AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership

PhD opportunity at the University of York with English Heritage

This Collaborative Doctoral Project (CDP) studentship is titled “Fragmented pasts: medieval monastic window fragments in archaeological archives”. It is a 4-year full-time PhD (or part-time equivalent up to 8 years for home students) based in the Department of Archaeology at the University of York, in partnership with English Heritage.

The project sits at the intersection of archaeology, digital heritage, history, architecture, and art history, with a strong focus on medieval monastic window fragments, tracery, stained glass, and worked stone. The research will test new methods in scanning, modelling, virtual reality, and generative AI to improve recording, cataloguing, analysis, and reconstruction of architectural fragments from monastic and ecclesiastical sites.

The student will work with supervisors from both institutions and spend time at the University of York and English Heritage, including research and experience at the Helmsley Archaeological Store and monastic sites in Yorkshire and the North of England. The project also offers access to specialist facilities such as the Wolfson Digital Heritage Centre, VR suites, scanners, and related training in buildings recording, digital heritage, and stained glass.

Funding includes tuition fees up to the home fee level, an annual tax-free stipend, a Research and Training Grant, and additional travel/related expenses support of up to £1,000 per year for 4 years. International students are welcome to apply, but must cover the difference between home and overseas tuition fees and reside in the UK during the PhD.

Eligibility is aimed at applicants with a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in archaeology, architectural history, history, museum studies, field archaeology, heritage, museums, or conservation. Applicants should also show interest in the heritage sector and enthusiasm for developing broader skills.

Applications are open for the 2026/27 academic year and close on 29 May 2026 at 11:59pm BST. Applicants must apply for a PhD in Archaeology at York and indicate that they are applying for this award in the funding source section.