Humanities Research Fellowships at the University of Manchester 2026 – Apply Now

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Humanities Research Fellowships at the University of Manchester offer three-year postdoctoral positions in the Faculty of Humanities. Apply for Bicentenary, Simon and Hallsworth Humanities Research Fellowships by 16 January 2026.


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The Humanities Research Fellowships at the University of Manchester are now open for applications, offering three-year, full-time postdoctoral positions in the Faculty of Humanities. These prestigious Humanities Research Fellowshipsare aimed at outstanding early-career researchers who want to develop ambitious projects in leading research environments in the UK.

Through three parallel schemes – Bicentenary Research Fellowships in Humanities, Simon Research Fellowships in Humanities and Hallsworth Research Fellowships in Humanities – the University will recruit a new cohort of postdoctoral fellows to contribute to its world-class research agenda and long-term strategic vision. jobs.manchester.ac.uk+2jobs.manchester.ac.uk+2


About the Humanities Research Fellowships at the University of Manchester

The Bicentenary Research Fellowships in Humanities form part of a major £28 million institutional investment to support over 200 early-career researchers between 2025/26 and 2026/27. Up to 15 Bicentenary Humanities Research Fellowships will be offered, each lasting three years (1 October 2026 – 30 September 2029). Fellows will carry out independent research aligned with the University’s strategic themes and work closely with a named mentor or mentoring team. jobs.manchester.ac.uk+1

The Simon Research Fellowships in Humanities and Hallsworth Research Fellowships in Humanities are funded by historic endowments from Professor H. M. Hallsworth and Lord and Lady Simon of Wythenshawe. These Humanities Research Fellowships are designed for researchers at the beginning of their academic careers, normally within three years of their PhD, who do not yet hold a permanent academic post. jobs.manchester.ac.uk+2jobs.manchester.ac.uk+2

  • Simon Research Fellowships focus on the Social Sciences, including Law and Education.

  • Hallsworth Research Fellowships focus on Political Economy, including Chinese Political Economy, broadly defined to include public administration, the functioning of economies, social consequences of economic activity and the institutional structures of governance. jobs.manchester.ac.uk+2jobs.manchester.ac.uk+2

All three Humanities Research Fellowships are based at the University’s Oxford Road campus in Manchester and are hosted within the Faculty of Humanities, which includes the Alliance Manchester Business School, the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, the School of Environment, Education and Development, and the School of Social Sciences. jobs.manchester.ac.uk+2jobs.manchester.ac.uk+2

For more information about research in the Faculty of Humanities, you can visit the University’s research pages:
https://www.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/research/ jobs.manchester.ac.uk


Key Features of the Humanities Research Fellowships

Successful candidates in these Humanities Research Fellowships will:

For more insight into the University’s overall strategy and research priorities, applicants are encouraged to read “From Manchester for the world – our strategy to 2035” on the University website:
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/vision/ jobs.manchester.ac.uk+1


Eligibility and Profile

The Humanities Research Fellowships are open to outstanding early-career researchers who:

  • Have been awarded a PhD (or equivalent) by the closing date for applications and normally not more than three years before that date. jobs.manchester.ac.uk+2jobs.manchester.ac.uk+2

  • Do not currently hold, and have not previously held, a permanent academic position at a university.

  • Demonstrate proven research potential and a strong track record relative to career stage.

  • Present an original, significant and feasible research proposal aligned with the research strengths of their chosen School, Department or Research Centre. jobs.manchester.ac.uk+2jobs.manchester.ac.uk+2

Applications are assessed on the quality of the research proposal, the candidate’s research potential, and fit with the University’s thematic priorities and strategic goals.

For more general guidance on research impact and pathways to impact, candidates may consult the UKRI ESRC Impact Toolkit:
https://www.ukri.org/councils/esrc/impact-toolkit-for-economic-and-social-sciences/ jobs.manchester.ac.uk+1


How to Apply for the Humanities Research Fellowships

All applications for the Humanities Research Fellowships at the University of Manchester must be submitted via the University’s online recruitment system.

Application links

Deadline

Application components

Applicants will typically need to:

  • Complete the electronic application form in full.

  • Indicate one primary School and Department as the host for their research.

  • Upload a two-page CV.

  • Prepare a research proposal (up to 2,250 words including references), clearly identifying:

  • Upload a signed statement of support from the proposed primary mentor, using the official Supporting Statement Form provided on each advert page. jobs.manchester.ac.uk+1

Before submitting, candidates are strongly encouraged to discuss their proposal with the relevant Discipline Area or Research Institute/Centre to ensure alignment with local research priorities.

For additional details, applicants can consult the Humanities Research Program FAQs:
https://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=46192 jobs.manchester.ac.uk+1


Why Apply for Humanities Research Fellowships at the University of Manchester?

The Humanities Research Program offer a rare opportunity to build an independent research profile at a world-leading university, ranked among the top global institutions and recognised for both academic excellence and social and environmental impact. Fellows will join a vibrant community of scholars, have access to strong research support structures, and benefit from development programmes tailored specifically to fellows. jobs.manchester.ac.uk+1

These postdoctoral Humanities Research Fellowships are particularly suitable for researchers who want to:

  • Consolidate their early-career trajectory with a focused three-year project.

  • Develop interdisciplinary collaborations across the Faculty of Humanities and beyond.

  • Work towards future research funding bids and long-term academic roles.


For more international career opportunities, visit Opportunities For Youth:
https://fundsdigest.com/