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Postgraduate funding

College of Arts and Law Graduate School

Join a vibrant community of students and academics in the College of Arts and Law.

We reward excellence and we want to make you're financially supported as a postgraduate student. Alongside University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives for current and prospective students. 

Open awards

William Paton MA Stipends in Global Philosophy of Religion (taught/Masters)

Across two academic years (2025-2026 and 2026-2027) we are offering 10 stipends of £2,000 each to international or home students on the MA program in Philosophy of Religion Ethics who choose the Global Philosophy of Religion Pathway. 

Applications close 30 April 2025. Apply now 

125th Anniversary Scholarships for Black British Researchers

These newly established 3.5-year scholarships aim to address under-representation and create opportunities for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to excel in academia. Includes 4 competition-funded PhD projects for the College of Arts and Law.

Students will be able to submit an application to their desired PhD project(s) until the deadline of 23:59 (UK time) on Wednesday 30 April 2025. 

Apply now

The Dharmanath Scholarship in Jain Studies MA by Research in Theology and Religion

Available to full time, 12 month MA by Research in Theology and Religion (on campus or by distance learning) at the University of Birmingham who intend to write an MA thesis on Jainism. 

Scholarships cover up to 100% of the MA by Research in Theology and Religion tuition fees.

One scholarship is available at the home fees rate and one scholarship is available at an overseas fees rate.

Applications close 30/04/2025. Apply now

Postgraduate loans

These government-backed student loans provide up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses and up to £27,892 for postgraduate doctoral courses in all subject areas, including programmes delivered on campus or by distance learning. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information can be found on the UK government website. 

Financial aid for American students

The University of Birmingham is approved by the US Department of Education to offer the William D Ford Federal Direct Loan Programme, enabling eligible American students to access financial support. Find out about the loans available, whether you are eligible and how to apply.

  • Syed Islam Scholarship

    Syed: MA Islamic Studies

    The Islam Scholarship recipient

    "The wide range of funding and scholarships by the University of Birmingham helped me decide to study in the UK."

    Find out more about Syed
  • Carolin, MA History student

    Carolin: MA History

    Edna Pearson Scholarship recipient

    "I chose the University of Birmingham because I was drawn to the vibrant campus atmosphere, the welcoming community, and the diverse range of societies and events that make it an exciting place to be year-round."

    Find out more about Carolin
  • A group of students socialising together

    University-wide funding opportunities

    Discover more postgraduate scholarship opportunities available to International and UK students.

    Explore more funding options
  • Students reading at Westmere on the University of Birmingham campus

    Funding for current students

    Discover how the Postgraduate Research Support Fund and PGR Community Development Fund can help you excel as a postgraduate researcher in the College of Arts and Law

Postgraduate Research Support Fund

All postgraduate students in the College of Arts and Law are eligible to apply for funding to help with conference expenses or research expenses as part of the Postgraduate Research Support Fund.

The funding can cover anything from travel and accommodation to photocopying and books, and has proved to be a real help to our past and current doctoral researchers.

How to apply

To apply, current students are asked to complete the application form [DOCX, 19KB].

Please note that students wishing to travel for research purposes are required to complete and submit a risk assessment [DOCX, 26KB] along with the application. Read our step-by-step guide [DOCX, 22KB]. Please note that although some sections of the paperwork refer only to ‘staff’, the process applies to all CAL researchers, including PGRs. Many research trips will be low risk and so can be signed off by you and your supervisor. If you are in any doubt about how to complete the form, please contact calresearchkt@contacts.bham.ac.uk for advice.

Further information can be found in the guidance notes [DOCX, 31KB].

There will be two rounds of funding during the year 2024-25:

  • Monday 21 October – 12 noon (GMT) on Monday 11 November 2024
  • Monday 10 March – 12 noon (GMT) on Friday 4 April 2025

Further assistance

If you have any queries, please email calpg-research@contacts.bham.ac.uk

PGR Community Development Fund

All College of Arts and Law postgraduate researchers (PGRs) are eligible to apply for funding to help with community building activities as part of the PGR Community Development Fund.

The aim of this fund is to encourage PGRs to collaborate with their peers to organise activities that support professional and career development. This might include holding exhibitions, publishing journals, organising conferences, or providing catering for events.

How to apply

To apply, current students are asked to complete the application form [DOCX, 22KB].

Further information can be found in the guidance notes [DOCX, 23KB].

There will be three rounds of funding during the year 2024-25:

  • Monday 23 September – 12 noon Friday 11 October 2024
  • Monday 11 November – 12 noon Friday 6 December 2024
  • Monday 27 January – 12 noon Friday 28 February 2025

Further assistance

If you have any queries, please email calpg-research@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Register your interest in our postgraduate courses

Closed awards

Applications to the scholarships below are now closed. These pages are provided for guidance only, prior to the next round of funding being announced, if available:

Closed award information