Fully Funded PhD in Roman Archaeology at University of Leicester

About the Program

The University of Leicester, in partnership with the Colchester + Ipswich Museums Service, invites applications for a prestigious fully funded PhD position under the AHRC’s Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) Scheme. This doctoral project—“Contextualising Roman Coinage from Camulodunum: an exploration of economy and identity in Britannia’s first capital”—offers a unique chance to explore how Roman coinage shaped, and was shaped by, the evolving identities and economies of Roman Britain’s first capital, Camulodunum (modern-day Colchester).

The student will be embedded in both academic and museum environments, conducting original research using Colchester Museums’ extensive numismatic collections. This interdisciplinary collaboration also includes expert support from the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.

Program Details

Position: Fully-funded PhD Position
Institution: University of Leicester
Department/Faculty: Archaeology and Ancient History
Supervisors: Dr Philippa Walton, Professor Sarah Scott (University of Leicester); Glynn Davis (Colchester Museums); Dr Adrian Popescu (Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge)
Location: Leicester & Colchester, United Kingdom
Start Date (Anticipated): 1 October 2025
Duration: 3.5 years
Funding: Fully funded by the AHRC CDP scheme (covers tuition fees and maintenance stipend at UKRI rate)
Working Hours: Full-time
Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Archaeology, Ancient History, Museum Studies, or related disciplines

Research Focus

Numismatic study of 9,749 coins from Camulodunum
Identity formation and local economies in Roman Britain
Critiquing the ‘Romanisation’ paradigm in colonial archaeology
Participatory museum practices and public heritage engagement
Comparative study of coin use inside and outside Roman Colchester

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

A Master’s degree in a relevant field

Preferred Qualifications:

Background in Roman archaeology or numismatics
Experience with museum collections or archival work
Strong analytical and academic writing skills
Familiarity with digital cataloguing tools, GIS, or data visualization is a plus

Key Features of the Program

Access to Colchester Museums’ Resource Centre and core collection
Collaboration with Fitzwilliam Museum and curatorial professionals
Integration into the national CDP student cohort
Support for travel, training, and conferences
Potential to influence how Roman heritage is presented to the public

Application Process

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted through the University of Leicester’s online portal. Applicants should prepare a personal statement aligned with the project’s themes and submit relevant documents.