Nicola Parsons

The USYD UofG Joint PhD Scholarship: Living with Print in the Eighteenth Century offers a unique opportunity for doctoral research into the dynamic ways eighteenth-century readers engaged with print. This fully-funded PhD is jointly hosted by the University of Sydney and the University of Glasgow, allowing the successful candidate to benefit from world-class archival resources and scholarly expertise across both institutions. The project focuses on underutilised archival materials such as manuscript commonplace books, annotated copies, collections of anecdotes, scrapbooks, and albums. By examining practices like annotation, excerpting, compilation, and reuse, the research aims to illuminate how readers actively participated in knowledge circulation and literary production, moving beyond passive consumption to creative engagement with texts and material forms of books. This approach contributes to broader debates in eighteenth-century studies, book history, and the history of reading, exploring the entangled relationships between manuscript, print, and lived experience. The successful applicant will spend the first year at the University of Sydney conducting a literature review and initial archival work, followed by a substantial research period at the University of Glasgow, engaging with extensive eighteenth-century collections across Scotland and the UK. The final year will be spent back in Sydney, focusing on intensive writing and synthesis. This structure supports a research approach that reconnects geographically dispersed but methodologically connected materials, offering analytical breadth not possible within a single institution. Supervision will be provided by Professor Nicola Parsons (Sydney) and Professor Matthew Sangster (Glasgow), both experienced scholars in eighteenth-century literary studies. The student will have considerable scope to shape the project according to their interests and will join vibrant doctoral cohorts at both universities, characterised by collaboration, intellectual exchange, and strong peer networks. The programme includes extensive professional development opportunities, such as bespoke training in rare book and manuscript studies, public-facing writing, and collaborations with cultural heritage professionals on physical and digital exhibitions. The University of Sydney's School of Art Communication and English and the University of Glasgow's School of Critical Studies both offer rich environments for research and academic growth. Funding is provided as a +3 (3 year) scholarship, commencing January 2027. The package includes an annual stipend of $AUD 42,754 (2026 rate), tuition fees covered for both domestic and international students, and a one-off Sydney Global Mobility Joint PhD Travel Scholarship ($5000 AUD). Eligibility requirements include a First Class Honours degree or Masters by Research with outstanding results (at least 80%), completion of a 20,000 word honours or Master’s thesis, demonstrable interest in the topic, ability to study full-time, and commitment to enrolling/registering on PhD programmes at both institutions and spending time physically based at each during the PhD. Applications should be submitted via The University of Glasgow's Scholarships Portal by 21 April 2026. Required documents include a Microsoft Word application form, academic transcripts, contact details for two referees, and a CV. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to provide a writing sample and attend an interview. All scholarship awards are subject to successful admission to PhD programmes at both institutions. For further information, contact Professor Nicola Parsons ([email protected]) or Professor Matthew Sangster ([email protected]).