PhD Studentship: ‘Collections, Conviviality, Culture Wars: UK post-colonial redress, 1997-present’

Job title:

PhD Studentship: ‘Collections, Conviviality, Culture Wars: UK post-colonial redress, 1997-present’

Company

University College London

Job description

About usThe UCL Institute of Archaeology is one of the leading academic departments of archaeology in the UK and globally. The Institute is the largest department in its field in the UK, with an international graduate research community, and the broadest range of coverage of any UK department. It offers a uniquely stimulating environment for the study of all fields of archaeology and related areas of museum studies and cultural heritage. With a total of 60+ research-active staff pursuing high-quality research across five continents, the Institute is at the international forefront in all aspects of archaeology, archaeological science, conservations, heritage and museum studies.For more information visitWe’re inviting applications from eligible candidates for a full-time PhD studentship, fully funded for 3 years by the Leverhulme Trust, to commence October 1st, 2025. The project will be principally supervised by Dr Johanna Zetterstrom-Sharp (UCL IoA) and Dr Haidy Geismar (UCL Anthropology).The projectWhilst there are long-standing and lively public debates on the recognition of colonial legacies in heritage and museums, the UK lacks a clear national position on the futures of cultural collections acquired through colonial occupation, compared to legal, policy and cultural frameworks that have emerged elsewhere. UK museums and heritage institutions with such collections are engaged in a crisis of public mistrust, both highly visible and with high public scrutiny and expectation. They have struggled to establish a coherent narrative in public perceptions of what these museums are, and how they relate to post-colonial Britain and its attendant needs for redress and reparative justice. This crisis of mistrust has contributed to heightened perceptions of risk, further impacting the possibilities of and planning for change. It has also created a volatile and uncomfortable media environment, where those who are engaging in these conversations and this work of change are at constant risk of personal attacks and public backlash. The wider project, of which this PhD project is part, contends with this crisis, the historical and national conjunctures that have led to it, and the possibilities for the future.This proposed doctoral research will contextualise museum practice through significant moments of parliamentary policy, community organising, and public debate relating to colonial redress and reparation, since 1997.Further details about the studentship and how to apply can be found in the attached document below.EligibilityWe are looking for an excellent, highly promising student committed to interdisciplinary work in museum studies, anthropology and/or cultural studies. Applicants may come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds (anthropology, history, sociology, cultural and media studies), but it is expected that the successful applicant will be able to clearly explain the relationship between their existing training and the topic of the studentship, including how their interests and career aims relate to the proposed topic area. Candidates should hold, or be enrolled, in a Masters degree with an overall/predicted grade of 70% or better, with at least 70% for dissertation; or equivalent. We encourage applications from students with practical sector experience within museums, community work, archives or heritage.FundingSubject to eligibility criteria, the studentship will cover tuition and fees at home rates along with a maintenance award for a maximum of 3 years full-time doctoral study from October 1st 2025.Project funding from the Leverhulme Trust includes an annual research stipend to cover research and travel costs, including attendance at conferences, during the course of the PhD. UCL will supply appropriate facilities to support the project.How to applyPlease DO NOT apply via the “Apply Now” button.All application documents should be sent to Lisa Daniel ( ) by email with the subject heading: Collections, Conviviality, Culture Wars. Please send the necessary documents as one PDF file saved with your Name CCC application. For example ‘DanielLisaCCCapplication’.Please DO NOT submit the application via the UCL admissions portal, since this will unnecessarily delay the receipt of your application.Please see the attached document below for the full application process.For formal enquiries relating to the studentship, please contact Dr Johanna Zetterstrom-Sharp,Questions regarding the application process should be addressed to Lisa Daniel, UCL Graduate Admissions Administrator, .Closing date for applications: 6th May 2025
Interview date: 22nd May 2025Available documents

Expected salary

Location

North West London

Job date

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 07:41:30 GMT

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