PhD Studentship: From the Frontline: Witnesses to War – Exploring the role, perspectives and impact of war correspondents during the Cold War and late 20th century

Location: University of Bristol and Imperial War Museums (IWM)

The project:

War correspondents are a vital part of the history of war: they witness the terror, practicalities and boredom of conflict; they produce some of its most vivid source material, for a variety of audiences; and they work alongside militaries, local societies and international organizations in a unique way. In short, they provide the first draft of the history of war. Using the IWM’s rich archival collection and potentially recording new oral history interviews, this AHRC-funded collaborative PhD studentship between the IWM and the University of Bristol offers a student the chance to make an original contribution to the history of war and conflict, Cold War history and/or media history. The proposed project will underline the significance of war correspondents and their wider teams and networks in telling the story of modern conflict from 1945 to 2000, but will also place them within local and global contexts. This doctoral project also encourages us to think about the broader significance of war reportage to Britain in an era of Cold War conflict, decolonization and global change. This timely examination of war correspondents provides a much-needed historical framework through which to understand urgent contemporary concerns, in an era where changing technology, disinformation, access and accreditation are under closer scrutiny and part of conflict itself.

One funding award, covering tuition fees (home) and an annual stipend, will be awarded to a student to start in October 2026. The project will be jointly supervised by supervisors at IWM and University of Bristol and the student will be expected to spend time in both research communities. The studentship is open to both Home and International applicants.

How to apply:

For the full advertisement, including details on the project, eligibility and how to apply, please visit:

https://www.iwm.org.uk/research/doctoral-awards

Candidate requirements:  Applicants should ideally have or expect to receive a relevant Masters-level qualification in History or Museum/Heritage Studies or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience in a professional setting in the above disciplines. While not essential, some prior experience of museum-based work would be welcome.

Funding: The award pays tuition fees up to the value of the full-time home fee. UKRI’s Indicative Fee Level for 2026/2027 is £5238.

The award pays an annual stipend for all students, both home and international students. This stipend is tax free, and is the equivalent of an annual salary, enabling the student to pay living costs. The UKRI Minimum Doctoral Stipend for 2026/2027 is £21,805. There is also a CDP maintenance payment of £600 per year, plus an allowance of £1,000 per year.

CDP doctoral training grants fund full-time studentships for 48 months (4 years) or part-time equivalent up to a maximum of 8 years.     

Contacts:

For the full advertisement, including details on the project, eligibility and how to apply, please visit https://www.iwm.org.uk/research/doctoral-awards

For informal enquiries, please contact the lead co-supervisor Dr Grace Huxford, grace.huxford@bristol.ac.uk   

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