The Department of Classical and Archaeological Studies has announced a fully-funded AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership PhD studentship between the University of Kent and The British Museum titled ‘Exploring economy, society and culture through glass bangles: origins, circulation and cultural impact in the Western Indian Ocean’.

This project aims to understand the spread of glass bangle production and circulation in the late and post medieval periods (c.1200-1700) – for instance, by mapping production areas and distribution – and investigate the cultural value and meanings of glass bangles, through a combination of archaeological science and investigation of size, colour and decoration (including a formal typology).

The project will support the British Museum’s research on trade and connections around the Indian Ocean, and provide the opportunity to develop the career of a future Museum Curator, Archaeological Scientist or Material Culture specialist. This is a collaborative studentship and will therefore be jointly supervised by Ellen Swift, Reader in Archaeology in the Department of Classical & Archaeological Studies, and Andrew Meek from the British Museum.

During the studentship period, the student will have the opportunity to undertake a placement at The British Museum, in the Department of the Middle East or Department of Scientific Research. During this time they will be able to gain hands-on experience in relevant work-based skills for a career in the field of cultural heritage. There will be an opportunity to undertake training courses in techniques of scientific analysis and the student will also participate in the planning for an upcoming exhibition during the course of the PhD.

This studentship is funded by the Collaborative Doctoral Partnership scheme, and is one of seven studentships the British Museum is supporting this year to supports its work. This is the second Collaborative Doctoral Award gained by the Department of Classical & Archaeological Studies in recent years; the other is a collaboration with English Heritage to study the Roman artefacts from Richborough Fort and is held by PhD student Philip Smither.

• One studentship is available, either full or part time, and the award pays fees up to the value of the full time home/EU rate for PhD degrees as well as full maintenance (UK citizens and residents only). The value of the stipend for 2019/20 is £15,009 plus an additional £550 stipend payment for Collaborative Doctoral Students.

Application deadline: 7 June 2019

Interviews will take place on 20 June 2019 at the British Museum in London.

Full details and information about making an application are available on the University website.