Applications are now open for the Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth PhD Studentships, an initiative designed to support research on Commonwealth-related themes in the humanities and social sciences.
The studentships aim to foster academic mentorship by encouraging doctoral candidates to work with a mentor based at a university in a Commonwealth country different from their own. The mentor—an expert in a field related to the applicant’s research—will provide academic guidance, professional insight, and career development support.
As part of the mentorship, mentors are expected to hold at least two virtual meetings with the student over the course of the studentship. Regular email contact is also required, offering advice on publishing opportunities, academic events, field-specific trends, and encouraging innovative thinking.
Additionally, mentors will contribute to either the podcast or article the student is required to produce at the end of the studentship. All mentors must adhere to the official Mentor Code of Conduct.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, the proposed research must meet at least one of the following criteria:
-
Focus on the Commonwealth as a whole or any Commonwealth-wide institution or organisation.
-
Include a comparative element involving multiple Commonwealth countries.
-
Be of relevance to more than one Commonwealth country.
Additional requirements:
-
Applicants must submit a research-based article of 4,000–6,000 words for consideration in The Round Table journal.
-
A podcast summarising the research will also be required for publication on the journal’s website.
-
Applications are welcomed from a wide range of disciplines within the humanities and social sciences.
-
Preference may be given to research areas typically covered by The Round Table journal, such as politics, international relations, economics, international history, geography, law, development studies, and area studies.
-
Proposals from STEM fields will not be accepted unless they clearly address a policy-related issue.
Scholarship Benefits
Two studentships are available, each valued at up to GBP 5,500:
-
One for PhD students registered at UK universities.
-
One for PhD students registered at ACU member universities in other Commonwealth countries.
How to Apply
-
Visit the official website to review the application guidance.
-
Download the application form (available in PDF or Word format).
-
Complete the form and attach a current CV.
-
Submit your application by email to: secretary@commonwealthroundtable.co.uk
Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
The Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth PhD Studentships are open for applications, aimed at supporting research on Commonwealth-related themes within humanities and social sciences. The program connects doctoral candidates with mentors in different Commonwealth countries, providing academic guidance and career development. Mentors are expected to hold at least two virtual meetings with the student, maintain regular email contact, and assist in producing a podcast or article for the studentship. Eligibility criteria include research focused on the Commonwealth or involving multiple Commonwealth countries, and applicants should submit a research article and podcast summarizing their work.
Applicants from various humanities and social science disciplines are welcome, with preference for topics covered by The Round Table journal, such as politics, international relations, and economics. STEM proposals are limited to those addressing policy-related issues. Two studentships worth up to GBP 5,500 each are available: one for UK-based PhD students and one for those studying at ACU member universities in other Commonwealth countries. To apply, candidates must review the application guidance on the official website, download and complete the form, attach a CV, and email it to the provided address by 31 July 2025.
