At a Glance
- Tasks: Research the Anti-Apartheid Movement in Wales and engage with unique archival collections.
- Company: Collaborative partnership between Swansea University, Museum Wales, and the National Library of Wales.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD studentship with access to expert training and resources.
- Other info: Opportunity for knowledge transfer activities and creating educational resources for schools.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on Welsh history while developing valuable professional skills.
- Qualifications: 2.1 undergraduate degree and a master's degree or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
AmgueddfaCymru – Museum Wales, National Library of Wales, and Swansea and Bangor Universities are pleased to announce the availability of a fully funded Collaborative doctoral studentship from 1 October 2026 under the AHRC’s Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships (CDP) scheme.
The PhD will investigate the history of the Anti-Apartheid Movement in Wales, 1945-1994, working with material and archival collections held at Wales’ national museum and library. The student will be based at Swansea University, AmgueddfaCymru – Museum Wales and the National Library of Wales. Additional supervision and support will be provided from Bangor University.
The anti-apartheid movement in Wales was a coalition of different interests, including members of the Black community and representatives of faith groups and the Labour and Welsh-language movements. Its activities brought it into conflict with organisations and individuals across the spectrum of Welsh society. Responses to the campaign revealed deep divisions within Welsh society over race, international politics and methods of protest and campaigning.
This PhD will examine the makeup, strategies and impact of the anti-apartheid movement in Wales. It will investigate what the movement reveals about wider Welsh society and anti‑apartheid politics in the UK. Key questions include:
- Who was involved in the anti-apartheid movement and what were its tactics and strategy?
- What do the dynamics of the movement reveal about race in Wales?
- How did the movement encourage and contribute to wider anti-racism work within Wales?
- Was there a uniquely Welsh dimension to the anti-apartheid movement?
- Did the movement have longer‑term political impacts and ramifications?
The project will be overseen and hosted by a partnership of Bangor and Swansea universities, AmgueddfaCymru – Museum Wales and the National Library of Wales (NLW). This will give the student access to a wide range of resources, expertise, training and support. AmgueddfaCymru and the NLW both hold unique collections related to the movement, and the student will help both institutions interpret and present their collections.
The final stages of the research will involve knowledge transfer activities to ensure the research’s key messages are disseminated. This will include creating learning resources for schools in conjunction with the education departments of NLW and AmgueddfaCymru. As such, the PhD represents an opportunity for a student not just to make a significant contribution to the history of Wales but also to learn invaluable skills in professional settings that will support their future career aspirations.
Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’. Alternatively, applicants with a UK first class honours degree (or non‑UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) not holding a master’s degree, will be considered on an individual basis.
History: AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership Studentship in History with Museum Wales employer: Swansea University
Contact Detail:
Swansea University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land History: AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership Studentship in History with Museum Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former students from Swansea University or those involved with Museum Wales. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the history of the Anti-Apartheid Movement in Wales. We want to show our passion and knowledge, so let’s brush up on key figures and events that shaped this important chapter.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence! Update our LinkedIn profile to reflect our research interests and connect with relevant groups. This can help us stand out to potential supervisors and collaborators.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight how our skills align with the project’s goals.
We think you need these skills to ace History: AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership Studentship in History with Museum Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your background and interests align with the PhD project. We want to see your passion for history and the anti-apartheid movement in Wales shine through!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention any relevant skills or experiences that could benefit the research, like archival work or community engagement. We’re looking for someone who can bring something unique to the table!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your enthusiasm comes across!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly and can process your application smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swansea University
✨Know Your History
Make sure you brush up on the Anti-Apartheid Movement, especially its connections to Wales. Familiarise yourself with key figures, events, and the impact it had on Welsh society. This will not only show your passion for the subject but also demonstrate your commitment to the research.
✨Engage with the Institutions
Research AmgueddfaCymru – Museum Wales and the National Library of Wales. Understand their collections and how they relate to your potential PhD project. Being able to discuss specific materials or archives during the interview will impress the panel and show that you’re proactive.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think about what you want to learn from this PhD experience. Prepare insightful questions about the supervision process, collaboration opportunities, and how your research can contribute to the institutions involved. This shows you’re serious about your future and eager to engage.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that align with the project’s goals, such as research methodologies, archival work, or community engagement. Be ready to discuss how these skills will help you succeed in your PhD and contribute to the wider anti-racism work in Wales.