2025 McDonald Institute Cambridge International Entangled PhD Scholarship
The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research at the University of Cambridge is excited to announce the opening of applications for the prestigious McDonald Institute Cambridge International Entangled PhD Scholarship for the 2025 cohort. This fully-funded, three-year PhD program will commence in October 2025, forming a key part of the innovative project entitled “Entangled Materialities and New Global Histories from Southern Africa (ENTANGLED).” A UKRI Frontier Research Grant and the Cambridge Trust are co-funding this study.
The ENTANGLED project aims to explore the rich maritime economies of southern Mozambique and their connections to the Indian Ocean World during the Global Middle Ages (500–1500 CE). Through an in-depth analysis of trade routes, material culture, and the roles of coastal communities, the project seeks to recontextualize Southern Africa within the broader narrative of global history.
Scholarship Details:
- Country: UK
- University: University of Cambridge
- Study Level: PhD Degree
- Eligibility: International students
Scholarship Benefits
This scholarship includes:
- Three years of full tuition at the UKRI rate.
- A stipend for living expenses, including a potential discretionary maintenance period of 6–12 months for dissertation completion.
- Coverage for fieldwork costs in Mozambique.
- Payment for immigration health surcharges and visa fees for non-UK citizens.
- Parental leave support.
- Funding for conference participation and professional development opportunities.
PhD Focus Areas
The selected candidate will:
- Conduct fieldwork in Mozambique, examining excavated materials from coastal areas.
- Acquire expertise in materials-based analytical techniques.
- Work at the University of Cambridge under the direction of renowned archaeologists Professor Paul Lane and Dr. Abigail Moffett.
- Collaborate with a diverse team of researchers and professionals from the UK, Mozambique, and beyond.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must:
- Fulfill the University of Cambridge’s PhD application prerequisites for Archaeology (details available online).
- Hold (or anticipate obtaining) a Master’s degree in Archaeology or a closely related field, particularly focusing on southern Africa.
- Demonstrate interest or experience in material culture studies or relevant interdisciplinary methodologies.
- Possess linguistic skills in Portuguese or Xitswa (or be willing to learn during the PhD).
- Lastly, be prepared to undertake fieldwork in Mozambique.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your PhD application in Archaeology through the Applicant Portal. Your application should include:
- A Statement of Research Interest specifying your application for the McDonald Institute Cambridge International Entangled Scholarship.
- A cover letter (maximum of 2 pages) detailing your qualifications and how you can contribute to the project.
- By choosing the McDonald Institute Cambridge International Entangled Scholarship as your funding choice, you are expressing your interest in receiving support from the Cambridge Trust.
Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted by January 7, 2025.
Selection Process
Applications are generally reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning that applicants can expect to receive decisions throughout the admissions period. However, please be aware that applications may be collected during peak periods associated with central funding deadlines.
We strongly encourage applicants to pay attention to relevant funding deadlines when submitting their applications. Also, those who apply before the January funding competition deadline will typically be evaluated in December and January and can expect an admission decision by February. Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered from February onwards, with decisions usually made within 12 weeks. However, some applicants may be placed on a reserve list if there are limits on the number of available places.
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