June 15th 2022

PhD opportunities at St Andrew’s University in the School of Art History (Museum and Heritage Studies)

The proposed PhD projects are part of a substantial new team research project located in the School of Art History and Museum and Heritage Studies at the University of St Andrews called ‘Shared Island Stories between Scotland and the Caribbean: Past, Present, Future’ due to commence in September 2022.

The project seeks to recruit two PhD students full time for 3.5 years. One PhD project will focus on the past, telling ‘shared island stories’ through museum and heritage collections including those belonging to the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), and building on growing attempts to confront Scotland’s enrichment through the transatlantic trade in enslaved people. Located between museum and heritage studies, history and memory studies, it is envisaged that this project will engage with discussions related to decolonisation and commemorative practices. A range of research methods including new archival provenance research into island collections and colonialism, and interviews with curators, volunteers and focus groups is foreseen. Critical engagement with the ways in which NTS is working with contemporary artists in response to histories of colonialism and imperialism in the Caribbean is also of interest to this project.

Prior qualifications

Applicants should have a very good undergraduate qualification and a relevant Masters degree in museum/heritage studies, history, art history, archaeology, anthropology, memory studies, or a related field. They will have some experience of relevant research methods. Applicants without a Masters qualification should include with their application a 1-page statement outlining the specifically relevant skills, experience and knowledge they have gained beyond undergraduate degree level, that could be considered equivalent to Masters study.

Find all the information and application form here

University of St Andrews — English