Histories of Popular British Television Drama (Advert Ref: RDF18/ART/LEGGOTT)

British television culture is now receiving increasing critical attention, from histories of particular genres, to analyses of its industrial and reception contexts. Programmes, developments and creative personnel, once perhaps considered too ordinary, popular or ‘invisible’ for scrutiny, are gaining scholarly interest or reappraisal. Led by Dr James Leggott, this PhD studentship will move forward this work through a focus upon a relatively unexplored area of UK television drama. Working with academics from the Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences with expertise in the areas of British visual culture and popular genre, the successful applicant will devise a case study that contributes to an understanding of a specific area of British television drama, whilst also intervening in debates around historical methodologies. Research proposals that explore the interconnections between UK TV drama and other forms of popular media or history are particularly welcome, as is the analysis of types of drama that have as yet received only limited critical consideration (such as children’s broadcasting or the ‘single play’ tradition, for example).

Proposals are invited based on any aspect of popular British television drama history and culture. Possible approaches might include, but are not limited to, the following; Histories of popular genres such as the television play (such as ‘Play for Today’), costume drama, children’s TV and crime; histories of representation (eg. gender, region, class); histories of production cultures; case studies of specific writers, directors, performers, producers or other creative personnel; audiences and reception; the relationship between British television drama and other media/art forms.

Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see:
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF18/…) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: 28 January 2018

Start Date: 1 October 2018

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality and is a member of the Euraxess network, which delivers information and support to professional researchers