The Stanley Ray PhD Scholarship at the University of Birmingham is a prestigious doctoral funding opportunity offered by the College of Arts and Law. Established through the generosity of the late Stanley Ray, the scholarship supports outstanding postgraduate research students across a range of arts and humanities disciplines.
The award is open to Home, EU, and International applicants, as well as current doctoral researchers, and funding will be available from September 2026.
This scholarship is designed to provide meaningful financial support to students undertaking full-time or part-time, campus-based PhD study, helping them progress their research within a world-class academic environment.
Scholarship Details
- Qualification type: PhD (Postgraduate Research)
- Institution: University of Birmingham
- College: College of Arts and Law
- Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Study mode: Full-time or Part-time
- Number of awards: One
- Funding start date: September 2026
Funding and Financial Support
The Stanley Ray Scholarship provides the following financial support:
- £10,000 per annum for full-time PhD students
- £5,000 per annum for part-time PhD students
For Home students, the award typically contributes toward tuition fees and provides a small monthly maintenance allowance. For International students, the scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount.
The scholarship does not cover full international tuition fees or provide a full maintenance stipend, but it offers valuable financial assistance to help offset the costs of doctoral study.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to a broad range of applicants, including:
- UK (Home), EU, and International students
- New applicants to a PhD programme
- Current doctoral researchers already enrolled in the College of Arts and Law
- Self-funded students seeking partial financial support
Applicants must be enrolled in, or applying for, a campus-based postgraduate research degree within one of the following Schools:
- English, Drama and Creative Studies
- History and Cultures
- Languages, Cultures, Art History and Music
- Philosophy, Theology and Religion
While the scholarship is open to all eligible disciplines listed above, preference is given to applicants studying:
- English Literature
- French
- Music
- Shakespeare Studies
Who the Scholarship Is For
The Stanley Ray Scholarship is particularly well suited to doctoral researchers who:
- Are undertaking high-quality, original research in the arts and humanities
- Require partial funding support rather than a fully funded studentship
- Are committed to contributing to the academic and research culture of the College of Arts and Law
- May already be enrolled in a PhD programme and seeking additional financial assistance
The award reflects the College’s commitment to supporting talented researchers from diverse backgrounds at different stages of their doctoral journey.
Application Process
There is one single application process covering all doctoral scholarships offered by the College of Arts and Law.
Applicants must complete both of the following steps:
- Apply for admission to a PhD programme within the College of Arts and Law (if not already enrolled)
- Submit the College of Arts and Law doctoral scholarship application form, indicating that they wish to be considered for the Stanley Ray Scholarship
Applicants may indicate interest in multiple funding opportunities within the same scholarship application form.
Key Dates
- Scholarship advertised: 23 January 2026
- Application deadline: 27 February 2026
- Funding start date: September 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
About the College of Arts and Law
The College of Arts and Law at the University of Birmingham is internationally recognised for excellence in research and teaching across the humanities. The College offers a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment for postgraduate researchers, with strong interdisciplinary links and a commitment to supporting academic development.
Doctoral researchers benefit from access to specialist supervision, research training, academic networks, and professional development opportunities designed to support both academic and non-academic career pathways.
Enquiries and Further Information
Applicants with questions about eligibility, the application process, or doctoral study within the College of Arts and Law are encouraged to make contact by email:
- Email: [email protected]
Prospective applicants are advised to make enquiries well in advance of the deadline to ensure they have sufficient time to complete both the programme and scholarship applications.
