[Full tuition fee bursary for Home and International students, maintenance stipend of £22,303.50 per annum (rising in alignment with UKRI rates), Research Training Support Grant, and generous relocation support for overseas students.]

The University of Bristol is offering a fully funded PhD Studentship through the Hong Kong History Centre, open to students commencing doctoral research in September 2026. This prestigious studentship supports original research in any aspect of the history of Hong Kong, broadly conceived, and is designed for candidates who are passionate about both academic research and public engagement. The Hong Kong History Centre, based within the Department of History, is a leading hub for the study of Hong Kong’s past, fostering collaboration with partners in Hong Kong and internationally, and promoting the discipline within the UK.

Supervision will be provided by members of the Centre and associated staff, including Professor Robert Bickers, Dr. Vivian Kong, Dr. Peter Hamilton, and Professor Ray Yep, all of whom have extensive expertise in Hong Kong history and related fields. The Centre welcomes proposals across all sub-disciplines of history, provided the research focus is on Hong Kong and can be supported by the Centre’s staff. Projects may range from colonial and transnational history to urban, social, and political history, reflecting the diversity of Hong Kong’s historical experience.

The studentship is funded by an endowed fund at the University and includes a full tuition fee bursary for both Home and International students, a maintenance stipend of £22,303.50 per annum (subject to annual review and increases in line with UKRI rates), a Research Training Support Grant, and generous relocation support for those moving from overseas. The successful candidate will also contribute to the Centre’s public engagement activities, helping to share research findings with wider audiences and support the Centre’s mission.

Eligibility requirements include a pass in a Master’s degree (or international equivalent), or current enrolment in a Master’s programme with a final submission date no later than 15 September 2025. Knowledge of Chinese language is desirable, as many research projects may require engagement with Chinese-language sources. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in Hong Kong history and a commitment to public engagement.

To apply, candidates must submit a written application to [email protected], including a formal research proposal, CV, and a statement (maximum one page) outlining their suitability for a role that combines academic research with public engagement. In addition, a formal PhD application must be submitted to the University of Bristol by 23 January 2026 via the online portal at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply. Applicants should select History PhD as their programme and September 2026 as their start date, and enter the scholarship details in the funding section of the application form. All documents sent to the Centre should also be included in the formal application.

For further information about the Centre and its staff, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Vivian Kong ([email protected]), Professor Ray Yep ([email protected]), Dr. Peter Hamilton ([email protected]), or Professor Robert Bickers ([email protected]). Questions about the application process can be directed to the University of Bristol’s PG Arts Admissions team at [email protected].

This studentship offers an outstanding opportunity to join a vibrant research community, receive expert supervision, and contribute to the growing field of Hong Kong history. Apply now to begin your doctoral journey at the University of Bristol.