AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) Studentship at Royal College of Art & National Maritime Museum, London, UK
About the Scholarship
The AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) Studentship offers a fully funded PhD opportunity titled “Thames Barge Stories: Exploring the Design and Material Culture of the Thames Sailing Barge c1800–Present“. This interdisciplinary, practice-led research combines lens-based art practices with design history methodologies. It aims to shed light on the evolution of Thames sailing barges and the diverse communities associated with them. The program supports underrepresented groups, promotes international academic collaboration, and contributes significantly to maritime heritage studies.
Scholarship Details
- Scholarship Name: AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) Studentship – Thames Barge Stories
- Institution/Provider: Royal College of Art (RCA)
- Administering Organization: National Maritime Museum (NMM), part of Royal Museums Greenwich
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Level of Study: PhD
- Field of Study: Arts & Humanities, Design History, Lens-Based Art Practices, Maritime Studies
- Mode of Study: Full-time or Part-time
- Duration: 4 years (Full-time) or up to 7 years (Part-time)
- Start Date (Expected): October 1, 2025
- Application Mode: Online
- Scholarship Type: Fully-funded
Supported Fields of Study
- Photography
- Filmmaking
- History
- Art History
- Design History
- Maritime Studies
- Lens-Based Art Practices
- Social History
- Material Culture
- Heritage Studies
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements
- Academic Qualifications: Master’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g., photography, filmmaking, history, art history, design history) or equivalent professional experience
- Nationality/Residency: Open to both Home (UK) and Overseas applicants
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English; specific test scores not specified
- Age Limit: Not specified
- Enrollment Status: Incoming PhD students
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated interest in social and maritime history, museum and heritage sectors, and collections-based research
- Experience in lens-based art practices or related fields
Not Eligible
- Applicants not meeting UKRI terms and conditions for funding
Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition Coverage: Full coverage up to the home fee rate
- Living/Monthly Stipend: £22,780 per annum
- Health or Accident Insurance: Not specified
- Travel Assistance: Up to £1,000 per year
- Accommodation Subsidy: Not specified
- Networking/Conference/Research Development Opportunities: Participation in professional development events and activities organized for all CDP students
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct collections-based research on Thames sailing barges
- Develop a substantial body of original film and/or photographic work
- Engage with working-class communities and heritage partners in London, Kent, and Essex
- Participate in professional development events and activities organized for CDP students
Application Process
How to Apply
- Application Mode: Online via RCA’s admissions portal
- Official Link: RCA Applicant Portal
Required Documents
- Completed Application Form
- CV/Resume
- Academic Transcripts
- Personal Statement or Motivation Letter
- Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of Language Proficiency
- Passport Copy or National ID
- Research Proposal/Portfolio
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Currently Open
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2025, at 23:59 (BST)
- Interview/Review Period: Interviews via Zoom on July 18, 2025
- Result Announcement: Not specified
- Program Start Date: October 1, 2025
Where to Apply
- Institute website: Royal College of Art | Home
- Institure website 2: National Maritime Museum | Visit Royal Museums Greenwich
- Official Scholarship Page: 037-25 AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) Studentship – Jobs at The Royal College of Art
- Apply Here: Applicant Portal
