Macquarie University - University of Groningen Global PhD Scholarship on Middle English Arthurian Romance 2026

The University of Groningen and Macquarie University are pleased to offer a scholarship funded by both institutions to support an exceptional student undertaking doctoral research in medieval literature/medieval studies. This doctoral project will focus on the genre of medieval romance, especially Middle English Arthurian romance, investigating how the genre deals with failure.

One of medieval romance’s most defining features would seem to be its happy ending, but examined more closely, the genre is littered with plans, acts and desires that fail to achieve their intended outcome. These unsuccessful endeavours have received little scholarly attention. This thesis will explore the ways in which failure offers profound insights into:

• the cultural ‘work’ performed by this widely consumed genre
• its significance and appeal for audiences in the Middle Ages and beyond.

The idea of failure can be construed broadly. Possible approaches or focuses might include:

• the identities of those who experience failure and its consequences (gender, race, sexuality, social status, dis/ability)
• the societal implications of failure within romance narrative
• emotional discourses (especially ‘ugly’ emotions) surrounding thwarted plans or unfulfilled desires
• how ‘failing’ individuals resist or disrupt romance’s promotion of conformity
• romance and the social psychology of failure in the medieval imagination.

This PhD project will not just develop a deeper understanding of medieval romance but will make new contributions to the history of the emotions, gender studies, race studies and dis/ability studies.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineFebruary 28, 2026
• ValueFully Funded
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorMacquarie University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

The scholarship comprises the equivalent of a full-fees award and stipend for a period of up to 36 months. Scholarship holders will be expected to have submitted their thesis for examination by the end of that period.

The Macquarie scholarship contribution will include the following components:

• 36-month tuition fee scholarship for Macquarie fees
• stipend scholarship at an annual rate of AUD $39,700 (tax exempt, 2026 rate), paid pro-rata for the period spent on campus at Macquarie
• airfare allowance for flights between the country of the Partner University and Sydney up to AUD $4000.

The University of Groningen contribution will include the following components:

• salary for 18 months in salary scale of €3059–€3881 gross per month (November 2025 rate, subject to change depending on when the candidate starts the project at Groningen).

Unless otherwise specified, the scholarships do not cover:

• any continuation, extension, or resubmission period/fees
• a research training grant or another equivalent award for research expenses
• support for travel, immigration, health insurance and related charges between the partner institutions.

Requirements

• This scholarship is available to eligible candidates to undertake a direct entry PhD program, full-time, commencing on 1 October 2026.
• Students are expected to spend a minimum of 12 months on each university campus, and on-campus periods should be split roughly equally.

Admission and scholarship criteria of both universities must be met:

• For University of Groningen, see admission requirements
• For Macquarie, see PhD entry and English language requirements and?graduate research scholarship eligibility criteria.

Additional criteria

Applicants must not already:

• hold a doctoral degree
• be matriculated for a doctoral degree at the University of Groningen, Macquarie University, or another institution.

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Application Deadline

February 28, 2026

How To Apply

Applicants are to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) via email directly to both:

• the Macquarie supervisor Professor Louise D’Arcens at [email protected]
• the Groningen supervisor Professor Megan Leitch at [email protected].

Use the subject line ‘Co-tutelle PhD in Middle English Arthurian Romance’.

Include the following documents:

• CV including information about publications
• transcripts of most relevant/recent degrees
• information about research thesis components (thesis mark, word count, weight and length in comparison to the degree overall)
• statement of suitability as a candidate for the project and outline of how you would approach the project (max 1000 words)
• indication that you meet the English language requirements for entry into a PhD program at both universities, or are willing to obtain relevant English language proficiency test results.

Full application:

• The preferred candidate will be invited to submit a formal application to Macquarie University and Groningen University.
  • At Macquarie, candidates apply for the PhD program and the cotutelle/joint PhD scholarship through the Macquarie application portal.
  • At the University of Groningen, candidates apply for the double doctorate program by submitting a standard form and any additional required documents through the UG supervisor.
• Upon formal application, the Macquarie Global Programs Team and University of Groningen International Office/Graduate School for the Humanities draft and finalise the student agreement. Enrolment is subject to formal offer, acceptance and agreement finalisation at Macquarie.
• All relevant entry and immigration requirements for both institutions must be met.

For more information, kindly visit Macquarie University scholarship webpage.