King’s College London has recently unveiled a significant investment in its postgraduate research landscape with the launch of the King’s Doctoral School for Arts & Humanities. This new initiative, announced on July 21st, 2025, represents a major commitment to fostering innovative doctoral research within the Faculty of Arts & Humanities. The school aims to become a central hub, not only for King’s researchers but also for external partnerships, industry connections, and the promotion of open research practices. This development arrives alongside a broader strengthening of doctoral provision at King’s, evidenced by the recent launch of the King’s Doctoral College, designed to empower all doctoral researchers across the university.
The impetus behind the creation of the Doctoral School stems from King’s established position as a leading global center for arts and humanities research. The Faculty already boasts a substantial population of postgraduate research students and covers a diverse range of disciplines, extending into emerging fields like culture, media, creative industries, and the digital humanities. The new school builds upon this foundation, promising an expanded training program and increased funding opportunities for postgraduate researchers (PGRs) beginning in Autumn 2026. This investment acknowledges the evolving needs of doctoral candidates and the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of research in the arts and humanities. The school’s focus on external partnerships and industry connections signals a desire to move beyond traditional academic outputs, encouraging research with real-world impact and providing students with valuable career pathways.
A key component of King’s strategy within the arts and humanities is the embrace of digital methodologies. The Department of Digital Humanities, a pioneer in the field – being the first globally to offer a PhD in the subject – exemplifies this commitment. Research within the department focuses on critical inquiry with and about the digital, reflecting a broader trend across the Faculty. This is further demonstrated by initiatives like the ADAPT-AI Doctoral Focal Award, a partnership with London South Bank University and Guildhall School of Music & Drama. This project specifically focuses on analyzing and diversifying audience participation using creative technologies and artificial intelligence, combining expertise in the creative industries, digital humanities, media production, and performance. The Department’s collaborative PhD opportunities, including a joint program with the National University of Singapore, highlight a global outlook and a willingness to engage in international research networks. Furthermore, the launch of a new Department of Interdisciplinary Humanities, housing programs like the MA in Global Cultures and the BA in Liberal Arts, underscores the Faculty’s dedication to fostering cross-disciplinary approaches to scholarship. This emphasis on digital tools and interdisciplinary collaboration is not merely a trend but a response to the changing demands of the academic landscape and the need for research that addresses complex, multifaceted challenges. The Faculty recognizes that future scholars require not only deep disciplinary knowledge but also the ability to navigate and leverage digital technologies and to collaborate effectively across traditional boundaries.
The benefits of this new Doctoral School extend beyond the immediate research environment. The Faculty of Arts & Humanities at King’s maintains close links with numerous cultural institutions in central London, providing students with unique access to resources and opportunities for engagement. This proximity to world-class museums, archives, and performance venues enriches the research experience and fosters a vibrant intellectual community. Moreover, King’s commitment to postgraduate education is reflected in its consistently high rankings; in the 2025 QS World Rankings by Subject, the university placed 17th globally for Arts & Humanities, a rise of five places. This recognition attracts top students and faculty, further enhancing the quality of research conducted at King’s. The university also actively supports students’ professional development, as evidenced by testimonials from alumni who have successfully transitioned into both academic and industry roles. One alumnus highlighted how King’s provided a broad perspective, opening doors to opportunities beyond a traditional PhD path. The Faculty’s engagement with initiatives like the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Doctoral Focal Award demonstrates a commitment to diversifying audiences in the creative economy, showcasing a dedication to public engagement and societal impact. The establishment of the Doctoral School is not an isolated event but part of a larger, ongoing effort to strengthen the arts and humanities at King’s College London, ensuring its continued leadership in research, teaching, and innovation.
The launch of the King’s Doctoral School for Arts & Humanities signifies a strategic investment in the future of postgraduate research. By prioritizing innovative research, fostering external partnerships, expanding training programs, and increasing funding opportunities, King’s College London is positioning itself as a leading destination for aspiring scholars in the arts and humanities. The integration of digital methodologies, the emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, and the strong connections with cultural institutions all contribute to a dynamic and supportive research environment. This initiative, coupled with the broader efforts of the King’s Doctoral College, underscores the university’s commitment to empowering doctoral researchers and fostering a vibrant intellectual community. The Faculty’s consistently high global rankings and the success of its alumni further solidify its reputation as a premier institution for arts and humanities scholarship. Ultimately, the King’s Doctoral School for Arts & Humanities represents a bold step towards shaping the next generation of researchers and addressing the complex challenges facing society today.
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