Our Research

PhD Bursary in Issue-based Photography

Our flourishing research and scholarship culture celebrates and enables original investigation; extending knowledge fields and developing new understanding within the arts.

PhD Bursary in Issue-based Photography

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is pleased to offer one part-time fees only bursary for the above PhD opportunity to outstanding applicants seeking to begin a programme of research with AUB in September 2023.

The university has recently set up the Crux Photography Research Network which aims to use photography to explore some of the key challenges of our times. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of CRUX.

	Bursary details
Qualification type	PhD
Location	Bournemouth
Funding for	UK/Home Students
Funding amount	Home Tuition Fees paid for up to five years
Hours	Part-time
Application deadline	30 May 2023

Research proposal

Proposals are invited for a PhD project in issue-based photography research focused on social or environmental issues. The bursary is intended to support PhD candidates who are committed to creating research impact and fostering public engagement with their work.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work on a project exploring social or environmental issues of their choice using photography as the primary medium. We welcome unconventional and innovative approaches, experimental methods or emerging technologies, as well as traditional approaches with the underlying goal of making work that makes a difference. The project will be designed to produce high quality research that can contribute to academic knowledge and public understanding of the issue being explored.

Applicants will need to demonstrate an interest in exploring social or environmental issues and have excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently.

Supervision will be led by Professor Paul Wenham-Clarke, Professor of Photography and Dr Laurie Taylor.

Candidates for a PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in five year (part-time).
Applicants should hold a first or 2:1 Honours degree, have a strong photographic portfolio and typically a Master's degree in a related field such as photography, or social and environmental sciences.
Applicants with alternative qualifications/experience will be considered if they can demonstrate relevant achievement. Applicants whose first language is not English will be expected to have an IELTS score of at least 7.0 with 7.0 minimum in writing.
In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, AUB will look closely at the research potential and academic qualities of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.

Applicants are also invited from students who wish to self-fund their studies.

Please refer to the bursary terms and conditions for further details. We particularly welcome applicants who self-identify as being from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME/Global Majority) background.

How to apply

All applicants should apply via AUB's online application portal.
As part of the application, you'll be required to submit a 1,500-word proposal that follows the guidelines available on the website; and two academic references. You should also upload a copy of your CV.
You should clearly state in your proposal that you wish to be considered for this bursary.
Closing date for applications is 30 May 2024. Interviews will take place in June/early July.