Heritage as a Creative Future: Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Heritage-Based Design Practice in Scotland (AHRC-funded PhD Studentship) Glasgow School of Art in United Kingdom

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship, commencing October 2026, as part of the AHRC-funded Celtic Crescent Doctoral Focal Award. This unique opportunity is embedded within a multilingual consortium of seven Higher Education Institutions across Cornwall, Scotland, and Wales, and is designed to foster the next generation of research and innovation talent in the creative economy.

The project, Heritage as a Creative Future: Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Heritage-Based Design Practice in Scotland, is a practice-led PhD exploring how Scottish textile heritage—especially in the Highlands and Islands—is translated into contemporary design practice. The research will investigate how heritage-based making can support culturally sustainable innovation within Scotland’s creative economy, with a particular emphasis on Gàidhlig and Scottish culture. Key themes include the embedding of language, place, craft knowledge, and community identity in textile production and design.

Focusing on Highland textile micro-clusters, the project will examine how vernacular skills, patterns, and material traditions are interpreted by contemporary designers and producers. It will address questions of authenticity, cultural ownership, and responsible innovation, seeking ways to mobilise heritage that sustain both local economies and cultural integrity. Methodologies will include practice-led research, material experimentation, archival and object-based study, and qualitative engagement with makers and heritage stakeholders.

The successful candidate will undertake an internship with the Harris Tweed Authority, engaging with independent weavers to gain experience in heritage governance and protected status regulation. There will also be opportunities to work with the National Museums Scotland textile collections, supporting object-based research into historical Scottish dress and material culture. The student will be based at GSA and join a connected cohort of Celtic Crescent researchers, participating in shared training and at least one three-day residential Crucible Lab. Remote study is not permitted.

Funding: The studentship is fully funded for 42–48 months (full or part-time), covering tuition fees, an annual tax-free stipend (£21,805 for 2026-27), and a Research Training Support Grant. Additional financial support is available for placements and workplace opportunities. International students are eligible, with GSA covering the difference between home and international fees (up to 30% of the cohort may be international students).

Eligibility: Applicants should have academic qualifications and/or professional experience in a relevant field (e.g., textile design, design anthropology, design history, fashion, material culture, or heritage studies), equivalent to a UK honours degree at first or upper second-class level. A strong interest in practice-led research and heritage-based design, particularly in textiles and material practices, is essential. Applicants should demonstrate meaningful engagement with Scottish and Gàidhlig culture, sensitivity to cultural identity and representation, and experience or willingness to develop qualitative and/or practice-based research methods. Collaboration skills with creative practitioners, heritage organisations, and community stakeholders are required. Proof of English language competency (IELTS 6.5 overall, no less than 6.5 in each component or equivalent) is required if relevant. Applications from non-traditional educational backgrounds and those with professional or creative practice experience are welcomed.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted by 4pm (UK time), 10 April 2026, via the GSA Celtic Crescent portal. Required documents include a CV (conventional, narrative, or video), completed Celtic Crescent Application Form, two academic or professional referees, degree certificates and transcripts, and proof of English language competency if applicable. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview, which may be conducted in person or online, and accommodations are available for accessibility needs.

For further information, contact Student Support Services at GSA Student Support or email [email protected].