Liverpool John Moores University Funded PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences 2025-2026

The project will explore the global and imperial history of Liverpool’s Blue Coat Charity School in the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. It will focus on the extent to which the growing globalisation of the port of Liverpool, and associated colonial connections and structures, were reflected in the people involved in the charity school – its trustees, supporters, pupils and staff - and the School’s wider activities. The period covered is from the formal end of the slave trade and slave ownership in the early-nineteenth century to the purchase of the Bluecoat’s city-centre buildings – significantly by Merseyside philanthropist and imperialist William Lever (later Lord Leverhulme) – in the Edwardian era. As well as the completion of a PhD thesis, the project will involve the co-production of a contemporary arts programme, reflecting upon the Bluecoat’s imperial connections and legacies. 

The successful candidate will have an interest in nineteenth century history, and the history of Britain and empire. They will have strong critical thinking skills, be able to work independently and as part of a team. The candidate should be comfortable working across disciplines, and with external stakeholders. Experience in archival research is desirable.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineAugust 29, 2025
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorLiverpool John Moores University
• City to studyLiverpool
• School to studyLiverpool John Moores University
• Course to studyHumanities and Social Sciences
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Full time funded PhD Project.
• The studentship includes a tax-free stipend of £20,780 p.a. and the tuition fees for three years.
• The student will complete programme approval 3 months from the date of enrolment and will be expected to confirm the PhD registration within 12 months (subject to satisfactory progress and approval of the confirmation of registration report).

Requirements

• Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree, and with an MA or MRes in a relevant subject area.
• You should have a commitment and strong interest in interdisciplinary research, be motivated and be prepared to work independently.
• Full training will be given to the successful candidate.

Application Documents

• a CV and
• a one-page expression of interest that details
  • your approach to the research and interest in this area,
  • relevant skills and experience that you will bring to the study and why this research area interests you.

Check also:
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Application Deadline

How To Apply

To apply please send

• a CV and
• a one-page expression of interest that details
  • your approach to the research and interest in this area,
  • relevant skills and experience that you will bring to the study and why this research area interests you.

Please send these to Professor Nick White [email protected]. Please also contact Professor White with any other queries.

For more details, visit LJMU Scholarship webpage