Learn the British Academy, in plain English
What the British Academy looks for in GTV endorsement applications from humanities and social science researchers. Lessons are designed to be read in order, but you can jump straight to whichever topic you're stuck on.
- Lesson 1· 4 min read
What is the British Academy GTV route?
How the British Academy endorses humanities and social science researchers — the four assessment routes, eligible disciplines, and whether you should take the fast-track or peer review path.
- Lesson 2· 4 min read
Routes 1, 2 & 3: fast-track endorsement pathways
The three fast-track routes that bypass full peer review — FBA fellowship (Route 1), named fellowship list (Route 2), eligible UK appointment (Route 3) — with evidence checklists for each.
- Lesson 3· 5 min read
Route 4: research excellence — the mandatory criterion
What 'internationally recognised leader' and 'exceptional promise' mean in practice for Route 4 peer review, and what evidence the panel expects for both ET and EP.
- Lesson 4· 5 min read
Route 4: research record and peer recognition
How to satisfy the research record criterion (publications, monographs, citations) and the peer recognition criterion (prizes, learned society fellowships, editorial roles, keynotes).
- Lesson 5· 5 min read
Route 4: research funding and wider contribution
How to satisfy the research funding criterion (competitive grants, fellowships) and the wider contribution criterion (policy impact, public engagement, cultural institution roles).
- Lesson 6· 6 min read
Building your British Academy application
How to structure your personal statement and evidence dossier for Route 4, what the panel looks for, common rejection reasons, and how to strengthen a weak criterion.
Ready to see where you stand?
Once you understand the criteria, run the self-assessment to see how your evidence maps against the British Academy's 5 criteria.