About the Program
The University of Cambridge is offering a prestigious fully funded PhD studentship under the project Colombo: Layered Histories in the Global South City, supported by UKRI and the European Research Council’s HORIZON programme. This innovative research opportunity invites a doctoral researcher to explore Colombo’s rich cultural and environmental histories during the early modern or modern era. The city’s unique past, shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial rule and its diverse communities, offers a fascinating field of study. This studentship is designed to strengthen connections between Sri Lanka and Europe, and applicants from Sri Lanka are especially encouraged. The program provides full funding, expert supervision from leading scholars, and a vibrant international research community, making it an exceptional choice for students passionate about global history and urban studies.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Cambridge
- Department/Faculty: Faculty of History
- Supervisor: Professor Sujit Sivasundaram
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
- Duration: 3 years
- Funding: Full tuition fees, annual maintenance allowance of £20,780, and budget for research and training
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in history or a closely related discipline.
Research Focus/Area
- Environmental history of Colombo (early modern or modern period)
- Cultural history of Colombo (early modern or modern period)
- Social and political history of Colombo since 1800
- Urban studies in a global South context
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in history or a cognate discipline
- Research proposal focused on Colombo’s social and/or political history since 1800
- Competence in Sinhala or Tamil for research purposes
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency in both Sinhala and Tamil
- Strong academic writing skills and research experience
- Ability to work collaboratively within an international research team
Key Features of the Program
- Full financial support for tuition and living costs
- Collaborative research environment with postdoctoral fellows and other PhD students
- Opportunities for archival and fieldwork research
- Access to conferences, travel funding, and training resources
- Integration into Cambridge’s renowned Faculty of History
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit your application through the University of Cambridge application portal.
Required Documents:
- Two academic references
- Academic transcripts
- CV/resume
- Evidence of English language competence
- Two writing samples (up to 20,000 words total)
- Research proposal (1,000–1,500 words titled ‘Statement of Intended Research’)
- Evidence of Sinhala and/or Tamil language competence
- Proof of Master’s qualification or equivalent
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently open
- Deadline: 31 August 2025
- Interviews (if applicable): To be scheduled after application review
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Cambridge Postgraduate Study
- Official Notification: Faculty of History PhD Page
- Application Portal: Apply Here
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