Dr S Sterling, Dr L Peng
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
This research project examines the conceptualization of modernity through lens of the material culture of the wedding industry in Suzhou. The purchase of items to be used during a wedding is a symbolic act related not just to consumption but to the construction of self-image, as the goods consumed are to be used in one of the most significant cultural events within (Chinese) society. Suzhou’s Tiger Hill Wedding Dress Street is one of the largest of its kind in China, selling a variety of wedding-related goods, and which attracts customers from across the country as well as the Overseas Chinese community. By examining both historical and current practices surrounding the material culture of weddings, the trajectory of modern wedding culture in Suzhou will be explored, in addition to the relationship between forces both in and outside of China that impact how weddings materialize in a 21st century context.
For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU): Please visit
http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd.html
http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd/feesscholarships.html
Requirements
The candidate should have a first class or upper second class honours degree, or a master’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in Industrial Design, Anthropology, Design Anthropology or other related fields. Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or an equivalent qualification, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.
Degree
The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are advised to email [Email Address Removed] (principal supervisor’s email address) the following documents and copy [Email Address Removed] (please put the project title in the subject line).
• CV
• Two reference letters
• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
• Proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of above 6.5 or equivalent is required
• Verified school transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Sara Sterling ([Email Address Removed] ), whose personal profile is linked below,
http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/departments/academic-departments/industrial-design/staff/sara-sterling
Funding Notes
The PhD studentship is available for three years subject to satisfactory progress by the student. The award covers tuition fees for three years (currently equivalent to RMB 80,000 per annum) and provides a monthly stipend of 3500 RMB as a contribution to living expenses. It also provides up to RMB 16,500 to allow participation at international conferences during the period of the award. It is a condition of the award that holders of XJTLU PhD scholarships carry out 300-500 hours of teaching assistance work per year. The scholarship holder is expected to carry out the major part of his or her research at XJTLU in Suzhou, China. However, he or she is eligible for a research study visit to the University of Liverpool of up to three months, if this is required by the project.