Award Summary
100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of £21,805 (2026-27 UKRI rates). Successful international candidates are required to fund the difference between the home and international fees.
Overview
The School of History, Classics and Archaeology invites applications for a funded doctoral studentship in the history of child protection (19th and 20th centuries), in partnership with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Using the NSPCC’s rich historical archives, this project will make a contribution to histories of care, childhood, family, poverty, and inequality.
Candidates are invited to develop a research project in one of the following areas:
- The material and emotional cultures of children protection work
- The contested nature of care and protection
- Space, emotions and the senses in child protection work
Founded in 1884, the NSPCC transformed British welfare by lobbying for the 1889 Children’s Charter, which granted the Society pioneering powers to intervene in domestic life decades before local authority social services. Today, the NSPCC remains the UK’s leading child protection agency: its work includes the ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ campaign and the vital, digital lifeline, Childline.
The project will be supervised by Dr. Claudia Soares and a co-supervisor selected based on the project’s focus. The student will work with the supervisors and the NSPCC to consider the real-world interest in their work, gaining training in archival, public engagement and policy-oriented areas.
Number of awards
1
Start date
January 2027
Award duration
3 years full time
Sponsor
Newcastle University Academic Track scheme
Supervisors
Claudia Soares, School of History, Classics and Archaeology
Eligibility criteria
A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree and a Master’s degree at Merit level, or international equivalent, in history or a related subject. Home and international applicants are welcome to apply. Successful international candidates will be required to fund the difference between home and international fees. If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 7.0 overall (with a minimum of 6.5 in all sub-skills).
Contact details
Claudia Soares
Email: Claudia.soares@newcastle.ac.uk
£21,805 annual stipend (living expenses) & 100% of home tuition fees paid
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NUAcT PhD Studentship – Histories of Child Protection in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, encouraging creativity and collaboration among its team members. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and the chance to work on impactful projects that enhance the university's reputation. Located in the heart of Newcastle, you'll enjoy a dynamic environment that values innovation and offers a fulfilling career path in the education sector.
