The University College London (UCL) Department of Anthropology has officially opened applications for the 2026 Mary Douglas Research Scholarship. Supported by the generous funding of the Sigrid Rausing Trust and named in honor of the highly influential anthropologist Dame Mary Douglas, this doctoral fellowship provides an opportunity for two motivated scholars.
Scholarship Overview
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Institution | University College London (UCL) |
| Study Location | Study in UK |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Requirements | Must meet all standard UCL graduate academic requirements |
| Scholarship Category | Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships |
| Reward | Full Home Tuition Coverage | £23,805 Annual Living Stipend |
| Application Closing Date | 16th June, 2026 |
Benefits of the Mary Douglas Scholarship 2026
Selected doctoral researchers will join UCL’s vibrant intellectual community, benefiting from world-class supervision, extensive research resources, and three years of guaranteed funding:
- £23,805 annual stipend living allowance
- Tuition Fee Coverage
- Three full years of guaranteed financial stability during your primary dissertation research phase.
Related Scholarship Opportunities:
- University of British Columbia (UBC) Sauder School of Business Scholarship 2026
- DAAD SBW Berlin Scholarship 2026
- Michael Taiwo (MT) Foundation Scholarships 2026
- Abdullateef and Sanni Foundation Scholarship 2026
Eligibility Criteria
- Must meet all standard UCL graduate academic requirements for direct admission into the PhD Anthropology program.
- Must present a highly competitive, original, and structurally feasible doctoral research proposal.
- Must secure baseline backing from an existing faculty member within the UCL Anthropology department who is willing to act as your primary supervisor.
Required Documents
Ensure all files are formatted into clear, professional digital PDF documents. The department strictly enforces the maximum page counts listed below:
- Research Proposal: A structured summary (maximum of 1 page) assessed for originality and feasibility. Ensure you write a bold heading on this document stating that you wish to be considered for the Mary Douglas Fellowship.
- Academic CV: An updated professional curriculum vitae (maximum of 3 pages) highlighting past academic milestones, conference presentations, or peer-reviewed publications.
- Academic Transcripts: Complete certified digital records from your undergraduate degree (and postgraduate master’s degree, if available).
- Supervisor Support Letter: A formal letter of support from your potential supervisor based within the UCL Anthropology Department.
- Academic References: The official names and institutional contact details of two academic referees.
- Personal Statement: A concise statement (maximum of 500 words) detailing why you meet the scholarship criteria, and how your qualifications and experiences have prepared you for rigorous doctoral study.
How to Apply for the Mary Douglas Scholarship 2026
Candidates must click on the application link button below and execute the following process to apply successfully:
- Navigate to the main UCL admissions portal and submit your comprehensive, formal PhD application to the UCL Anthropology department no later than June 16, 2026.
- Assemble all six required application documents listed above into separate, clearly named PDF files.
- Draft a formal message and email your completed scholarship package directly to ruth.harper@ucl.ac.uk.
- You must use the exact subject line: “Mary Douglas Scholarship” to ensure the automated system flags your document package for the selection panel.
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