AHRC Humanity and Space Studentship

By harnessing interdisciplinary thinking, discovering talent, and embedding professional skills, the AHRC Doctoral Focal Award in Humanity and Space (DFAHS, running 2026-2032) will train space experts able to offer practical and solutions to contemporary challenges. Integrated into the Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space at the University of Leicester, it will contribute to completely reshape our understanding and awareness of the societal impacts of outer space as a driver for individual and collective wellbeing, hence a tool for creating more equitable and inclusive communities, including in the UK.

We invite applications one fully-funded four-year PhD studentships that will empower you to become a changemaker. 

We seek PhD applicants in subjects across the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and welcome interdisciplinary applications. DFAHS’s particular focus will be in rethinking outer space – its meaning and value for society – from the perspective of the social sciences, arts and humanities. 

Working in Collaboration with the Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space and Space Park Leicester, the University of Leicester has particular strength in outer space studies. Applicants may wish to orientate their application to one of two of these broad areas:

Space law and governance
Astropolitics
Living and working in outer space
Sustainability and fairness in outer space
Heritage and culture
Archeoastronomy
Literary, film and artistic representations of outer space

Successful applicants will be based in one of the following six schools. 

Leicester Law School

• Supervisors in Law

School of Arts Media and Communication (including English and Creative Writing)

• Supervisors in Media and Communications
• Supervisors in English and Creative Writing Supervisors

School of Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy 

• Supervisors in Criminology 
• Supervisors in Sociology 

School of Heritage and Culture (including Museum Studies and Archaeology)

• Supervisors in Archaeology and Ancient History
• Supervisors in Museum Studies

School of History, Politics and International Relations

• Supervisors in History
• Supervisors in Politics and International Relations

Supervisors can be identified via the research page links above, but we encourage cross-departmental supervision where possible. Please see the contacts below for help in identifying potential supervisors.

When you have identified potential supervisors download the Research Proposal Template and prepare your ressearch proposal. You will need to upload this to your online application.

DFAHS will train nine doctoral researchers (including practice-based scholars) to lead change across academia, policy, the third sector, and creative industries.

The University of Leicester offers one 4-year AHRC scholarship to start in September 2026, three scholarships to start in autumn 2027 and three to start in 2028.

Why Apply?
Innovative Training: Gain advanced research skills and professional development tailored to future space-focused careers in academia and beyond.
Collaborative Research: Work with diverse stakeholders to co-design projects that address real-world challenges.

Placements & Partnerships: Benefit from embedded placements with leading organisations in the outer space industry, heritage and the arts.
Community & Support: Join a vibrant, inclusive cohort.

Impactful Themes: Focus on urgent issues such as living and working in outer space, law and governance of outer space, fairness and sustainability in outer space.

Four Years of Funding: 4-year AHRC studentship covering UK fees and tax-free stipend, alongside support for individual training and conference attendance.

Who Should Apply?
We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including those new to research. If you are curious, creative, and motivated to make a difference, we want to hear from you.

Key Features
• Fully funded AHRC studentships
• Training and career development programme delivered throughout the studentship
• Interdisciplinary supervision across arts, humanities, and social sciences
• Opportunities for practice-based research
• A supportive network of academic and non-academic partners

Informal enquiries
For further details about the University of Leicester AHRC Doctoral Focal Award in Humanity and Space, please contact Leicester lead Professor Rossana Deplano rd279@le.ac.uk

For support with the application and for help in identifying potential supervisors please contact Prof Martin Halliwell, College Deputy Research Dean mrh17@le.ac.uk 
Online application advice contact PGR Admissions pgrapply@le.ac.uk and state AHRC Doctoral Focal Award in Humanity and Space in the subject line.

Please refer to the tabs below for funding, eligibility and How to Apply advice before submitting your application.