Based in Norwich’s rich literary heritage as a UNESCO City of Literature, and building on UEA’s world-renowned excellence in Creative Writing, the Bursary represents an exciting opportunity to combine creative practice, academic research, and civic engagement within a globally recognised framework.

The Bursary will sponsor an original creative-critical PhD project, co-supervised between LDC and the NCW, which engages with and illuminates one or more of the three priority areas of NCW UNESCO’s ‘Writing the Future’ strategy. These are:

1) Citizens of the Word – focussed on systemic, comparatively low literacy rates in Norwich and Norfolk (particularly for children and adults from economically disadvantaged backgrounds).
2) A Welcoming City – harnessing the power of reading and writing to foster empathy and understanding for people seeking sanctuary.
3) A World City – Building on Norwich’s international reputation and exploring the role of place writing in cultural tourism.

The Bursary can be undertaken on either a full-time or part-time basis and is available only to a candidate who is eligible for UK home fee status. The successful candidate will receive funding to cover tuition fees. Start date: 1 October 2026

Reference: UNESCO_U26LDC

Find out more here 

Deadline: 6th February 2026