University of Birmingham UK 125th Anniversary Scholarships

The University of Birmingham announced the 125th Anniversary Scholarships for Black British Researchers, a PhD scholarship scheme designed to support Black British researchers in doctoral education. The scheme provides scholarships described as 3.5 in duration and aims to address under-representation and create opportunities for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to excel in academia.

The scholarships were aimed at students meeting specific criteria, including students classified as “Home” for tuition fee payments and members of specified ethnic groups (Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed – White and Black Caribbean, Mixed – White and Black African, and other mixed background including Black African/Black Caribbean/Black Other). Applicants applied to PhD project(s) available across the University’s five Colleges.

For the available PhD projects, applicants submitted an application to their desired project(s). During the selection process, shortlisted candidates were interviewed, and the outcome of the application was confirmed for each applicant.

Successful recipients received financial support including a stipend at UKRI rates and tuition fees covered at a minimum level. Recipients also received mentorship and guidance, research opportunities, and community building. A research training support grant of a fixed amount was provided across the duration of the PhD, and the scheme describes support for activities such as conference attendance and fieldwork.

• Tuition-fee classification: Students classified as “Home” for tuition fee payments
• Ethnic background: Members of one of the following ethnic groups: Black African; Black Caribbean; Black Other; Mixed – White and Black Caribbean; Mixed – White and Black African; Other mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other)
• Current study status: Not already enrolled on a PhD programme at the University of Birmingham
• Application scope: Applications were for full-time study
• Entry requirements: Applicants should have met the University’s entry requirements for the relevant PhD project; applicants were expected typically to hold a good Honours degree (usually a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree) or an alternative qualification, or experience of equal quality; in certain cases, a Masters degree or equivalent may be expected in a relevant subject
• PhD enrollment level: PhD applicants were required to apply to available PhD project(s)

• Stipend at UKRI rates of £20,780
• Tuition fees covered at a minimum of £5,006
• Research training support grant of £2,250 across the duration of the PhD (intended to support conference attendance, fieldwork, and other essential activities)
• Mentorship and guidance from faculty members
• Access to research opportunities (including facilities and resources)
• Creation of a supportive community of Black British researchers pursuing PhDs

1. Select the PhD project(s) you want to apply to from the available projects across the University’s five Colleges.
2. Use the project page to apply to the project using the “Apply Now” button.
3. Submit your application to your desired PhD project(s) before the scholarship application deadline.
4. If shortlisted, attend an interview during the shortlisted stage of selection.
5. Await notification of the application outcome, and if successful, begin the full-time PhD research.