Funding
Self-funded
Project code
AD&P9111024
Department
School of Architecture, Art and DesignStart dates
October, February and April
Application deadline
Applications accepted all year round
Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD studentship. This PhD involves the study of how history is visualised in a variety of media, and can be either practice-based or a written thesis. This project is supervised by Dr Oliver Gruner, and/or other staff members within the School of Architecture, Art and Design.
History is being written every day. From the academic monograph to the epic film, statue, television programme and website, the past continues to impact, inspire and enrage us. The recent groundswell of commemorative events dedicated to World War I, heated conflicts over the legacy of British imperialist Cecil Rhodes, and cultural fascination with epochs such as the 1960s (to name but a few) have only reiterated our collective interest in how we ‘do history’.
This doctoral study will focus on the contributions made by visual culture to historiography. You'll examine the nature of democratic citizenship and the various ways that people consume, record and embellish history and heritage.
The work will include:
- a choice between a writing or practice-based project
- exploring historical representations as they have appeared in visual mediums, such as film, graphic novels, television, art and photography
How do popular histories affect our ideas of nationhood and national belonging? To what extent have certain groups, cultures and/or identities been marginalised, or ‘hidden’ from history? How might one go about constructing alternative histories of local or national communities?
Such questions reach beyond academia and impact the way in which we engage with contemporary life – and during this project, you'll explore the profound impact images can have on our understanding of the past.
The PhD will be located in the School of Architecture, Art and Design, which has research strengths in both the historical/theoretical implications of visualising the past (in film, graphic novels, television, art and photography) and critical practice-based approaches to this topic. We are therefore considering proposals for both written and practice-based PhDs.
You'll explore historical representations as they have appeared in one or more visual media. The work can take the form of a written analysis of how particular epochs, peoples or events have appeared in visual culture (e.g. comic books, photography, art works, films or television programmes), a reflection on historiography itself – and attendant methodological, ethical and ideological considerations – or a theoretically informed visual output.
Proposals for this project should highlight both the topic to be addressed and the methodological approach(es) – archival, textual analysis, practice-based – that you intend to adopt.
Fees and funding
Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.
Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only.
PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK (UK and EU students only).
Bench fees
Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject.
Exceptionally, equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered. An online portfolio submission may be required as part of the selection process. All applicants are subject to interview.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
To make an enquiry about this project, please contact Dr Oliver Gruner (oliver.gruner@port.ac.uk), quoting the project title.
When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Art and Design: History, Theory and Practice PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.