[Full tuition fee bursary, maintenance stipend of £22,303.50 per annum (rising in alignment with UKRI rates), Research Training Support Grant, generous relocation support for overseas students.]

The University of Bristol is offering a fully funded PhD Studentship through the Hong Kong History Centre, focused on the history of Hong Kong prior to 1950, with a particular preference for research on the pre-war or pre-1930 period. This prestigious studentship is open to students commencing their doctoral studies 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 collaborates with partners in Hong Kong and internationally, providing a vibrant academic environment for research and public engagement.

Successful applicants will be supervised by 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 studentship encourages original research in any sub-discipline of history with a focus on Hong Kong, and projects may explore themes such as colonial history, migration, urban development, social and cultural change, or transnational connections. The Centre values public engagement and expects the student to contribute to outreach activities alongside their research.

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. This comprehensive support ensures that students can focus on their research and professional development.

Eligibility requirements include a pass in a Master’s degree (or international equivalent), or current enrollment in a Master’s program with completion by 15 September 2025. Knowledge of Chinese language is desirable due to the nature of the research. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to academic research and public engagement, and submit a formal research proposal, CV, and a statement of suitability (maximum one page).

To apply, candidates must send their application materials to [email protected] and also submit a formal PhD application to the University of Bristol by 23 January 2026 via the online portal at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply. Please select History PhD and September 2026 as your start date, and include details of the Hong Kong History Centre Studentship in the funding section. 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 http://www.hkhistory.net/people.

This opportunity is ideal for students passionate about Hong Kong history and eager to contribute to both academic scholarship and public engagement. The University of Bristol and the Hong Kong History Centre provide a supportive and dynamic environment for doctoral research in this exciting field.