University of the Arts London Postgraduate Research Studentships 2026

University of the Arts London offers 4 PhD studentships in arts, design and communication that embody our commitment to making the world a better place through creativity, embedding social purpose in all that we do.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMay 11, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of the Arts london
• City to studyLondon
• School to studyUniversity of the Arts london
• Eligible CountryUnited Kingdom

Benefits

UAL Awards provide:

• full funding for 3 years (full-time)
• Home (UK) tuition fees
• a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£23,805 for 2026/27)

Requirements

• New applicants only (not currently enrolled PhD students).
• Available for full-time or part-time study.

Please note: International applicants may apply, but must pay the difference between Home and Overseas fees. The International ‘Online’ route for distance learners is not available for these studentships.

• UAL value the diverse experiences that strengthen our research community.
• UAL warmly welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. This includes but is not limited to different ethnicities, genders, religions, care-experienced applicants, first-generation students, disabled and neurodivergent applicants and those with non-linear career paths for there is no single or correct route into a PhD

Selection Process

Candidate's preparedness and potential

• transferable and/or technical skills
• relevant professional, academic or lived experience fit to the project
• creativity and resilience
• motivation
• understanding of researcher development

Quality of research proposal

• originality
• coherence
• potential for impact
• ethical considerations
• alignment between the applicant and the research as well as with the partner

Contribution to the research environment

• capacity
• commitment to engagement with UAL and partner communities

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

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Applications must include:

1. completed UAL online PhD application, submitted to the college hosting your chosen project
2. studentship project title clearly quoted in your application
3. personal statement (maximum 500 words; read our guidance [PDF 211KB]) describing:
   • motivation and connection to the topic
   • relevant experience and preparation
   • what you will bring to the research project
   • contribution to the research community
4. project proposal (maximum 1000 words) addressing the Project Brief:
   • your focus or emphasis in relation to the brief and your research question(s)
   • research context and how your work relates to existing practice or scholarship
   • proposed methodologies/methods
   • anticipated contribution to your discipline, profession, community or other relevant field
5. short bibliography of cited sources, uploaded to the online application system
6. CV, uploaded to the online application system.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview with a panel convened by UAL.

\

For more details,, visit UAL Scholarship webpage