PhD Study : Archiving fashion and textiles

Apply and key information  

Summary

Since the millennium Irish fashion designers, Irish textiles, even Irish fashion models, have become increasingly sought after in the international fashion world, in the fashion press and even at annual fashion weeks. As a creative industry, Irish fashion and textile design has grown exponentially in recent decades.  In 2002, for instance, it was estimated that in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland the “Clothing and Textile sector” had a combined turnover of £1.5 billion, employing 20,000 people in over 500 firms (Central Statistics Office, Census of Industrial Production, 2002 (Ireland); Statistics & Social Research Branch, DETI).  However, little remains known of the wider context for fashion and textiles on the island of Ireland (there are only two small books on the history of Irish fashion, for instance) and to this end we are offering a doctoral place to a researcher interested in locating and interpreting archives and collections of Irish fashion and textiles.

Outside socio-economic study there has been little research conducted on the pioneering design and technological advances of this industry, its unique cultural meaning and importance and its impact locally and globally, and, more significantly, its material legacy.  The opening of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Clothworkers’ Centre for Textiles and Fashion Study and Conservation, in October 2013, has stimulated a greater interest in the fashion industry in its own archive and it is in this context that we foresee a successful candidate formulating a project to reconsider Irish fashion and textiles that will make local/regional/national archives and collections more accessible (possible collaborators include the National Museum of Ireland, the National Museums of Northern Ireland, the various local, regional and civic museums and collections held by the National Trust).

Applications must address specific art and/or design history questions regarding Irish fashion and textiles but applications with a practice-based element will also be considered.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 18 February 2019
12:00AM

Interview Date
18 to 22 and 25 to 28 March 2019

Preferred student start date
September 2019

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Joseph McBrinn

Other supervisors