🎓 Discover PhD and Master's programmes at leading universities worldwide — Sign up free to save searches and get email alerts
UOP

Uncharted Voices: Subaltern Cultures and Identities in Global Seafaring, 1880–1950

University of Portsmouth School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature
✓ Fully Funded ⏰ Closing Soon 🎓 Cultural History 🎓 Heritage Studies 🎓 Historical Geography 🎓 History & Archaeology 🎓 Maritime History 🎓 Museum Studies 🎓 Social History phd fully funded UK AHRC CDP REACH consortium University of Portsmouth cultural heritage global seafaring historical geography maritime history oral history social history

A fully funded 4-year PhD at the University of Portsmouth examining subaltern cultures and identities of global seafarers (1880–1950) using the Campbell McMurray Collection and collaborative research with the National Maritime Museum.

Project Description

This PhD project investigates the personal narratives of merchant seamen from the late 19th to mid-20th century, exploring identity, family relations, cultural practices, and working-class affiliations. The candidate will: Conduct thematic analysis of the Campbell McMurray Collection (CMC) oral histories Spend time at the University of Portsmouth and the National Maritime Museum (NMM) Engage in collaborative doctoral training, public engagement, and heritage initiatives Develop their own research questions and approach under supervision

Entry Requirements

Relevant Master’s-level qualification or equivalent professional experience
Interest in social, cultural, and maritime history, oral history, and heritage
Strong English language skills (IELTS 6.5+, no component <6.0)
Willingness to work in interdisciplinary and collaborative environments

How to Apply

Apply via University of Portsmouth online application form
Include personal statement, CV, proof of degrees, 1,000-word proposal, referees, and English language evidence
Quote project code: ASH10030526
Email applications not accepted

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

PB
Prof Brad Beaven, Dr Karl Bell
University of Portsmouth, School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature

Related Opportunities

Language, Place and the Museum: Exploring Multilingualism and Decolonial Practices
University of the Arts London Dr Victoria Odeniyi, Dr Anjalie Dalal-Clayton, Prof Paul Goodwin 🎓 Creative Arts & Design 🎓 Heritage Studies

Explore how language constructs and transforms the sense of place within museums. Investigate multilingual and decolonial approaches to museum language that challenge colonial narratives and support diverse community vo…

This research is vital for addressing the colonial legacies embedded in museum language and spatial representation. It promotes more inclus…

74+ citations · h3
language coloniality multilingualism ethnography
Ensemble Theatre Making at National Youth Theatre: Histories, Practices and Possibilities
University of the Arts London Prof Helen Brooks 🎓 Creative Arts & Design 🎓 Heritage Studies

Explore National Youth Theatre’s ensemble practice through archival and live research. Investigate its history and future to redefine youth theatre's impact on community, inclusion, and creative arts education.

This research addresses neglected areas in theatre studies, spotlighting youth theatre's role in fostering community, identity, and inclusi…

Ensemble Practice Youth Theatre Archival Analysis Practice Research
AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) Studentship – Reconnecting Museum Collections with Ecological Knowledge in East Africa (1870–1930)
University of Lincoln Dr Sarah Longair 🎓 African History 🎓 African Studies Deadline: 13 May 2026

Fully funded AHRC CDP PhD at the University of Lincoln and the British Museum exploring museum collections, ecological knowledge, and human–non-human relationships in East Africa.

USYD UofG Joint PhD Scholarship: Living with Print in the Eighteenth Century
University of Glasgow Prof Matthew Sangster; Prof Nicola Parsons 🎓 English Language 🎓 English Literature Deadline: 21 Apr 2026

Fully funded joint PhD between the University of Sydney and University of Glasgow exploring reading practices and print culture in the eighteenth century using archival research.