The deadline for a AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDR) Studentship in 2022 has now passed. The following information is for reference only. Please check this page in the future for updates.
AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) Studentship CREAM / Westminster School of Arts and The National Archives
Matters of Extraction: Atlantic Lives and Ecologies
3.75 years (45 months) full-time (7.50 years (90 months) part-time) Minimum £18,612 per annum stipend full-time (£9,306 per annum part-time)*
The Centre for Education and Research in Arts and Media (CREAM), University of Westminster and The National Archives are pleased to announce the availability of a fully funded collaborative doctoral studentship from October 2022, under the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) Scheme.
Matters of Extraction (MoE) will extend knowledge on the relationship between extraction and Caribbean colonial materials by reimagining The National Archives collections of Anglophone Caribbean materials (1850s – 1950s) through artistic approach and examination.
This project will be jointly supervised by a team of supervisors led by Professor Roshini Kempadoo (CREAM) and Dr. Kevin Searle (The National Archives). The National Archives and the student will be expected to spend time at both CREAM/Westminster School of Arts and The National Archives. They will also become part of the wider cohort of CDP funded students across the UK, with access to CDP Cohort Development events.
Project Overview
Matters of Extraction (MoE) will extend knowledge on the relationship between extraction and Caribbean colonial materials and explore links between colonialism, ecological crises and racial injustices. This artistic research project is emergent from The National Archives’ material as collections of colonial land ownership, state governance, the development of fossil fuel extraction, mineral and other mining industries and related Atlantic trading routes. The researcher will join the emergent multidisciplinary and international network Matters of Extraction (MoE) and will be underpinned by public engagement, exposition and a web-based publishing environment.
The project research questions include:
In what ways can archival material contribute to knowledge about environmental
matters?
How can arts and humanities research design and methodology redefine
concepts of extractivism?
What are the parameters for a successful artistic research model for working
with archives?
What materials contribute to definitions of colonial extractivism?
How can artistic practice extend public awareness of debates on environmental
crises?
The project aims to become a source and inspiration for creative projects that extend and recognise various decolonising initiatives. The student is encouraged to pursue his/her/their original line of inquiry submitted as a doctoral proposal and application. The student will develop a research proposal as part of the application
process, in response to the brief (attached) and the project research questions. Arange of methods would be expected to include:
- Archival/Artistic Research
- Design the artistic research model for working with The National Archives’ collections
- Devise public engagement and dissemination including an open access on-line resource of research findings, a programme of live events with a range of public figures/critics as experts in colonialism, art history and environmental extraction
- Creation of artworks for public exhibition and integral to the PhD outcome
About CREAM, Westminster School of Arts, University of Westminster
Established in 2002, the Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media (CREAM), University of Westminster, is a world-leading centre and pioneer centre in practice-based, critical, theoretical and historical research in art, creative and interdisciplinary practice. Our researchers work across these areas and develop interdisciplinary projects, platforms and networks with external and international partners. CREAM runs a high-profile programme of exhibitions, screenings, performances, seminars, conferences and talks to reflect the dynamism, diversity and internationalism of our research culture. Recognised as the leading UK research centre in Art and Design, the 2014 Research Excellence Framework identified 95% of CREAM’s research outputs as world leading and internationally excellent. CREAM’s Doctoral Programme is a pioneer of practice-based PhD research in arts and creative practice, and hosts a thriving international community of doctoral researchers.
About The National Archives
The National Archives is the UK government’s official archive, and its collection of historical government and public records is one of the largest in the world. The National Archives holds the records of central government departments which were responsible for administering the colonies (for example Colonial Office, Dominions Office, Foreign and Commonwealth Office) and other departments which were involved in colonial affairs. There is more information in this Research Guide. The student will be embedded within the Collections Expertise and Engagement team at The National Archives. They will be part of a cohort of PhD students at The National Archives, who are developing expertise in conducting collaborative research.
Details of the Award
Studentships include maintenance and fees for 3.75 years for a full-time student; or 7.5 years for a part-time student at 50% of the full-time studentship level each year. The studentship has the possibility of being extended for an additional 3 months (or pro rata part time) to provide professional development opportunities, or up to 3 months (or pro rata part time) of funding may be used to pay for the costs the student might incur in taking up professional development opportunities.
The minimum full-time enrolment before submission is 33 months and part time 45 months.
All candidates must comply with the UKRI terms and conditions for funding.
International students are eligible to apply for studentships but will be expected to pay the difference between the home and international fee rate themselves (as the studentship will only cover fees at the home rate, plus the stipend).**
Further guidance can be found on the UKRI website.
The student will have access to University of Westminster/School of Arts facilities including designated doctoral rooms, extensive library, research training, language courses, CREAM doctoral research and competitive conference funds as well as studio and laboratory access. Candidates are part of the Research Centre and are expected to take part in the University’s doctoral training programme including regular workshops and seminars with bi-yearly student research symposia. The successful candidate may be able to undertake some teaching duties and would be
expected to initiate and assist in the organisation of CREAM events and activities.
The student will participate in The National Archives’ growing research community, which includes other PhD students and staff. They will be invited to attend regular research events and network with specialists. The student is eligible to claim additional travel and related expenses during the course of the project courtesy of The National Archives worth up to £1000 per year for 3.75 years (45 months).
Prospective candidates wishing to informally discuss an application/draft proposal should contact:
Professor Roshini Kempadoo, CREAM, Westminster School of Arts
r.kempadoo@westminster.ac.uk
or Dr. Kevin Searle, The National Archives
Kevin.Searle@nationalarchives.gov.uk
Further information and links:
The National Archives
The Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media (CREAM)
Eligibility
The MPhil/PhD applicant would be expected to have the requisite University of
Westminster entry requirements: a minimum classification of 2.1 in their first degree
or equivalent; and preferably a relevant Masters degree (or Masters degree pending)
and/or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience in a professional setting.
Applicants whose secondary level education has not been conducted in the medium
of English should also demonstrate evidence of appropriate English language
proficiency, normally defined as: 6.5 (overall score with no less than 6.0 in any of the
individual elements).
View the University of Westminster’s full entry requirements
https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/entry-requirements
It is important to us that our organisations are more diverse, so we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. We especially keen to hear from candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds as they are currently underrepresented at this level in this area.
If you would like to be considered for this Collaborative Doctoral Studentship, you will need to apply to the University using the link:
Apply for the full-time route here
Apply for the part-time route here
Please choose the following programme area when making your application: MPhil/PhD Creative Media
You must apply for this programme MPhil/PhD Creative Media in order to be eligible for this studentship. If you apply for programmes in other areas your application will not be eligible.
Please make sure you indicate on your application form that you wish to be considered for the ‘AHRC CDP’ studentship.
Applications should include a research proposal and all necessary additional documents. Selection will be made on the basis of your research proposal. While you are expected and encouraged to shape your own research project, this should make reference to ways in which you would propose to work with The National Archives’ collection of Anglophone Caribbean material and must be within the scope of the MoE research brief. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate an interest in the archives sector and potential and enthusiasm for developing skills more widely in related areas.
The deadline for applications is 5pm (BST) on Monday 6th June 2022
Interviews will be held week commencing 20th June 2022
* See UKRI indicative stipend level for 2022-23
**22/23 home fee rate is £5,520 and the international fee rate is £14,110 per annum. Therefore, international students will be expected to pay the difference between these fee rates themselves – £8,590.