Ulster's Annual PhD Competition offers Department for the Economy and Vice-Chancellor's Research scholarships to home and overseas applicants for full-time study on-campus.
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Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain by September 2026, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study. We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.
In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.
Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing researchers, are NOT eligible for a scholarship.
All applicants should also hold a relevant English language qualification (opens in new window).
All applications for scholarships will be considered on a competitive basis and with regard to the applicant’s qualifications, skills, experience and interests.
Dates
Deadline:
February 27, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Fully Funded
Studentships will cover fees (three years for full-time, six years for part-time), an annual non-taxable maintenance grant of approx. £21,000 (pro-rata for part-time), and a Research Training and Support grant of £900 per year (pro-rata for part-time).