Organizer Information
The Courtauld Institute of Art is a world-leading center for the study of the history and conservation of art and architecture. Based in London, it is an independent college of the University of London and home to one of the most significant art collections in the UK, housed in the Courtauld Gallery. The Institute is renowned for its vibrant research culture, extensive photographic and library archives, and its commitment to fostering the next generation of art historians and conservators through rigorous academic training and high-level research support.
Title & Description
Support for Externally Funded Postdoctoral Awards
The Courtauld Institute of Art invites early-career researchers to apply for institutional support to host externally funded postdoctoral fellowships. This opportunity is designed for researchers who wish to pursue independent, high-level research projects within The Courtauld’s prestigious academic environment. The Institute typically supports applications for major schemes such as the British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship and the British Academy International Fellowship. By securing The Courtauld as a host institution, fellows gain access to world-class faculty mentorship, specialized research facilities, and a global network of art historians.
Categories
- Art History
- Conservation of Art (Easel Paintings, Wall Paintings, etc.)
- Curatorial Studies
- Architecture History
- Visual Culture
- Digital Humanities in Art
Eligibility
- Career Stage: Early-career researchers (typically within 3 years of their PhD viva, though specific rules depend on the external funding body).
- Nationality: Open to International and National applicants (subject to the specific requirements of the chosen funding scheme, e.g., British Academy or Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions).
- Academic Standing: Applicants must have a strong research profile and a project that aligns with the expertise of The Courtauld’s faculty.
- Support Requirement: Candidates must identify and secure the support of a current Courtauld faculty member to act as their mentor before applying for institutional support.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Institutional Hosting: Formal support and sponsorship for major grant applications.
- Mentorship: Dedicated guidance from a leading expert in the candidate's field of study.
- Research Environment: Access to The Courtauld’s specialized libraries (Book Library, Witt, and Conway photographic libraries) and the Research Forum.
- Professional Development: Opportunities to participate in seminars, teaching (where permitted by the fellowship), and public-facing research events.
- Funding: While The Courtauld provides the host environment, the financial award (salary, research expenses, and travel) is provided by the external funding body (e.g., British Academy, which typically covers salary and research costs for 3 years).
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed Internal Application Form: Detailing the chosen funding scheme and project summary.
- Research Proposal: A detailed description of the project, including methodology and field context (approx. 1,000 words).
- Project Workplan: A realistic timeline for the duration of the fellowship (approx. 500 words).
- Dissemination Plan: Details of proposed outputs, such as publications, conferences, or digital resources (approx. 500 words).
- Academic CV & Publication Record: Typically a maximum of two pages.
- Faculty Statement of Support: A 300-word statement from a Courtauld faculty member confirming their agreement to mentor the applicant.
How to Apply?
Interested candidates must first download the "Application Form for Externally Funded Postdoctoral Awards" and the "Statement of Support Template" from the official website. Completed applications and supporting documents should be emailed to: researchheadof@courtauld.ac.uk.
Key Dates
- British Academy International Fellowships: Institutional Deadline is 7 January 2026
- British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships: Institutional Deadline is 15 June 2026
Location
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
The Courtauld is highly selective regarding the number of applications it supports each year to ensure high-quality mentorship and resource allocation. Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact their potential faculty mentor several months in advance of the institutional deadline. Please note that The Courtauld is currently ineligible to support applications for Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships.