Stanley Burton Research Scholarship 2026 Open

The University of Leeds has officially announced the Stanley Burton Research Scholarship 2026, a fully funded PhD opportunity in Music that will support one outstanding postgraduate researcher for the 2026–2027 academic cohort, with funding commencing in October 2026.

This article explains who this scholarship is for, what it offers, and how eligible candidates can apply on time.

What Type of Opportunity Is This?

The Stanley Burton Research Scholarship is a fully funded PhD (Postgraduate Research) scholarship offered by the University of Leeds, specifically within the School of Music. Established through a legacy gift by Mr. Stanley Burton, the scholarship is designed to support academically strong researchers pursuing original doctoral research in music-related fields.

What This Article Covers?

This news alert breaks down the scholarship funding package, eligibility conditions, application process, and key deadlines so applicants can clearly assess whether they qualify and plan their PhD application accordingly.

Scholarship Funding and Benefits

This is a comprehensive funding package intended to cover the full cost of doctoral study:

• Full payment of UK academic tuition fees
• Maintenance stipend of £20,780 per year (2025/26 rate), increasing annually in line with UKRI rates
• Funding duration of up to 3.5 years for full-time PhD study (part-time awards available on a pro-rata basis)
• Initial award made for one year, renewable annually based on satisfactory academic progress
• No additional allowances beyond fees and maintenance grant.

The scholarship must be taken up by 1 October 2026 and requires recipients to live within a reasonable commuting distance of the University of Leeds.

Eligibility Checks – Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

• Applying for a new PhD programme in the School of Music at the University of Leeds
• Hold, or be completing, a First Degree equivalent to a UK Upper Second Class (2:1) or higher
• Must not already hold a PhD or be currently registered on one
• Applicants who previously withdrew from a PhD without completion may be considered
• Able to study full-time or part-time
• Meet English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component, or equivalent

Selection is strictly based on academic merit, with no consideration of financial need.

How the Selection Works?

• Shortlisting is carried out by the Admissions Team
• Final decisions are made by the University of Leeds PGR Recruitment Group
• Unsuccessful applicants are informed approximately 4 weeks after the deadline
• Shortlisted candidates receive outcomes within 10 weeks of the closing date.

Apply: https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/23-stanley-burton-research-scholarship-2026

The Stanley Burton Research Scholarship 2026 offered by the University of Leeds has a firm closing date of Monday, 1 June 2026 at 17:00 (UK time).