Applications are invited for a full-time PhD (via MPhil route) studentship on the following topic: College, City and Beyond: the History and Contribution of Coventry School of Art & Design from 1843 onwards.

The PhD will be co-supervised by Dr Rosie Dias (University of Warwick) and Professor Jill Journeaux (Coventry University). It is funded by the University of Warwick and Coventry University.

The studentship is tenable for up to 3 years full-time, subject to satisfactory progress, and will cover the cost of tuition fees at UK/EU rates (£4,260 in 2018/19) and an annual maintenance grant (£14,777 per annum at 2018/19 rates). The studentship will commence in May 2018.

The Project:

This studentship offers pivotal opportunities to investigate the history and contribution of the Coventry School of Art and Design’s role and cultural significance as amongst the first Regional Schools of Design to be established in the 1840s. The PhD will consider the shifting purposes of the institution, in particular its cultural and institutional transformations relating to Victorian and post-19th century discourses of ‘design’ and culture. Key areas of focus will be its interrelationship with the City of Coventry and the region, the significance of its collections, and its influence nationally and globally. The PhD will offer a case-study of the artistic, cultural and social demands made on regional/national colleges of art and design since the 1840s, and the interrelationship of art and design teaching with the needs of the transforming cultural industries and practices of art to which they align. The successful applicant will be encouraged to engage in public engagement activities relating to their research, particularly during 2021 when Coventry will be the UK City of Culture.

Eligibility:

Candidates should ideally have a minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree and a distinction-level Masters degree or equivalent in History of Art, History of Design, Decorative Arts, Architectural History or another relevant field.
Applications are welcome from students from the UK and the EU.

How to Apply:
Eligible candidates should submit applications for this studentship to Dr Rosie Dias (Rosemarie.Dias@warwick.ac.uk).
Your application should include:

• a cover letter of no more than 1000 words detailing how you would approach the PhD topic, and the skills and experience you would bring to the project
• a current CV
• a transcript of qualifications to date
• letters of reference from two referees
• a writing sample (either an essay or MA dissertation)

In addition you will be required to submit an application to study via the university’s online application system at:
https://warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/howto/

Please make it clear in your online application that you are applying for the Coventry School of Art & Design studentship.

Deadline:
The deadline for applications is 7th January, 2019. Interviews will be held during the week commencing 4th February 2019. The successful candidate will commence the studentship in May 2019.
For any inquiries related to this PhD studentship, please contact rosemarie dot dias at warwick dot ac dot uk.