School of Performance and Cultural Industries (PCI) Scholarships 2026

The School of Performance and Cultural Industries at the University of Leeds is offering up to three postgraduate research scholarship opportunities for PhD candidates commencing study in October 2026 or February 2027. The scholarships are open to both UK and international students pursuing full-time or part-time (UK only) doctoral research. The award covers full PGR tuition fees for 3 years (currently £5,006 per year for home students and £24,500 for international students) plus a UKRI-matched maintenance stipend of £20,780 for 3.5 years for full-time candidates. The School welcomes proposals in research areas including Place, Participation, Digital, Pedagogic approaches, Cultural Policy & Leadership, and Cultural Value. The School particularly encourages proposals that decentre Eurocentric approaches, employ place-based or comparative international methodologies, focus on the link between performance and creative/cultural industries, address the music industry, or explore digital applications to heritage and performance. Practice-led and participatory research approaches are also welcomed from candidates with relevant methodological experience.