[Full tuition fee bursary, a maintenance stipend of £22,303.50 per annum (rising in alignment with UKRI rates), a Research Training Support Grant, and generous relocation support if moving from overseas. Open to Home and International students.]

The University of Bristol invites applications for a fully funded PhD Studentship at the Hong Kong History Centre, focusing on the history of Hong Kong prior to 1950, with a preference for research on the pre-war or pre-1930 period. This prestigious studentship is open to students commencing their PhD in September 2026 and is co-funded by a generous donation to the Hong Kong History Centre. The Centre is dedicated to advancing the study of Hong Kong history in the UK and internationally, fostering collaborations and public engagement in the discipline.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to pursue original research under the supervision of leading scholars in the field, including Professor Robert Bickers, Dr. Vivian Kong, Dr. Peter Hamilton, and Professor Ray Yep, as well as other staff in the Department of History. The Centre encourages projects across any sub-discipline of history, provided there is a focus on Hong Kong and the research can be supported by the Centre’s expertise. The studentship also involves contributing to public engagement activities coordinated by the Centre.

The funding package includes a full tuition fee bursary for both Home and International students, a maintenance stipend of £22,303.50 per annum (with annual increases in line with UKRI rates), a Research Training Support Grant, and generous relocation support for those moving from overseas. The Centre provides a vibrant academic environment and access to a network of international collaborators.

Applicants should hold, or be working towards, a Master’s degree (or international equivalent) with final submission by 15 September 2025. Knowledge of Chinese language is desirable due to the nature of the research. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to both academic research and public engagement.

To apply, candidates must submit a research proposal, CV, and a statement (no more than one page) outlining their suitability for a role that combines research and public engagement to [email protected]. In addition, a formal PhD application must be submitted to the University of Bristol by 23 January 2026 via the online portal. Applicants should select the History PhD programme, indicate September 2026 as the start date, and provide scholarship details as instructed. All documents sent to the Centre should also be included in the university application.

For further information, prospective applicants may contact Dr. Vivian Kong, Professor Ray Yep, Dr. Peter Hamilton, or Professor Robert Bickers. Additional details about the Centre and its staff can be found at the Hong Kong History Centre website.