Doctoral Awards (Collaborative PhD Studentships in War and Conflict Studies)

London, United Kingdom (with access to IWM branches across the UK)

Imperial War Museums (IWM) offers Doctoral Awards to support collaborative PhD research projects focused on the history and impact of modern war and conflict. These prestigious studentships are designed to foster innovative and interdisciplinary research using IWM's extensive collections, which include archives, artworks, photographs, film, and personal testimonies.

The programme enables doctoral candidates to work in partnership with a UK higher education institution, benefiting from joint supervision by academic experts and IWM curators. Research topics are expected to align with IWM's mission to deepen understanding of the causes, course, and consequences of conflict, and may cover a wide range of historical, cultural, social, and political perspectives.

Award holders will gain access to IWM's world-leading resources and collections, as well as opportunities to engage with public history, exhibitions, and knowledge exchange activities. The programme encourages applicants to develop projects that demonstrate originality, methodological rigour, and public engagement potential.

These studentships typically follow a full-time PhD structure over three to four years, with the candidate registered at a partner university while working closely with IWM throughout the duration of the award.

• Applicants must secure admission to a PhD programme at a UK higher education institution eligible to partner with IWM
• A strong academic background in a relevant discipline such as history, museum studies, heritage studies, war studies, or related fields
• Applicants should meet the entry requirements of the host university, including academic qualifications and English language proficiency where applicable
• Candidates must demonstrate a clear research proposal aligned with IWM's collections and research priorities

• Strong research and analytical skills in humanities or social sciences
• Ability to work with archival and museum collections
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Capacity for independent research and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Interest in public history, heritage, and dissemination of research to wider audiences

Funding typically includes a stipend in line with UKRI doctoral funding rates and may cover tuition fees, subject to the terms of the partner university and funding arrangement

Varies annually depending on the specific doctoral award call