Bringing the Dead of West Hill Cemetery in Winchester to Life

Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals wishing to undertake doctoral research and join a supportive and research active community.

A PhD opportunity has arisen for an exceptional candidate to undertake research within the University of Winchester. The PhD topic will be located in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The West Hill Cemetery, Winchester is an interdisciplinary project based around the current work of researchers at the University, and situated at the intersection of Death Studies, Religious Studies, and History/Local History. By drawing on data available from the cemetery records, deed of grants books etc and copies of the burial registers, this project will examine aspects of the cemetery to explore what an analysis of the West Hill cemetery in Winchester can bring to current understandings of how the Victorians treated their dead. Issues such as religious affiliation, the burial of the socially marginalised, the positioning of memorials etc are all aspects that come into play.

Candidates will require a higher degree or equivalent in a related subject (examples include Victorian and Edwardian History and the use of census data, Religious Studies and Death Studies). Candidates must be able to demonstrate sound knowledge and experience of research methodologies that are commonly used in social research. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies are equally welcomed.

For more information on this project please email:

Director of Studies: Dr Christina Welch ([Email Address Removed])

Studentship Information and Entry Requirements

The studentship is tenable for up to 3 years full-time commencing 1 October 2018. The award includes full-time academic fees for UK/EU and international students* and an annual stipend. Annual renewal of the award is subject to satisfactory academic progress.

Applicants will normally have a track record of high academic achievement, relevant to the research proposal, demonstrated by a first class or high upper second undergraduate honours degree and/or a master’s degree (or equivalent) and supported by two academic references. The ability to work independently, with the support of a supervisory team, and the enthusiasm to contribute to a vibrant and stimulating research environment are essential.

Students who hold Masters level qualifications from outside the UK must send copies of their diplomas, copies of their transcripts (with a certified translation into English of their transcript if it is not in English) to the RKE Centre.

Students currently enrolled in a Masters qualification who expect to graduate before October 2018 may apply, but must submit with their application portfolio a separate recommendation letter from their current University (if not Winchester) that predicts the standing of their expected qualification. This is in addition to two references.

*nb Non-EU students are required to pay the balance between UK and non-EU tuition fees for the three years of the studentship.

Application Process

Students should apply to the University of Winchester using Application Form A which includes a substantial project proposal. To download a copy of Form A please click the following link:

https://www.winchester.ac.uk/search/?query=form+a

Key Dates:
• Deadline for applications: Midnight 18 May 2018
• References direct from referees* required by 28 May 2018
• Interviews will be held between 18 June and 29 June 2018
• Awards begin 01 October 2018

*Applicants will need to instruct their referees to email their references directly to [Email Address Removed]

For further information about the studentship process please contact: Kay Carter (01962) 826457 or email [Email Address Removed]