Museum Studies at Leicester

Funding

This page lists funding opportunities (scholarships, fee waivers, stipends, bursaries and other funding awards) for postgraduate research degrees in Museum Studies at the University of Leicester. Some of these opportunities are available to apply before you commence your studies, and others are available during your studies. Most schemes have specified eligibility criteria.

In most cases, you will have to apply for the funding and for your PhD separately, so you must allow adequate time to complete both applications. We encourage you to browse the information below and follow the links for further information on these opportunities. This is not an exhaustive list, and we will be updating this page as new funding opportunities arise, so you may want to bookmark this page and check back regularly.  

AHRC Midlands 4 Cities (M4C) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Funding for: PhD in Museum Studies (all routes) 

Eligible: UK and international applicants 

When to apply: A year before the programme starts (check the links for exact deadlines), or in first year of PhD 

Information: We welcome enquiries from prospective applicants in Museum Studies for Midlands 4 Cities DTP funding awards. The annual open funding competition opens in October for entry to the PhD programme the following October. If you intend to apply, we advise you to approach a potential supervisor early. 

Midlands 4 Cities also funds collaborative doctoral awards on specific projects. You may want to bookmark this page and check back regularly, as Museum Studies collaborative awards will be listed here. 

For advice: Contact Professor Corinne Fowler (Midlands 4 Cities lead for Museum Studies) for general enquiries and application advice or your preferred PhD supervisor (find them in People).

ESRC Midlands Graduate School (MGS) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) 

Funding for: MSc in Social Science Research followed by PhD, both Museum Studies Pathway 

Eligible: UK and international applicants 

When to apply: A year before the course starts, or in first year of PhD if you already have a Masters in Social Science Research 

Information: We welcome enquires from prospective Midlands Graduate School DTP applicants in the Museum Studies Pathway. The annual open funding competition opens in October for entry to the PhD programme the following October. If you intend to apply, we advise you to approach a potential supervisor early. This award will fund you to undertake a one-year MSc in Social Science Research (Museum Studies pathway) followed by a PhD in Museum Studies. The award can be for a PhD only if you already have Masters level training in social science research. 

MGS also funds collaborative and joint doctoral awards on specific projects. You may want to bookmark this page and check back regularly, as Museum Studies collaborative and join awards will be listed here. 

For advice: Contact Dr Giasemi Vavoula (MGS Museum Studies Pathway lead) for general enquiries and application advice. 

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

Funding for: PhD in Museum Studies (all routes) 

Eligible: Candidates from Commonwealth countries 

When to apply: Before the course starts (check the links for exact deadlines) 

Information: See the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission website for information on PhD scholarships for candidates from least developed countries and fragile states, and PhD scholarships for candidates from high income countries.  

For advice: Contact Dr Stacy Boldrick (Director of Postgraduate Research) 

National PhD scholarship schemes 

Funding for: PhD in Museum Studies 

Eligible: Various; international 

When to apply: Varies 

Information: If you are an international candidate, we encourage you to also explore funding for PhD study available in your home country. International students have studied with us funded e.g. through the China Scholarships Council. 

For advice: You are encouraged to identify the relevant government agency in your country and seek their advice for PhD scholarships. 

Steve Simons Bursary

Funding for: PhD in Museum Studies (all routes) 

Eligible: Current PhD students in the School of Museum Studies 

When to apply: In your first year of PhD study 

Information: The Steve Simons Bursary provides £3,000 fieldwork funding to a PhD student in the School of Museum Studies at the University of Leicester, for research into visitor engagement in museum exhibitions and museum design. The bursary is awarded annually and all eligible registered students are invited to apply.

For advice: Contact the person named in the bursary announcement email 

Dr John C Carter Award in Museum Studies 

Funding for: Campus-based Masters and PhD in Museum Studies at Leicester 

Eligible: Current campus-based international postgraduate students in the School of Museum Studies, with priority given to Canadian students 

When to apply: During your studies 

Information: This award is open to registered international students, however preference is given to Canadian applicants. One award of £750 is made each year to support a student who will one day lead change and innovation in the museum, gallery and heritage field. 

For advice: Contact the person named in the bursary announcement email 

The William Ruddick Scholarship

Funding for: PhD in Museum Studies and other subjects in the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities 

Eligible: Current research students in the School of Museum Studies who are self-funded and in their ‘writing up’ year 

When to apply: During your studies 

Information: This award is open to self-funded PhD students in their ‘writing up’ year. One award in the range of £500-£1000 will be made each year to a research student registered in one of the following areas: Museum Studies, Modern Languages, History, Film Studies, Archaeology and Ancient History. 

For advice: Contact the person named in the scholarship announcement email. 

Other funding/scholarship opportunities 

Funding for: Various Masters and PhD programmes  

Eligible: Various 

When to apply: Varies 

Information: You may want to check scholarships offered by the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities for PhD programmes, or explore this comprehensive list of other funding/scholarship opportunities for Masters degrees. 

For advice: If you would like to discuss any of these opportunities, you can contact the Programme Director of the relevant degree (find them in People) or the Director of Postgraduate Research (Dr Stacy Boldrick) for the PhD programme. 

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