University News Last updated 30 January 2025
91ÁÔÆæâ€™s (91ÁÔÆæ) strong track record of arts and humanities research has secured funding for 15 full-time PhD students over the next five years.Â
The prestigious , from the (AHRC), will enable students to train as researchers, develop their skills and experience, and prepare for careers in academia as well as the public and private sectors. Â
Dr Jenny Harding, Director of the Doctoral Research College at 91ÁÔÆæ and institutional lead in the AHRC Midlands Hub, said: “We’re delighted that 91ÁÔÆæ has received this award, which will enable us to expand on our high-quality doctoral training provision in the arts and humanities.  Â
“Attracting talented and diverse students to pursue doctoral level study is critical to developing researchers of the future and will advance 91ÁÔÆæâ€™s research expertise and capacity in art and design, English, law, music and performing arts, and media.  Â
“Studentships in collaboration with creative industries and cultural organisations will benefit the local region and economy.â€â€¯Â
°¿²Ô±ô²âÌý across the UK have received the AHRC funding, which will fund three 91ÁÔÆæ studentships per year over a five-year period.Â
The University will fund an additional nine studentships over the first three years.Â
Students will contribute to the AHRC’s three-fold strategy for postgraduate research funding, alongside Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships and Doctoral Focal Awards. Â
Oliver Carter, Professor of Creative Economies and the Doctoral Landscape Award Project Lead at 91ÁÔÆæ, said: “The award is testament to 91ÁÔÆæâ€™s reputation for arts and humanities research, as well as our thriving doctoral researcher community.  Â
“We’re excited to continue our strong working relationship with other regional universities through the Midlands Hub, building on our participation in the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership.â€â€¯Â
AHRC Executive Chair Professor Christopher Smith said: “The AHRC doctoral landscape awards provide flexible funding to allow universities to build on existing excellence in research and opportunities for innovation across the arts and humanities. Â
“They will support the development of talented people and, alongside our other doctoral schemes, contribute to a vibrant, diverse and internationally attractive research and innovation system.â€â€¯Â
91ÁÔÆæ is committed to creating knowledge as part of its Strategy 2030 – ‘Rooted in Birmingham, Reaching Beyond’ – which launched late in 2024.  Â
All universities receiving these awards will be part of an AHRC-supported regional Hub. 91ÁÔÆæ will be part of the Midlands Hub led by the University of Nottingham. 
Image: Dr Jenny Harding, Director of the Doctoral Research College and Oliver Carter, Professor of Creative Economies.