PhD Scholarship for Black British Applicants

The City Law School is offering one full-time, three-year doctoral scholarship (entry in September 2026) especially for Black British applicants.

We invite applications from exceptional and ambitious graduates who wish to pursue cutting-edge research in any of the School’s key research areas.

Who we are

We are a welcoming and diverse community of scholars and students with recognised strengths in both teaching and research. Our expertise spans a wide range of legal disciplines and methodologies.

Located in the heart of London, we are proud of our tradition of excellence and our commitment to ensuring that our academic community reflects the diversity of our city and society.  

Find out more about us here. We are also on X (@CityLawSchool) and Instagram (@citylawstudents).

What is offered

The scholarship provides:

• An annual bursary (currently £22,780 subject to change in line with UKRI guidance).
• Full tuition fee waiver.
• Research expenses of up to £1000 over three years to support training, equipment, or conference attendance.

Who is eligible

Applications are invited from UK-permanent residents (UK fee-paying students) who identify as Black or Black British (African, Caribbean, Other, or Mixed).

Applications are open to students and external candidates only.

The scholarship is a full-time position (35 hours per week) and applicants must be able to commit on that basis.

Applicants should have:

• An LLB (or equivalent) with at least a 2:1 classification.
• Normally a Master’s degree (in law or a related discipline) with at least a merit or equivalent.
• Evidence of the ability and motivation to undertake independent, high-level research.
• We welcome applications on any area of law, and we particularly encourage those who have not previously considered a research career to apply.  

How to apply

Full details can be found here.

Applications must be made via this form.

Before submitting an application, we warmly encourage you to contact our Senior Tutor for Research, [Law.PhD.Administration@city.ac.uk] to discuss your ideas and potential supervision.

This informal conversation can help you refine your proposal, identify a suitable supervisor and gain a clearer sense of what doctoral study involves.

We also suggest reviewing our research centres and staff profiles to explore the areas where your interests might align: here. Guidance on writing a research proposal can be found on our website.

If you are employed by City St George’s, please confirm on the form that your line manager is aware of your application.  

Selection process

Short-listed candidates will be invited for interview. If you have not heard from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note that this scholarship opportunity will be advertised in two cycles. The first application deadline is 31 January 2026, with details of the subsequent deadline to be confirmed and communicated in due course.

Application deadline: 12 noon on Wednesday 31 January 2026

Contact us: Law.PhD.Administration@city.ac.uk

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