Celebrating 125 years of the University of Birmingham, here’s a call for applications for a PhD scholarship programme at the School of Languages, Cultures, History of Art and Music, University of Birmingham. This prestigious scholarship offers significant financial support, mentorship, research opportunities, and a supportive community for eligible candidates.
About the Project
The PhD project, titled ‘WHOSE AFRICA?’ aims to connect art and communities through the University of Birmingham’s African Collection. This project, based in the School of Languages, Cultures, Art History, and Music, presents a unique opportunity to engage with an under-researched collection of African art at the University of Birmingham (UoB).
The African Collection, housed within the Research and Cultural Collections (RCC), boasts extensive cultural traditions and modern and contemporary artistic expressions.
Objectives of the PhD Scholarship For Black British Researchers
- Critical Assessment: The PhD will undertake the first in-depth critical assessment of art objects from the African Collection. It will explore the relation between form, content, and aesthetics, challenging traditional labels such as ‘decorative art’ or ‘tourist art’ associated with African artifacts. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of diverse artistic expressions.
- Community Engagement: The project will explore innovative methods to engage diaspora communities and broaden audience participation. This includes strategies like co-curation and the integration of digital technologies to make the collection accessible to a wider audience.
In the current discourse surrounding the colonial legacy of museum collections, this PhD project holds significant relevance. By examining the diasporic agency of African artifacts and their significance for source communities, it contributes to ongoing efforts to decolonize curricula and university collections.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should hold an MA in a relevant subject with a Merit or higher. Exceptions may be made for those with a first-class undergraduate degree or substantial equivalent experience.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants who satisfy each of the following requirements may submit an application:
- Nationals of the United Kingdom and eligible for registration as Home students
- Individuals from these groups:
- Black African
- Black Caribbean
- White & Black Caribbean
- White & Black African
- Black African or Black Caribbean;
Who are not currently pursuing a PhD programme at the University of Birmingham?
Benefits of the PhD Scholarship
- Successful candidates will receive substantial financial support, including a stipend at UKRI rates (£18,622 per year), covering tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs.
- Mentorship opportunities, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive research environment are also provided.
- Also recipients will benefit from a research training support grant for conference attendance and fieldwork.
How to Apply
- Interested applicants should contact the lead PhD supervisor to discuss the project before applying through the online portal.
- The deadline for applications is 23:59 (UK time) on Tuesday 30 April 2024. Required documents include a personal statement, references, academic certificates, and sample work.
- Applications will be assessed based on academic merit, professional experience, and suitability for the project.
- Applicants can track the progress of their application through the applicant portal and make necessary updates or edits before the deadline.
For more information and to apply, visit the University of Birmingham on https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/funding/black-british-researchers-scholarship/whose-africa
Application portal tips:
- Applicants must ensure all the information entered is correct and complete.
- Application won’t be processed until it is submitted and all relevant sections have been completed.
- In case of any technical difficulties with the application, applicants can send an email to the specified address on the official website
- The application must not have to be finished in one sitting.
Application Deadline
Tuesday 30 April 2024 at 23:59 (UK time)
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