University of Sussex UK Offers Stuart Hall Foundation PGR Studentship

The University of Sussex states it is working in partnership with the Stuart Hall Foundation (SHF) to offer one 4-year PhD scholarship for the stated intake to Black British Postgraduate Researchers in Arts and Humanities or in Social Sciences. The scholarship may include one year of Master’s qualification for candidates who do not already hold a Master’s. SHF says it is inspired by Professor Stuart Hall’s life and work and focuses on public education and addressing race and inequality in culture and society.

The University of Sussex says eligible PhD applicants will already have applied to study from the stated start point at specific Sussex schools: Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities; School of Global Studies; University of Sussex Business School; School of Law, Politics and Sociology; School of Education and Social Work. The scholarship is described as a positive action initiative under the Equality Act, and preference is given to applicants from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.

Selection is described as: applicants will have a strong academic background and/or evidence of prior experiential learning relevant to the research and/or proposed study. All application forms are reviewed by a panel of Directors of Doctoral Study in the relevant schools to establish a shortlist. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview prior to a final shortlist being provided to SHF, which then makes the final selection of the successful applicant.

The University of Sussex states the scholarship covers fees for up to 4 years, either UK PhD fees for 4 years or 1 year of Masters plus 3 years of PhD fees. It also states the recipient receives a maintenance allowance for 4 years at UKRI levels and up to £3000 in research and fieldwork costs. The recipient is to work with SHF to develop their career and research profile, forming a cohort of SHF PGRs at Sussex, and receives access to SHF resources and networks including the annual gathering of SHF Scholars and Fellows.

• New students starting in Autumn 2025
• Candidates from a Black British background
• Candidates who qualify for Home fees
• Candidates whose proposed research clearly addresses social justice issues and can contribute to addressing barriers and discrimination facing marginalised groups
• Eligible PhD applicants will already successfully applied to study from October 2025 at: Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities; School of Global Studies; University of Sussex Business School; School of Law, Politics and Sociology; School of Education and Social Work
• Postgraduate Research: PhD project
• Research area is expected to focus on areas of interest to Stuart Hall, including Postcolonial and Diasporic Modernities; Cultural Studies; Race, Ethnicity and Visual Cultures; Radical Thinking on the Left; and the production of the other in contemporary societies, e.g. through institutions such as citizenship, education, law, politics
• Open to applicants regardless of age, disability, religion, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation
• Encouraged to apply: individuals who have had worked in relevant sectors, are changing disciplines or career paths, or returning from career breaks (e.g. caring responsibilities)
• Country availability: United Kingdom

• UK PhD fees for 4 years, or 1 year Masters + 3 years PhD fees
• Maintenance allowance for 4 years at UKRI levels (currently at £19,237)
• Up to £3000 for research and fieldwork costs

1. Apply for a PhD place at Sussex on the University of Sussex online portal.
2. Download the scholarship application form from the document link at the bottom of the page.
3. Submit a scholarship application written in a way that can be understood by a non-specialist to the Sussex Researcher School using [email protected].
4. Attend (if applicable) an applicant information session: an online workshop is described as available to introduce the scheme, answer questions, and support the application, with a request for the Zoom link via [email protected].
5. Wait for outcome: shortlisted candidates will be notified after the closing date.

• Stuart Hall Foundation application form 2025-26