The University of Reading is delighted to be part of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded South, West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership 2 (SWW2 DTP), a strong consortium of 10 leading universities (Aberystwyth, Bath, Bath Spa, Bristol, Cardiff, Cranfield, Exeter, Southampton and University of the West of England), an independent research organisation, and multiple arts, heritage, cultural and creative economy partners.
The AHRC SWW2 DTP funding allows for innovative doctoral support, including the development of broader skills such as partnership working and language skills, and experience in working outside academia through industry and international placements.
The funding also offers joint supervision of students, sharing of resources from universities across the consortium, further activities such as student events, placements, conferences and the fostering of peer support networks.
For entry in September 2025 at Reading, studentships can be in the following areas:
| University of Reading department | AHRC subject areas | Directors of postgraduate research studies |
| Archaeology | Archaeology | Professor Roger Matthews |
| Architecture | Architecture | Dr Florence Phua |
| Art |
Art History of Art |
|
| Classics | Classics | Professor Timothy Duff |
| English Language and Applied Linguistics & English Literature | English Language and Literature |
English Literature (Dept.): Professor Karin Lesnik-Oberstein English Language and Applied Linguistics: Dr Rodney Jones |
| Film, Theatre and Television |
Film History, Theory and Criticism Drama and Theatre Studies |
Professor Lisa Purse |
| Geography | Cultural Geography | Dr Anna Jackman |
| History | History | Dr Richard Blakemore |
| Law | Law and Legal Studies | |
| Languages and Cultures |
French Studies German Studies Italian Studies Spanish and Latin American Studies |
|
| Philosophy |
Philosophy |
Professor David Oderberg |
| Politics and International Relations | Politics and International Relations | Professor Alan Cromartie |
| Typography | Typography | Professor Gerry Leonidas |
View our individual doctoral research areas to see the wide range of areas we offer.
How to apply for these studentships
1. Check your eligibility
UK/Republic of Ireland students who satisfy certain residency criteria (detailed in the eligibility guidelines) are eligible for awards covering fees at the UK/Republic of Ireland rate and provide a maintenance grant (stipend), the current (2023/24) level of which is £18,622 for full-time study.
Applications are open to UK and international applicants. AHRC funding covers tuition fees at the UK/Republic of Ireland rate; for international candidates offered a AHRC award, the difference between UK/Republic of Ireland and international fees will be covered by the University of Reading.
Students who have already commenced doctoral study may apply for funding for the remainder of their study, providing that, at the start of the AHRC award, they will have at least 50% of their period of study remaining (excluding the fourth "writing up" year (or part time equivalent).
2. Contact the relevant directors of postgraduate research studies
In order to enter this competition, it is important you make contact with the Director(s) of Postgraduate Research Studies for your area here at Reading. We recommend you do this as soon as possible. When making contact, you are advised to provide:
- a brief summary of your proposed research (no longer than 500 words), indicating that you wish to apply to the AHRC SWW2 DTP
- a short CV.
The director of postgraduate research studies for your field will then arrange for an appropriate supervisor to contact you.
Note that you should not proceed to your final application until you have completed this step.
3. Apply via the DTP portal
In consultation with your supervisor, a full application for funding should be submitted by 20 January 2025.
| Timeline for applications (SWW DTP) | |
| Full application system is live from Monday 27 November 2023 | Apply on the SWW DTP website |
| Make contact with subject lead at University of Reading | As soon as possible |
| Final Deadline for Applications to the SWW DTP | Monday, 20 January 2025 |
For further information and advice about these studentships, please contact the Doctoral and Researcher College.
Note on applications for other awards
Please note the application system for these studentships is external to the University of Reading and separate to the University's standard admission system. If you wish to apply for another studentship, you must ensure that you apply to the University in sufficient time to be considered for any such awards.
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive student community. It supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ rights equality.
The University of Reading Equal Opportunities policy applies:
The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race (to include colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.