Major boost for next generation of arts and humanities researchers

Cardiff University has jointly won substantial arts and humanities funding to support postgraduate study into our cultural world.

The South, West and Wales Consortium, in which Cardiff University is joined with seven other universities – Aberystwyth, Bath, Bath Spa, Bristol, Exeter, Reading and Southampton, has been awarded £14.2 million funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) over the next five years to deliver postgraduate supervision, training and skills development from 2014.

The Consortium is one of 11 new Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) and seven Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) to have been awarded a total of £164m funding from the AHRC.

The South, West and Wales Consortium will offer postgraduate studentships and training across the full range of the AHRC's disciplines, with a strong emphasis on collaboration between the members of the consortium and 19 partner organisations including BBC, Cadw, Welsh National Opera, CyMal (Museums, Archives and Libraries Wales); National Library of Wales, National Museum of Wales; Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales and the National Trust.

Professor George, Boyne, Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences said: "'I am delighted to see Cardiff involved in the new Consortium. This scheme will be integral to the training and development of the next generation of arts and humanities doctoral students and Cardiff is well placed to use its significant research expertise to nurture this new talent."

The funding, which equates to 200 new studentships, will allow for innovative postgraduate support, including the development of broader skills such as partnership working and language skills, and experience in working outside academia through industry and international placements.

The Consortium's successful bid for funding was praised for its "consistent and convincing strategy for the provision of a very high quality training environment for postgraduates."