AHRC CDP - Hoarding through Time: Defining the Practice of Hoarding and Assessing the Impact of Evolving Legislation on Its Recording and Interpretation University of Leicester in United Kingdom

The University of Leicester, in partnership with the British Museum, offers a unique Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) studentship funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). This PhD project, titled 'Hoarding through Time: Defining the Practice of Hoarding and Assessing the Impact of Evolving Legislation on Its Recording and Interpretation,' investigates the phenomenon of hoarding across historical periods and material types. The research will critically examine how hoards have been defined, recorded, and interpreted, especially in light of the Treasure Act and the Portable Antiquities Scheme, which will mark their thirtieth anniversary in 2027.

The project aims to draw together and interrogate hoard data from all periods, offering a comprehensive re-appraisal of the definition of hoarding. It will explore key questions such as: What constitutes a hoard, and how have legal and theoretical approaches shaped this definition? What biases and assumptions influence our interpretation of hoards? How can previous investigations enhance our understanding of past landscapes and help differentiate between multiple deposits and deliberate hoarding? What lessons can be learned from the implementation of treasure legislation in other countries?

The successful candidate will spend time at both the University of Leicester and the British Museum, gaining valuable research experience and becoming part of the wider cohort of CDP-funded students across the UK. The studentship can be undertaken full-time (4 years) or part-time (7 years, available only to UK applicants). The award covers UK tuition fees and provides a stipend of £23,405 per year (pro rata for part-time). International students are welcome to apply but must fund the difference between UK and Overseas fees (£12,762 for 2026/7) and reside in the UK for the duration of the PhD. Full maintenance is provided for all students.

Applicants should have a strong academic background in archaeology, history, heritage studies, or a related discipline, with a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent. Applications from diverse backgrounds and those with relevant career experience are encouraged. The application deadline is Sunday, 17 May 2026, with interviews likely to take place online in the week commencing 8 June 2026. For academic enquiries, contact Dr Philippa Walton ([email protected]) or Dr Wendy Scott ([email protected]). Application advice is available at [email protected]. Further details and application instructions can be found at this link.