Fully Funded UCL & V&A PhD Studentship 2026: Study Migrant Labour and British Craft in the 18th Century

Are you passionate about history, museums, and uncovering hidden narratives? A prestigious fully funded PhD studentship is now open for applications through University College London (UCL) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) under the AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) scheme.

This unique opportunity allows doctoral researchers to explore the untold contributions of migrant labour to British craft and design during the long eighteenth century, while gaining hands-on experience with one of the world’s leading museums.

📅 Key Details

• Start Date: 1 October 2026
• Application Deadline: 15 April 2026 (23:59 UK time)
• Interview Date: 15 May 2026 (online)
• Location: London (UCL + V&A, hybrid engagement)
• Duration: 4 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

🎓 About the PhD Project

The project, titled “Invisible Hands: Migrant Labour and British Craft in the Long Eighteenth Century,” investigates how migrant artisans shaped Britain’s material culture between 1688 and 1837.

Despite the recognition of some groups like Huguenot silk weavers, many migrant contributors remain hidden in archives. This research aims to uncover those overlooked stories using a combination of:

• Historical research
• Museum and archival analysis
• Digital humanities techniques

You will work with extensive collections including furniture, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork, while exploring archival materials such as apprenticeship records, guild registers, and court documents.

🔍 Research Focus Areas

Possible research questions include:

• How can migrant craftspeople be identified in historical archives?
• What patterns of labour, mobility, and collaboration existed?
• How visible are migrant contributions in museum collections?
• How can digital tools help uncover hidden histories?

The project is flexible, allowing you to tailor your research focus based on your academic interests.

🏛️ What Makes This Opportunity Unique?

This is a collaborative PhD between a top global university and a world-renowned museum. As a student, you will:

• Work closely with expert supervisors from both institutions
• Gain hands-on experience with museum collections and archives
• Develop skills in cataloguing, curatorial practice, and public engagement
• Join a national network of CDP-funded researchers

💰 Funding and Benefits

This fully funded studentship includes:

• Full tuition fee coverage (including international fee waiver)
• Annual stipend of £21,805 + £2,000 London weighting
• Additional £600 yearly maintenance payment
• Up to £1,250 for travel and research expenses
• Access to professional development and networking opportunities

📚 Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Hold (or expect) a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as History, Art History, Museum Studies, Digital Humanities, Anthropology, or related disciplines
• Demonstrate interest in the museum and heritage sector
• Show potential for research and interdisciplinary collaboration

Both home and international applicants are eligible, with international students required to reside in the UK during the program.

📝 Application Process

To apply:

1. Submit your PhD application through the UCL online admissions system
2. Include the project title and supervisor names
3. Prepare the following documents:
   • CV (max 2 pages)
   • Research statement (max 1 page)
   • Cover letter (max 2 pages)
   • Optional writing sample

There is no application fee.

APPLY HERE. 

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📢 Why You Should Apply

This PhD is more than just a degree—it’s an opportunity to:

• Contribute to rewriting history by uncovering marginalized voices
• Gain real-world museum experience
• Build a strong academic and professional network
• Develop cutting-edge digital and archival research skills

If you are driven by curiosity, historical inquiry, and cultural research, this studentship offers an exceptional pathway to advance your academic career.