This PhD project, 'Heritage Beyond Borders: The Place of Band on the Wall in the Musical History and Socio-Cultural Life of Manchester,' is a unique partnership between The University of Manchester and Band on the Wall (BOTW), an iconic live music venue, promoter, and music learning centre in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. BOTW has played a pivotal role in the city’s cultural landscape for over two centuries, hosting a diverse range of live music events spanning folk, world, indie, jazz, reggae, urban, and electronic genres, and running a community-focused learning programme that engages over 7,500 people annually.

The research aims to critically examine BOTW’s place in Manchester’s musical history, its contribution to the city’s cultural life, and its potential as a model for independent music venues in culturally diverse cities undergoing rapid socio-economic regeneration. The project is structured around three key themes: Manchester’s musical DNA and hidden histories, musical participation and social impact, and intercultural musicking. BOTW’s rich but often overlooked history will be explored, including its role in reflecting Manchester’s multicultural past and the musical contributions of its diverse migrant communities, as well as its significance in hosting international music icons.

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the PhD Music (Musicology) programme and will benefit from an interdisciplinary supervisory team comprising academics from the Music Department and Institute of Cultural Practices at The University of Manchester, alongside professional supervisors at BOTW. The student will have privileged access to BOTW’s archive, an invaluable and largely untapped resource for investigating the city’s musical history. Research methods will include archival research, oral histories, and ethnographic fieldwork such as participant-observation and interviews.

The main outcome of the project will be an 80,000-word thesis. Additional support will be provided for producing conference papers and public-facing materials related to the research. The studentship is funded by the ESRC NWSSDTP CASE Award, commencing in September 2026, and covers UKRI tuition fees plus an annual stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26).

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent) and a Master’s degree in a relevant subject with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in the dissertation, and no mark below 55%. English language proficiency is required (IELTS 7.0 overall and 7.0 in writing, TOEFL 100 overall and 25 in all sections, or PTE 76 overall and 76 in writing). Other tests may be considered. Required documents include academic transcripts and certificates, academic CV, supporting statement, writing sample, and nomination of two academic referees.

The application deadline is March 10, 2026. Interviews are expected to take place in mid-April. The University of Manchester is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and actively encourages applicants from all backgrounds and career paths.

For further information or to discuss the project, contact Prof Caroline Bithell at [email protected].