Uncharted Voices: Subaltern Cultures and Identities in Global Seafaring, 1880–1950 (Fully Funded PhD Studentship) University of Portsmouth in United Kingdom

The University of Portsmouth, in collaboration with the National Maritime Museum (NMM) and the REACH CDP Consortium, invites applications for a fully funded four-year PhD studentship commencing 1st October 2026. This opportunity is part of the AHRC’s Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships (CDP) scheme and offers a unique chance to critically investigate the Campbell McMurray Collection (CMC), an extensive oral history archive of British merchant seamen spanning the 1890s to the 1950s. The project aims to recover hidden maritime voices and explore the complex identities, cultural practices, and working-class affiliations of seafarers within imperial and postcolonial contexts.

Supervised jointly by Professor Brad Beaven and Dr Karl Bell (University of Portsmouth), alongside Lucy Dale and Dr Hannah Stockton (NMM), the successful candidate will benefit from professional immersion in both academic and heritage sectors. The studentship includes embedded training and career development, primarily based at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, and access to international networks through the Centre of Port Cities and Cultures. Flexible engagement is encouraged, with opportunities for remote work and regular on-site collaboration with the NMM curatorial team.

Research questions may include: How did merchant seafarers articulate their sense of identity across maritime and urban domains? How did they manage family relationships while navigating between sea and shore? What traditions and cultural practices did they engage in at sea? To what extent were seafarers integrated into or excluded from working-class communities ashore? The project will contribute to public history initiatives, enhancing heritage narratives and public engagement by interpreting the CMC archive for broader audiences.

Funding covers full tuition fees at the home rate, with the University waiving the difference for international students. An annual stipend of £23,405 (including London weighting and CDP uplift) is provided, along with travel and research expenses grants up to £1,000/year (NMM) and £750/year (AHRC). Visa and health surcharge costs are not covered. The studentship is open to both Home and International applicants, and applications from diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged.

Applicants must have a good first degree (minimum upper second class or equivalent) and a relevant Master’s-level qualification or equivalent professional experience. English language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 (no component below 6.0) is required. Candidates should demonstrate interest in social, cultural, and maritime history, oral history, museum and heritage sector, collections-based research, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary skills.

To apply, contact Professor Brad Beaven to discuss your interest. Submit a 1,000-word proposal, personal statement, proof of degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of English proficiency, and an up-to-date CV via the online application form. Quote project code ASH10030526. Complete the voluntary EDI monitoring form. Email applications are not accepted. The application deadline is Sunday, 10th May 2026 (midnight).

For further information, visit the project page or attend the project-specific information webinar. Join a vibrant cohort of CDP funded students and contribute to cutting-edge research in maritime history, heritage studies, and public engagement.