Across the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS), you’ll find a diverse range of fully funded PhD projects waiting to be explored. From creative arts to history, from law to social policy, and many other pathways - discover opportunities with purpose and immerse yourself in research that matters.
The NI Department for the Economy (DfE) studentships cover full tuition fees and substantial living costs for three years. The funding is primarily available to UK and ROI nationals, and EU nationals with settled status. The University can allocate up to 30% of DfE studentships to international applicants (DfE International Studentships cover a stipend and full tuition fees). All applicants must meet the academic criteria.
Deadline: Various across January 2026. Note: applicants should follow the project links below to find the best fit PhD for you, make contact with the relevant PhD project supervisor, and apply via the Queen's Postgraduate Portal. For general queries, please contact askahss@qub.ac.uk
Specific PhD projects are available in the themes below:
- Media, Communication, and Representation
- Culture, Heritage, and Community
- Societal Transformation and Wellbeing
- Cultural Economy and Global Collaboration
Explore our PhD projects / See project insights
For enquiries: nicola.holmes@qub.ac.uk
Deadline: 13 January 2026
Specific PhD projects are available in the themes below:
- Community Safety, Social Cohesion and Inclusion
- Climate Action, Sustainability and Public Engagement
- Public Policy, Consultation and Social Provision
- Gender-Based Violence, Misogyny and Online Harms
Explore our PhD projects
For enquiries: happresearch@qub.ac.uk
Deadline: 13 January 2026
Specific PhD projects are available in the themes below:
- Regulation for Sustainable Economic Growth
- Technology, Governance and Public Good
- Rural Development, Environment and Community Justice
Explore our PhD projects
For enquiries: h.kinning@qub.ac.uk
Deadline: 13 January 2026
Specific PhD projects are available in the themes below:
- Education, Inclusion and Attainment
- Vulnerability, Inequality and Protection
- Public Safety, Capacity and Operational Effectiveness
Explore our PhD projects
For enquiries: sseswresearch@qub.ac.uk
Deadline: 30 January 2026
A collaborative network making a shared impact across disciplines
Tax-free annual living allowance (approx. £19k) for three years
A Top 200 Russell Group university set in a buzzing and affordable city
Research training support and development opportunities