PhD Studentship – Centre for Material Cultures and Materialities (CMH068)

RFCSR; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition fee coverage

Doctoral stipend

Job summary

The University of Birmingham invites applications for a PhD Studentship within the Centre for Material Cultures and Materialities (CMCM). The project will explore material culture, objects, and how people engage with material worlds across historical and contemporary contexts.

Researchers will have access to extensive collections and work with interdisciplinary teams across history, archaeology, art history, anthropology, and related humanities fields, with supervision by leading academics and

Qualifications

• Strong interest in material culture, object-based research, or museum/archival studies.
• Ability to develop an independent and original research project.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with humanities research methods appropriate to the proposed topic.

Responsibilities

• Engage in interdisciplinary doctoral research within CMCM.
• Collaborate with museum and archival partners to access collections.
• Present research in seminars and contribute to public engagement activities.

Skills

Material culture research

Independent research planning

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

First-Class or Upper Second-Class Honours degree

Master’s degree desirable

Tools

Museum/archival studies

Job description

PhD Studentship – Centre for Material Cultures and Materialities (CMH068)

University of Birmingham
Birmingham, United Kingdom

General Description
The University of Birmingham is offering a PhD studentship associated with the Centre for Material Cultures and Materialities (CMCM), based within the College of Arts and Law. The Centre provides an interdisciplinary research environment focused on exploring material culture, object studies, and the ways in which humans engage with material worlds across historical and contemporary contexts.

The studentship supports advanced doctoral research investigating material cultures and materialities, with opportunities to engage with the University’s extensive collections, including historical, archaeological, artistic, and scientific objects held across campus. Researchers are encouraged to explore themes such as the social, cultural, political, and historical significance of material objects, as well as their role in shaping knowledge, identity, and society.

The Centre fosters collaboration across disciplines including history, archaeology, art history, anthropology, and related humanities fields. It also maintains active engagement with museums, curators, archivists, and external cultural institutions, offering a rich environment for research impact and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Doctoral researchers will benefit from supervision by leading academics, participation in research seminars, and access to networks that support both academic development and public engagement. The programme aims to develop original, high-quality doctoral research contributing to the field of material culture studies.

Eligibility Criteria

• A First-Class or Upper Second-Class Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as History, Archaeology, Art History, Anthropology, Cultural Studies, or related humanities fields
• A Master’s degree in a relevant subject is desirable, particularly for competitive applications
• Evidence of strong academic research ability and preparedness for doctoral-level study
• International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements

Required Expertise/Skills

• Strong interest in material culture, object-based research, or museum/archival studies
• Ability to develop an independent and original research project
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and written communication skills
• Familiarity with humanities research methods appropriate to the proposed topic
• Ability to engage in interdisciplinary research and collaboration
• Motivation to contribute to academic seminars and research culture

Salary Details

• Funding may include tuition fee coverage and a doctoral stipend (exact funding structure not specified on the page and may vary by award arrangement)