PhD Funding & Scholarships

THE MANTON SCHOLARSHIP FOR DOCTORAL RESEARCH ON BRITISH AND IRISH ART AND ARCHITECTURE

Closing date for Manton Research Scholarship applications: 19 May 2025, 17:00 GMT.

Please note that Manton Research Scholarships cannot be awarded to any student who is also in receipt of AHRC/CHASE funding.

The first round of offers for Manton Research Scholarships will be made during the fourth week of May 2025.

The Manton Scholarship for Doctoral Research on British and Irish Art and Architecture aims to support an academically outstanding postgraduate ‘UK Fees’ student reading for a Ph.D. centred on the study of British and Irish art and/or architecture.

The scholarship will cover requisite University Fees for three years plus Fees for a writing up year, in addition to an annual maintenance stipend in the sum of £16,000 per annum for the first three years towards living costs (i.e. for term-time accommodation, food, household bills and course books).

This scholarship is offered through the generosity of the Manton Centre for the Study of British art, which is based within The Courtauld. The Centre, named after British art collectors and philanthropists, Sir Edwin and Florence, Lady Manton, will help secure The Courtauld’s ambition of becoming a world leader in the field of British art, and marks the continued and generous commitment of the Manton family to arts education.

The Manton Research Scholarship is open to any student holding an Offer to commence full-time studies leading to an award of a Ph.D. in the field of British or Irish art and/or architecture who fulfils the following qualifying criteria:

  • Candidates for the Manton Scholarship will hold an undergraduate degree, and will normally have a Master’s degree, or be in the process of completing a Master’s degree. In some circumstances The Courtauld will also welcome applications from candidates with sustained experience beyond their undergraduate degree level that is specifically relevant to their proposed research topic.
  • At present, the Scholarship is only open to Home Students paying UK Fees.
  • The Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding postgraduate student on the basis of academic excellence. The Scholarship Awards Committee will score applications according to the criteria listed below.
  • Where two or more applications for the Manton Scholarship are tied following the academic excellence sift, regard may be had to the Widening Participation Criteria listed below in furtherance of The Courtauld’s strategic aim of developing a diverse student body that is representative of the city in which we are located, and of the society in which we operate.

Applications for the Manton Research Scholarship must be submitted using the Manton Scholarship Application Form (found below) by Monday 19 May 2025, 17:00 GMT.

Criteria for the Award of Manton Research Scholarships

Academic Excellence

The Scholarships Award Committee will score 2025-6 Applications according to the following Criteria centred on Academic Excellence:

  • Your PhD Programme Application form
  • Your PhD Proposal / Statement
  • Your written work sample
  • Transcript of predicted/achieved grades
  • References uploaded to your Application
  • Your PhD Programme Interview
  • Overall assessment of the above by the Research Degrees Committee

 

Widening Participation

Where two or more applications are tied following the Academic Excellence sift, regard may be had to the following Widening Participation Criteria in accordance with the strategic aims of The Courtauld. The criteria are scored at differing levels.

  • Students from ethnic groups currently underrepresented at The Courtauld, including Black and Asian students, students from mixed and multiple ethnic backgrounds, and students from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities;
  • Students whose parents have not attended university;
  • Students who attended non-fee-paying schools;
  • Students who were, during their secondary education, in receipt of free school meals;
  • Students who were, during their undergraduate programme, in receipt of an undergraduate bursary designated as being for students from lower income families, including The Courtauld Bursary and/or James Hughes-Hallett Scholarship;
  • Students who were, during their undergraduate programme, in receipt of a student loan calculated at the maximum amount;
  • Students in receipt of Disability Support Allowance;
  • Students who are Care Leavers;
  • Students who themselves are the principal carer for a third party;
  • Students who are nationals of and who are currently ordinarily resident in a state designated within the least developed, low income or lower middle-income categories in the most recent list of ODA recipient states: https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/oda-eligibility-and-conditions/dac-list-of-oda-recipients.html;
  • Students who had experienced forced displacement and/or who hold refugee status and/or are qualified persons with Humanitarian Protection Status.

COURTAULD RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS

Closing date for Courtauld Research Scholarship applications: 19 May 2025, 17:00 GMT.

The first round of offers for Courtauld Research Scholarships will be made during the fourth week of May 2025.

The Courtauld is pleased to be able to offer a number of scholarships up to the value of £20,000 per year to assist in the completion of outstanding research projects which are believed to have the potential of making a significant impact within their particular academic field.

The number and individual value of these awards varies from year to year, dependent on need and resources.

  • These awards are open to any student holding an offer to commence Ph.D. studies at the Courtauld.
  • The Scholarship will be awarded to a limited number of outstanding postgraduate students on the basis of academic excellence. The Scholarship Awards Committee will score applications according to the criteria listed below.
  • Where two or more applications for a Courtauld Research Scholarship are tied following the academic excellence sift, regard may be had to the Widening Participation Criteria listed below in furtherance of The Courtauld’s strategic aim of developing a diverse student body that is representative of the city in which we are located, and of the society in which we operate

Please note that all applicants for Courtauld Research Scholarships will automatically be considered for The Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships. Applicants should submit only one application form (found below the next section) to be considered for both scholarships, indicating in the relevant section which one or more of The Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships available in their year of application they wish to be considered for in addition to The Courtauld Research Scholarship.

Applications for Ph.D. Courtauld Research Scholarships must be submitted using the Application Form for Courtauld Research Scholarships and Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships (below the next section) by MONDAY 19 MAY 2025 AT 17:00 GMT

Criteria for the Award of Courtauld Research Scholarships

Academic Excellence

The Scholarships Award Committee will score Applications according to the following Criteria centred on Academic Excellence:

  • Your PhD Programme Application form
  • Your PhD Proposal / Statement
  • Your written work sample
  • Transcript of predicted/achieved grades
  • References uploaded to your Application
  • Your PhD Programme Interview
  • Overall assessment of the above by the Research Degrees Committee

 

Widening Participation

Where two or more applications are tied following the Academic Excellence sift, regard may be had to the following Widening Participation Criteria in accordance with the strategic aims of The Courtauld. The criteria are scored at differing levels.

  • Students from ethnic groups currently underrepresented at The Courtauld, including Black and Asian students, students from mixed and multiple ethnic backgrounds, and students from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities;
  • Students whose parents have not attended university;
  • Students who attended non-fee-paying schools;
  • Students who were, during their secondary education, in receipt of free school meals;
  • Students who were, during their undergraduate programme, in receipt of an undergraduate bursary designated as being for students from lower income families, including The Courtauld Bursary and/or James Hughes-Hallett Scholarship;
  • Students who were, during their undergraduate programme, in receipt of a student loan calculated at the maximum amount;
  • Students in receipt of Disability Support Allowance;
  • Students who are Care Leavers;
  • Students who themselves are the principal carer for a third party;
  • Students who are nationals of and who are currently ordinarily resident in a state designated within the least developed, low income or lower middle-income categories in the most recent list of ODA recipient states: https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/oda-eligibility-and-conditions/dac-list-of-oda-recipients.html;
  • Students who had experienced forced displacement and/or who hold refugee status and/or are qualified persons with Humanitarian Protection Status.

THE COURTAULD POSTGRADUATE STUDIES SCHOLARSHIPS

Closing date for PhD Postgraduate Studies Scholarship applications: 19 May 2025, 17:00 GMT.

Please note that Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships cannot be awarded to any student who is also in receipt of AHRC/CHASE funding.

The first round of offers for Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships for PhD students will be made during the fourth week of May 2025.

The Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships are awarded to students who fulfil certain criteria with regard to background or area of study. These awards vary in amount, duration and criteria from year to year. Some of these scholarships are open to both M.A. and Ph.D. students.

Where the number of applications for these scholarships exceeds the number of scholarships available, awards will be made on the basis of academic excellence; and where two or more applications are tied on academic excellence, regard will be had to Widening Participation criteria in line with the Courtauld’s strategic aims.

Applications for Ph.D. students commencing postgraduate study within the Academic Year 2025-26 are currently being accepted for the following Scholarships:

  • American Foundation for The Courtauld Scholarship for Postgraduate Students (Any M.A. or Ph.D.)

A number of scholarships – generously funded by the American Foundation for The Courtauld Institute of Art (AFCIA) – are available to postgraduate students who are US citizens or permanent US residents and who are from a background which is underrepresented within higher education. These scholarships typically comprise a payment of £10,000.

  • Nicholas and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund for Medieval Art (M.A. History of Art or Ph.D)

This scholarship – generously funded by the Nicholas and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund Endowment – supports one student per year who is a Ph.D student or enrolled on the M.A. History of Art Programme and who is studying a Special Option centered on the study of Medieval Art. The value of this award averages £6,000 per year.

  • Harley Research Scholarship for Conservation of Easel Paintings (Ph.D. only)

A single scholarship – generously funded by Dr. Rosamond Harley at The Courtauld – is available to a PhD student researching the Conservation of Easel paintings. The value of this award averages at £5,000.   

  • University of London Studentship for Postgraduate Students from London (Any M.A. or Ph.D)

A number of University of London Studentships are available to any postgraduate student (M.A. or Ph.D.) whose principal address is situated within Greater London and who is from an underrepresented group in higher education. The value and number of these awards varies depending on financial need.

Please note that all applicants for Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships will automatically be considered for The Courtauld Research Scholarships. Applicants should submit only one application form (found below) to be considered for both scholarships, indicating in the relevant section which one or more of The Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships available in their year of application they wish to be considered for in addition to The Courtauld Research Scholarship.

Applications for Ph.D. Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships must be submitted using the Application Form for Courtauld Research Scholarships and Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships (below) by MONDAY 19 MAY 2025 AT 17:00 GMT

Criteria for the Award of Courtauld Postgraduate Study Scholarships

Academic Excellence

The Scholarships Award Committee will score 2025-6 Applications according to the following Criteria centred on Academic Excellence:

  • Your PhD Programme Application form
  • Your PhD Proposal / Statement
  • Your written work sample
  • Transcript of predicted/achieved grades
  • References uploaded to your Application
  • Your PhD Programme Interview
  • Overall assessment of the above by the Research Degrees Committee

Widening Participation

Where two or more applications are tied following the Academic Excellence sift, regard may be had to the following Widening Participation Criteria in accordance with the strategic aims of The Courtauld. The criteria are scored at differing levels.

  • Students from ethnic groups currently underrepresented at The Courtauld, including Black and Asian students, students from mixed and multiple ethnic backgrounds, and students from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities;
  • Students whose parents have not attended university;
  • Students who attended non-fee-paying schools;
  • Students who were, during their secondary education, in receipt of free school meals;
  • Students who were, during their undergraduate programme, in receipt of an undergraduate bursary designated as being for students from lower income families, including The Courtauld Bursary and/or James Hughes-Hallett Scholarship;
  • Students who were, during their undergraduate programme, in receipt of a student loan calculated at the maximum amount;
  • Students in receipt of Disability Support Allowance;
  • Students who are Care Leavers;
  • Students who themselves are the principal carer for a third party;
  • Students who are nationals of and who are currently ordinarily resident in a state designated within the least developed, low income or lower middle-income categories in the most recent list of ODA recipient states: https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/oda-eligibility-and-conditions/dac-list-of-oda-recipients.html;
  • Students who had experienced forced displacement and/or who hold refugee status and/or are qualified persons with Humanitarian Protection Status.

EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIPS

KLESCH COLLECTION SCHOLARSHIPS

The Klesch Collection offers scholarships towards the yearly cost of university fees to PhD students worldwide. PhD students are welcome to apply for a scholarship at any time after they have received an offer to commence full-time PhD study, and in any year in their programme, once they have commenced the course.

Applications will be considered from students who will focus/are focusing their studies on European and British painting of the Renaissance and Baroque periods (c. 1400–1700).

The Klesch Collection scholarship includes:

  • Payment towards the yearly cost of the university fees.
  • A paid internship at the collection for a minimum of 1 month.

The deadline to apply is 20th of June 2025.

Further details and application forms can be found here.

LONDON GOODENOUGH ASSOCIATION OF CANADA

The LGAC offers scholarships payable to wards accommodation and living expenses to any student who is a national of Canada. Further details can be found here.

BRITISH COUNCIL

The British Council offers a number of scholarships for non-UK postgraduate students. Further details can be found here.

FULBRIGHT U.S. STUDENT PROGRAM

The Fulbright Program offers a range of grants and scholarships for postgraduate students who are nationals of the United States of America. Further details can be found here.

LEVERHULME TRUST

The Leverhulme Trust is an independent charity that seeks to fund blue skies research and scholarship which has the potential to generate new ideas and research breakthroughs that benefit society. The Trust also aims to support a diverse range of scholars in their educational endeavours. It focuses its efforts mainly in the UK, which has a world-class higher education research sector. The Trust has been funding research for almost 100 years. The Trust offers a number of Postgraduate awards. Further information can be found here.

Turn 2 Us Grants Search database contains information on over 3,000 charitable funds offering welfare and educational grants, as well as other support and services.

The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online is a portal for alternative sources of funding – especially charities – which can make awards (fees, maintenance, research costs) to any student regardless of subject or nationality.  Some governments provide loans or inancial support to students at PhD level, so it is worth checking with your home government whether there is any support available.

UK GOVERNMENT DOCTORAL LOAN

Students who are:

  • UK nationals or Irish Citizens, or who have settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or who have indefinite leave to remain in the UK;
  • Normally live in England; and
  • Who have been living in the UK, Channel Islands of the Isle of Man for 3 years in a row before the first day of the first academic year of the course may be eligible for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan. (For full nationality and residency criteria see: https://www.gov.uk/doctoral-loan/apply)

This loan acts as a contribution towards the cost of study and is available to both part-time and full-time Ph.D. students.

Students commencing study in the Academic Year 2024-5 were able borrow up to £29,390 across the duration of the entire course.

Eligibility

Information on the loan including full eligibility details can be found on the Student Finance Doctoral Loan website.

How your Postgraduate Doctoral Loan might affect your benefits

If you receive means-tested benefits, 30% of the maximum Postgraduate Doctoral Loan that is available in a single academic year is treated by the Department for Work and Pensions as being for living costs and hence will be considered income when assessing any benefit award. For benefit purposes, you will be treated as having this amount, regardless of whether you actually take up the loan.

Interest and Repayment

You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment until your loan is repaid in full or cancelled.

Find out more about interest and repayment of Student Finance loans on the Student Finance repayment website.

Citations