Funded PhD in Deaf heritage/history/spaces

Applications are invited for a full-time PhD studentship in Deaf Heritage at the University of Bristol.

Wherever they occur, environments designed for Deaf people challenge our assumptions of a ‘normal’ sensorium, and speak of the creativity of humanity in overcoming difference. Yet this rich heritage remains underexplored and the learning that it offers, untapped. Historic England and Bristol University are working together to supervise an exciting new PhD opportunity, that will advance our understanding of Deaf heritage by exploring the relationship between Deaf history and culture and the buildings around us, and by developing policies and processes to protect and manage Deaf heritage sites both now, and into the future.

The successful student will work with experts in Deaf history and heritage management to identify and assess sites in England, describe and understand their significance and devise and test negotiated plans for their future sustainable management. To be successful, they will need to develop knowledge and understanding of UK Deaf history, the relationship between history and heritage, design and architecture. They will have the ability to work with a wide range of professional and community partners, strong English and BSL, a knowledge of heritage policy and processes, and a commitment to communication and community engagement.

The student will conduct their research under the supervision of Dr Claire Shaw and Dr Mike Gulliver at the University of Bristol, and Ms Rosie Sherrington at Historic England.

Note: because Dr Shaw is based in the School of Modern Languages, although the applicant will need to apply through ‘Russian and Czech’, this is a formality and no Russian/Czech knowledge is required.

Candidate requirements

This project is open to both f/t and p/t students.

The successful candidate will:

• Have a relevant background in: historical/heritage studies, historical geography, Deaf/disability studies, architecture, conservation.
• Fulfil MPhil/PhD entry requirements (see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/admissions-statements/russianczechpgr.html)
• Make occasional visits to archives, sites, and conferences (expenses covered).
• Learn British Sign Language if not already able to sign.

Applicants should apply for online at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/ selecting ‘MPhil/PhD in Russian/Czech’.

The closing date for applications is 11th June 2015, interviews (if necessary) will be held week commencing 22nd June.

Please quote the project title “Paving a way for Deaf Heritage” on your application and provide all required documentation at time of applying.

As this studentship is to work on a specific project, there is no need to provide a complete research proposal. However, you should provide a brief outline (max 1000 words) containing:

• Details of relevant research and disciplinary background to date, including your engagement with and knowledge of Deaf or disability history or/and heritage.
• A brief proposal that outlines how you might explore the significance of a Deaf heritage site for a range of stakeholders including the Deaf community.

Please also supply an example of academic writing demonstrating the ability to write at an appropriate level.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Mike Gulliver (mike.gulliver@bristol.ac.uk).

Funding Notes: The successful candidate will be supported for 3 years (or 5 years p/t) from 1st October 2015. This will include:

• An annual f/t maintenance stipend of £14,413.
• Tuition fees at UK/EU rate for full-time study, paid direct to the university.
• A generous annual budget for project-specific travel, research and other expenses.

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply

— addendum —

Since we’ve been asked to clarify the position of non-UK residents with regards to fees and stipend, please see the following: