.

This studentship seeks to open broader engagement with design-related visual collections at the National Archives and the University of Brighton Design Archives by creating datasets to enable cross-collection investigations and explorations.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMay 31, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Brighton
• City to studyLondon
• School to studyUniversity of Brighton
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• CDP doctoral training grants fund full-time studentships for 48 months (4 years), or part-time equivalent.
• The award pays tuition fees up to the value of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) full-time home rate for PhD degrees. The UKRI Indicative Fee Level for 2026-27 is £5,238. See Residential eligibility criteria above for funding restrictions for overseas applicants.
• The award also pays an annual stipend for all students, both home and international. This stipend is tax free, and is the equivalent of an annual salary, enabling the student to pay living costs. The UKRI Minimum Doctoral Stipend is £21,805. There is also a CDP maintenance payment of £600 per year. 
• Further details can be found on the UKRI website. 
• The student will also be eligible to claim up to £4,000 worth of research-related expenses from The National Archives.

Requirements

Academic entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree and desirably hold or expect to achieve excellent grades in a masters degree, in a relevant subject from a UK university or comparable qualifications from another recognised university. Specifically, the successful applicant will be required to demonstrate software design and development skills and experience, including using digital infrastructures and suitable approaches for these developments. 

Applicants are also required to submit a research proposal of no more than 1,000 words

Residential eligibility criteria?

International applications are welcome however the difference between home and international fees will need to be met by any successful candidate. The indicative difference between home and international fees for 2026-27 is £10,262.

English language entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must have successfully completed a Secure English language Test (SELT) in the last two years. Applicants who have obtained or are studying for a UK degree may apply without a SELT. However, the university may request a SELT is taken as part of any award made.? 

English language IELTS requirements are 7.0 overall, 7.0 for writing, and none below 6.5.

University of Brighton will accept a number of English language qualifications including IELTS. Please contact us if you have any queries arising from this. Further details can be found here:? 

Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)?

Application Documents

The application is complete once you have submitted all of the following:? 

• your research proposal, indicating how you respond to the project (max. 1000 words)
• Copies of your bachelors and masters certificates, including transcripts (or interim transcripts if not yet completed.? 
• Copy of your IELTS (or equivalent) certificate (if applicable).? 
• Copy of your passport.? 
• Two references uploaded or requested - one must be an academic reference from your most recent period of study. Both must have been written within the last 

Check also:
Free Ongoing Fully Funded Scholarships Guide 2026 (Download Now)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

1. Click the 'apply online now' button, on the right.? 
2. Select 'register and start a new application', to create your user account.? 
3. Once you are logged in, select 'apply to a new course'.? 
4. Select the type of course 'research degree'.? 
5. Select mode of study 'full-time' or 'part-time'.? 
6. Select 'Doctoral College'.? 
7. Select 'Surfacing Visual Design Records’
8. Click 'apply'.? 

You will now be able to complete the online application form.? 

For more details, visit University of Brighton Scholarship webpage