Utrecht University
1 week ago
PhD in the History of Democracy in the 1970s at Utrecht University Utrecht University in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Political Science
Funding
Four-year, full-time PhD position. Initially a temporary appointment for 18 months, extendable to a total of four years after a successful first-year assessment. Gross monthly salary is €3,204 to €4,051 for full-time employment, plus 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms.
Deadline
Oct 23, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Utrecht University
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About this position
Utrecht University is offering a four-year PhD position in the history of democracy, with a focus on the 1970s, media governance, and the contestation of public service broadcasting in Western Europe.
The position is part of an NWO-funded VIDI project on Democracy and the (de-)regulation of the media. The PhD researcher will study how social movements, alternative media initiatives, intellectuals, and cultural pioneers challenged the postwar public media monopoly and promoted democratic ideals such as participation, pluralism, autonomy, and freedom of expression.
The project uses a comparative Western European perspective and relies on archival research and the critical analysis of primary sources. It is especially relevant for candidates interested in history, political history, media history, communication studies, and the broader transformation of democratic culture and regulation from the 1970s onward.
Eligibility includes an (R)MA degree in History or a related discipline, strong training in historical research methods, experience with archival work, and professional English plus at least one other European language. Experience with comparative or transnational research and topics related to democracy, social movements, or media governance is welcomed.
The appointment is initially for 18 months and can be extended to four years after a successful first-year assessment. The salary is €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month for full-time work, plus holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension, and other employment benefits.
The application deadline is 23 October 2026. Apply through Utrecht University’s online portal and include a CV, motivation letter, two-page research proposal, writing sample, and two references.
Funding details
Four-year, full-time PhD position. Initially a temporary appointment for 18 months, extendable to a total of four years after a successful first-year assessment. Gross monthly salary is €3,204 to €4,051 for full-time employment, plus 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms.
What's required
An (R)MA degree in History or a related discipline with demonstrable advanced training and experience in historical research; experience with historical research methods including archival research and critical analysis/contextualisation of primary sources; strong interest in the modern and contemporary history of democracy in Europe; professional competence in English and at least one other European language; interest in working with diverse academic and non-academic stakeholders. Preferred: comparative or transnational historical research experience, prior work on democracy, social movements, media history or media governance, and additional European language skills.
How to apply
Apply via the university’s online application portal using the ‘apply now’ button. Submit a CV, motivation letter, research proposal of max. two pages, a writing sample (MA thesis or MA research paper), and the names and contact details of two references.
More information can be found here
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