This project will explore the use of creative writing practice as a means of improving women’s experiences of incarceration, as well as the impact of incarceration beyond their release. To do so, the project will engage with three specific groups of women in order to capture motherhood at different stages: expectant mothers in prison; mothers in prison; mothers who have left prison. The project will work with both prison and probation services in order to address how creative practice can build up a sense of self and responsibility as well as offering a ‘therapeutic’ angle. This will be explored specifically through ‘maternity diaries’. Such writings will consider the meaning of motherhood as understood by female prisoners, whether those who are about to become mothers, those who were mothers before imprisonment, what participants feel about their own mothers, and how they understand and support one another in the groups as mothers.
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Jo Metcalf ([Email Address Removed])
For more information, watch a recording here of a webinar held in December 2021. You'll hear from programme leaders, supervisors and students talking about the funded opportunities available.
About the research cluster
Based in the Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education, the University of Hull's Cultures of Incarceration Centre explores creative responses to the experience of incarceration across cultures and continents, with ‘incarceration’ applied to a host of historical and contemporary contexts, including prisons, pandemics, and modern slavery. Our work informs wider discussions of race, class, gender, humanity, and citizenship in countries across the world, and pioneers new interdisciplinary ways of working with colleagues from across subject areas and in collaboration with external partners and stakeholders.
Our students will play an active role in the Centre, whether by supporting the Centre’s research seminar programme, producing podcasts connected to student research projects, or mentoring MA Incarceration Studies students.
Please note that the successful candidate should be prepared to undertake fieldwork (whether in Hull, nationally, or the US) as required. Some of our awards may also be conditional upon receipt of a satisfactory DBS check.
Submission of thesis
Submission of your final thesis is expected within three years and three months from the start of your PhD scholarship for full time and within five years and six months if studying part-time.
If you need to move into a fourth year (full time) or sixth year (part-time) to complete your thesis, please note that you will not receive a tuition fee waiver or maintenance grant during this period.
Eligibility, entry requirements and how to apply
To find out more about the eligibility criteria, entry requirements and how to apply, please visit the University of Hull PhD scholarships webpage.
International applicants
This opportunity comes with a home fee waiver only.
Closing date for applications
Midnight, 31 January 2022