Frequent Questions
Are international students eligible to apply to this scheme?
International students are eligible for this scheme and will not need to pay any excess fees. However, international students will still need a valid visa. You can only apply for your student visa once you have received an unconditional offer and a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies from the University.
More information about international students here: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/international/
Could you please provide some examples of case studies for this project?
For example, the project could begin with archival research on photographs by and of refugees and immigrants in Britain from the 1930s to the Windrush period (1948-71), linking this to contemporary debates and practices in the arts. The photographers could be well-known professional practitioners, or unknown amateurs. The student will identify their own case studies, but as an example of a migrant eye attuned to marginalized experience, the under-studied Viennese Jewish photographer Edith Tudor Hart’s photographs of the late 1930s and 1940s addressed child poverty, refugees, social inequality, unemployed workers demonstrations and housing, and her archives are housed in Open Eye Gallery, The National Archives, Tate, among others.
What kind of theoretical and critical frameworks will you encourage?
The researcher will be encouraged to engage with postcolonial and decolonial theory and with photography history and theory as well as contemporary arguments around curating and contemporary visual practice. We would like to explore with the student Ariella Azoulay’s argument that those with flawed or nonexistent citizenship can pursue political agency and resistance through photography, becoming members of the ‘citizenry of photography’ (2008), as well as links between photography and biopolitics, such as Agamben’s notion of ‘bare life’ to describe lives exposed to the structure of a state of exceptions or Roberto Esposito’s idea of ‘communitas’ (1998) which conceives of communities as properties that have to be defended and immunised against those who do not belong to them. Debates about the objectifying documentary gaze might be revisited, as might concepts of empathy (Bennett 2005) — between photographer and subject, artwork and audience, or past and present. Varying with the choice of case studies, the research may draw upon existing studies of Black British cultural identity, ethnic minority photographers in Britain and the migrant experience (eg. Baker 1996, Gilroy 1987, Olugosa 2016).
Is curatorial/archival experience a requirement to apply?
No, experience is not a requirement but interest in archives, museums, collections and displays and a strong interest in public engagement is essential for this project. The successful candidate will be expected both to carry out archival research considering photographs by and of refugees and immigrants in Britain during the 1930s to 1970s, and to engage in Tate’s public programming around Collection displays at Tate Liverpool, working with Exhibition and Learning Curators. For example, you could propose a public talk, seminar or academic research forum. You could also have a role in working within our ongoing refugee programme that works with refugees living in Liverpool. We use artwork as a catalyst for dialogue around personal experience, developing language skills, meeting new people, undertaking creative activity or leading public talks.
Can I include a non-academic reference? What should the letter of referees cover?
Yes, you can include a non-academic reference as long as it explains why you are the most suitable candidate for this post (e.g. skills, research interests, experience, etc.). We recommend, however, that your other reference be a tutor or someone linked to your academic studies if possible.
We need full references by 5 February, together with the rest of the paperwork.
How will we hear about the outcome of our application?
You will receive an email from us informing you about the outcome of your application.
Are students from other disciplines eligible?
Yes, students from other disciplines are eligible and we encourage interdisciplinary projects, but do remember that the focus of this particular project is cultural history/(history of) photography/migrant and memory studies, etc.
Can I apply if I already have a PhD or already began a PhD programme of study?
No, unfortunately candidates who have already gained or completed the requirements for a doctoral degree in any subject, however funded, are not eligible to apply for NWCDTP funding. If you had enrolled in a PhD programme before you may be eligible, but you would be required to provide an explanation for not having completed it.
Can I apply if I am currently studying for my Masters?
Yes, you can for this first stage of the process. In that case please provide your strongest/latest certificate of study. However, do bear in mind that if you are successful, the University will request a master’s certificate (Merit or above) to confirm your award.
What is the timescale?
- 5 Feb 2021: deadline for applications
- 26 Feb 2021: Interviews, successful candidate notified shortly afterwards
- ---: candidate submits formal application through University of Liverpool system
- March 2021: We submit researcher nomination forms to the NWCDTP and the Allocation Committee meets to approve all nominations.
- Mid-April 2021: researchers offered funding
- April-Sept 2021: Host University, non-HEI partner, and research student sign a formal agreement
- 1 Oct 2021: CDA begins.