UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 05 NOVEMBER
More than 100 PhD studentships to work with the likes of the Royal Shakespeare Company and British Film Institution are open for application through Midlands4Cities (M4C) for 2025.
The initiative is a collaboration with Midlands4Cities (M4C) to identify the next generation of arts and humanities researchers.
“If it wasn't for M4C, I wouldn't be doing what I am now… it's been a life-changer,” said Dr Edward McKeon, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at BCU and M4C graduate.
M4C students develop both professionally and personally through expert supervision, extensive training, and placements with industry partners in the cultural, creative, and heritage sectors.
“It's enabled me to use 30 years of professional experience in new and post-experimental music to inform my research, the research process, and extend my practice,” added Dr McKeon.
“BCU was a welcoming and diverse community that provided the right environment to do that. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this opportunity to others.”
Eligible students can apply for one of up to 87 arts and humanities PhD studentships within the areas of art and design, music and performance, law, media and cultural studies, and English.
There are also up to 23 four-year studentships available through Collaborative Doctoral Awards (CDA). These provide unique opportunities to work with national, regional, and local partners – including the Royal Shakespeare Company, British Film Institution, and Open Eye Gallery.
BCU M4C Site Director, Dr Alice Storey, also called the funded PhD scheme “life changing.”
Dr Storey, Associate Director for BCU’s Centre for Human Rights, added: “As a M3C graduate myself, I know first-hand how many opportunities it offers.
“I would urge anyone considering a PhD in arts and humanities to apply.”
Professor Xavier Mendik leads BCU’s CDA with the British Film Institute (BFI). Speaking about the M4C initiative, he said: “This is an exciting opportunity to work with cinema scholars, practitioners, and industry leads to consider new approaches to regional film cultures.
“The successful candidate will work with academics and BFI colleagues, visit the National Archive, and learn how BFI staff archive, preserve, and restore film – all excellent experience for a future career in this field.”
Candidates interested in applying for a funded M4C PhD are invited to book their place on the Application Writing Workshop on 9 November, 10am-2pm. Attendees will gain an insight into the application process, review successful applications, and hear from current students.
To express interest in a M4C PhD, candidates should complete the expression of interest form and email this to M4C@bcu.ac.uk by 12pm (GMT) on Friday 15 November 2024.
The Midlands4Cities Arts and Humanities Doctoral Training Partnership (M4C) is an AHRC-funded collaboration between the Birmingham City University, University of Birmingham, University of Warwick, Coventry University, De Montfort University, University of Leicester, Nottingham Trent University, and University of Nottingham.