PhD in Democratising Heritage Tourism: Risk, Governance and Inclusivity Erasmus University Rotterdam in Netherlands

PhD opportunity at Erasmus University Rotterdam in democratising heritage tourism, with a focus on risk, governance, inclusivity, and the social impacts of tourism on heritage sites.

This PhD is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA) HERITOUR project, which examines how cultural heritage and tourism sectors can collaborate to improve sustainability, resilience, and democratic governance. The project is hosted by the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) at Erasmus University Rotterdam and involves an international consortium including the University of Stavanger, Middle East Technical University, University of Aruba, Mid Sweden University, and the University of Granada.

The research will use multi-sited ethnography and other qualitative research approaches to study inclusion and exclusion in heritage spaces, governance and policy frameworks, and the balance between security, accessibility, and social justice in heritage tourism. The project also includes secondments at the Monument Fund Aruba and Sámi Museum Gaaltije in Sweden, plus training schools, conferences, and international collaboration.

Eligibility highlights: applicants need a research master’s degree or equivalent in the social sciences or humanities (for example cultural heritage, sociology, tourism studies, media studies, anthropology, or related fields), strong English skills at C1, interest in qualitative methods, and motivation for interdisciplinary and international research. The MSCA mobility rule applies, and applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree.

Funding: fully funded PhD position for 3 years, with a gross monthly salary/living and mobility allowance of €3,059–€3,881 plus benefits and possible family allowance if eligible.

Deadline: 21 April 2026. Start date: 1 September 2026.

How to apply: submit a motivation letter, CV, 300-word research idea, references, and a Declaration of Honour via the university vacancy page.