Commonwealth Students, UK Higher Education and the Making of Global Knowledge Networks, 1950–2000

Funding Source: ESRC Midlands Graduate School DTP Joint Studentship

Proposed start date: September 2021

Closing date for applications: 17:00 Monday 1^st March 2021

Eligibility: UK/EU/International

Department/School: History     

Supervisors:      University of Leicester: Dr Sally Horrocks [Email Address Removed]

University of Warwick: Dr James Poskett [Email Address Removed]

Project Title: Commonwealth Students, UK Higher Education and the Making of Global Knowledge Networks, 1950–2000

Project Description (max 700 words): This project aims to assess the experiences of Commonwealth students who studied science in UK higher education from the 1950s to the 1990s. The project will identify the factors that shaped later career choices and uncover how their status as transnational actors affected their research and the networks they participated in. It will use a global and postcolonial history lens to examine the implications of studying in the UK for individuals and their families, the choices they made about where to focus their research and their ongoing connections to their home nation. The project will also establish how the changing landscape of UK higher education impacted upon the experiences of Commonwealth students and their subsequent careers.

The successful applicant will be able to shape the project to their own interests and expertise by selecting a focussed case study, for example on one country or scientific discipline. The project methodology will combine oral history interviews with archival research in the UK and internationally. In conjunction with their academic work, the student will contribute to identifying best practice in supporting international students. The interviews arising from this project will, subject to the relevant permissions, be archived in the British Library.

Applicants should have a strong undergraduate degree in History, Human Geography, Science and Technology Studies, or a cognate discipline. Knowledge of oral history or qualitative interview research methods would be an advantage but is not a prerequisite. Applicants may have completed a Masters degree by September 2021, but those without a Masters can be considered for a 1+3 award. 

Entry requirements:

Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor Degree 2:1 or better in History, Human Geography, Science and Technology Studies, or a cognate discipline.

Knowledge of oral history or qualitative interview research methods would be an advantage but is not a prerequisite.

Applicants may have completed a Masters degree by September 2021, but those without a Masters can be considered for a 1+3 award.  

The University of Leicester English language requirements apply where applicable.

Application advice:

• To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Joint Studentship application form available here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mgsdtp/collaborativeandjoint/#joint   and email this along with a CV and writing sample (eg. essay or dissertation chapter) to [Email Address Removed]

 *Shortlisted applicants will also be required to provide two references.

• Application deadline: Applications should be submitted by 17:00 on Monday 1^st March 2021. 
• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on Tuesday 9^th March 2021.

Project / Funding Enquiries: Informal enquiries prior to application can be directed to Dr Sally Horrocks, [Email Address Removed]

Application enquiries to [Email Address Removed]