Herts selected to receive significant arts and humanities funding

The University of Hertfordshire has been selected as one of 50 institutions nationwide to receive the Arts and Humanities Research Council's (AHRC) Doctoral Landscape funding. This prestigious award will provide full funding, covering both fees and maintenance grants, for 15 PhD students in arts and humanities over the next five years, starting in October 2026.

A key feature of the Doctoral Landscape scheme is the creation of regional 'hubs' to foster collaboration in training support and offer enhanced opportunities for cohort development across and between geographic regions. The University of Hertfordshire will be part of the hub for London and the East of England, alongside institutions such as the University of Cambridge, University College London, and King's College London.

Potential award-holders were identified using a funding formula designed to ensure transparency and fairness in the allocation process. Eligible higher education institutions were invited to submit proposals, which underwent a rigorous assessment by an expert panel. The panel particularly considered evidence provided by institutions on their intended approach to widening participation.

Head of Humanities Research, Dr Rowland Hughes, led the project and will begin the recruitment process in the coming months. Dr Hughes said: “The award of this Landscape funding by the AHRC recognises the strength of Arts and Humanities research at the University of Hertfordshire, and the excellence of our doctoral provision. It will help us to foster the next generation of scholars in our disciplines.”

Professor Wendy Wills, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise of the University of Hertfordshire, added:

"We are absolutely thrilled to be among other high performing institutions selected to receive this prestigious funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council. This significant award is a testament to our dedication to excellence in arts and humanities research and recognises the expertise and impact of our academic community. With this funding, we will be able to foster innovation, cultivate new ideas, and strengthen our position as a leading institution in advancing knowledge and creativity in these fields."

The AHRC has confirmed that each participating institution is capable of providing a research training environment of the highest calibre for their students.

AHRC Executive Chair Professor Christopher Smith said:

“The AHRC doctoral landscape awards provide flexible funding to allow universities to build on existing excellence in research and opportunities for innovation across the arts and humanities.

They will support the development of talented people and, alongside our other doctoral schemes, contribute to a vibrant, diverse and internationally-attractive research and innovation system.”

Further details about the awards can be found on the on the AHRC’s blog, including a full list of the 50 institutions who have been funded. 

Find out more about Herts research.