About the PhD Position
The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Fully Funded PhD in History under the UKRI-supported “Colombo: Layered Histories in the Global South City” project. This prestigious opportunity is ideal for candidates searching for fully funded PhD programmes in the UK for international students in 2026. In addition, the project is supported by the European Research Council HORIZON programme, ensuring global research collaboration, academic excellence, and advanced interdisciplinary training in history and global studies.
The doctoral research focuses on the environmental and cultural history of Colombo, a key global South city shaped by imperial transitions and urban transformation. It explores colonial history, wetland environments, Indian Ocean networks, and diasporic communities. As a result, candidates will engage in archival research, historical analysis, and interdisciplinary methods, contributing to high-impact scholarship in History, postcolonial studies, and global urban history.
In addition, the selected PhD researcher will work within an international research team led by Professor Sujit Sivasundaram. The position offers full tuition coverage, a competitive stipend of ÂŁ21,805 per year, and research funding for three years. Therefore, this fully funded PhD in the UK provides excellent career prospects, academic training, and global research exposure in History and related disciplines.
Importantly this opportunity is open to international applicants, especially candidates from Sri Lanka. Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree and demonstrate English proficiency and language skills in Sinhala and/or Tamil. Overall, this is a top fully funded PhD scholarship in History in the UK for 2026, ideal for candidates seeking academic careers and international research opportunities.
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Program Overview
- Position: Fully Funded PhD / Doctoral Researcher in Environmental & Cultural History
- Position type: Doctoral Studentship
- Institution: University of Cambridge, UK
- Department: Faculty of History
- Research Group: Colombo: Layered Histories Project
- Supervisor: Professor Sujit Sivasundaram
- Location: Cambridge
- Country: United Kingdom
- Duration: 3 years
- Start Date: October 2026
- Funding: Fully Funded with ÂŁ21,805 annual stipend (UKRI/ERC HORIZON)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Number of Positions: 1
- Required Degree / Diploma: Master’s degree in History or related field
Explore fully funded research positions and academic opportunities at the University of Cambridge, UK, and take your research career to the next level.
Research Focus
- Environmental history of Colombo
- Cultural and urban history in the global South
- Colonial and postcolonial urban transformations
- Indian Ocean networks and diasporic communities
- Interdisciplinary historical analysis
Explore advanced cultural history research jobs and academic positions designed for scholars pursuing careers in global and environmental history.
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in History or a related discipline
- Strong academic writing and research skills
- Evidence of English language proficiency
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil
- Interest in South Asian or global urban history
- Experience in archival or interdisciplinary research
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Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent doctoral research within project themes
- Develop and submit a strong research proposal
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team
- Contribute to publications and project outputs
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the University of Cambridge Application Portal.
Required Documents:
- CV/resume
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal (1000–1500 words)
- Writing sample (max 20,000 words)
- Two references
- Proof of English proficiency
- Other documents
Important Dates
- Application open: 2026
- Application Deadline: 3 May 2026
- Interviews: Mid-May 2026
- Expected Start Date: October 2026
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Cambridge
- Department Information: Faculty of History
- Official Job Announcement: PhD in History – Colombo Studentship
- Application Portal: Submit Your Application via Cambridge Portal
📧 Contact for Queries
- Email: Not specified
- Phone: Not specified
This studentship offers an excellent opportunity for international scholars seeking Fully Funded research support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advanced research opportunities at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
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