PhD Studentship: Hong Kong History Centre Studentship (pre-1950 history)

The project:

Open to students embarking on PhD research starting in September 2026 in the History of Hong Kong, in the period pre-dating 1950 (with a preference for the pre-war or pre 1930 period). We are looking for applicants interested in pursuing original research to be supervised by members of the Hong Kong History Centre and associated staff in the Department of History (including but not limited to Professor Robert Bickers, Dr. Vivian Kong, Dr Peter Hamilton, and Professor Ray Yep), and who also share a vision for public engagement of the discipline.

The studentship is co-funded by a generous donation to the Hong Kong History Centre at the University of Bristol (http://www.hkhistory.net/). The Centre encourages and facilitates the study of the history of Hong Kong in the UK, and collaborates with partners in Hong Kong and internationally. Possible doctoral projects could focus on any sub-discipline of history, with a focus on Hong Kong, that could be provided with expert supervision from Hong Kong History Centre staff or other members of the Department of History. It is expected that the project would require Chinese language skills.

Alongside their research, the student will help with aspects of public engagement coordinated by members of the Centre.

How to apply:

For the scholarship: please apply in writing to hkhistory-centre@bristol.ac.uk, with a formal research proposal, cv, and a statement (no more than 1 page) of your suitability for a role that combines academic research with public engagement.

Applicants must also submit a formal PhD application to the University of Bristol by 23 January 2026.

To make an online application go to http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply.

Please select History PhD on the programme choice page and September 2026 as your start date. Enter details of the scholarship when prompted in the Funding sections of the form (Choose ‘Other’ and enter ‘Hong Kong History Centre’, enter 100 for ‘Percentage from this source’, and choose ‘Yes’ for funding be secured). Please also remember to include all documents sent to hkhistory-centre@bristol.ac.uk in your application.

Candidate requirements:

A pass in a Master’s degree (or international equivalent), or be working towards a Master’s degree with a final submission date of no later than 15 September 2025. Knowledge of Chinese language would be desirable.

Funding:

Home and International students will receive a full tuition fee bursary, a maintenance stipend of £22,303.50 per annum (rising in alignment with UKRI rates), a Research Training Support Grant, and generous relocation support if moving from overseas.

Contacts:

Please direct any questions relating to the application process to the University of Bristol’s PG Arts Admissions team: artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk. For further information on the Centre, prospective applicants should contact Dr Vivian Kong (vivian.kong@bristol.ac.uk), Professor Ray Yep (rekmy@bristol.ac.uk), Dr Peter Hamilton (peter.hamilton@bristol.ac.uk), or Professor Robert Bickers (robert.bickers@bristol.ac.uk). Further details can be viewed on the Centre’s People page: Current staff – Hong Kong History Centre

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