Doctoral Research Topic: The History, Significance and Interpretive Value of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Collection at the Ulster Museum

The Northern Ireland (NI) Prison Service collection was acquired by the Ulster Museum in 2018 and forms the basis of the research project. The historical reach and importance of the collection offers the potential to add fresh insights on multiple contested histories and identities. Scoping of the collection reveals a multicity of themes that can be explored in relation to a conflicted society, and prison life more generally: agency, power relations, resistance, threat, violence, dialogue, surveillance, identity, duty, social organisation, recreation and everyday life, politicisation, protest, built environment and conflict, and the material culture of conflict.

Indicative Research Questions:

• How the collection originated and how has it been developed and preserved over time?
• How can the archive help a variety of groups understand multiple narratives, values, identities and beliefs amongst those associated with imprisonment during the Troubles?
• How can the collection be used to identify and interpret the history of imprisonment through the conflict, illuminating key phases of the conflict and the moves towards peace, and highlight a wide variety of roles, beliefs, emotions and narratives?

It is anticipated that the research on the NI Prison Service Collection will involve several methodological approaches, such as collections research; semi-structured interviewing; focus groups and workshops designed to invoke engagement and fresh interpretation through an oral history approach. Candidates will have the opportunity to shape the research questions and research approach according to their own research interests.

Research with National Museums NI

This research studentship is one allocated to Ulster University by the AHRC to support the work of National Museums NI. Given the site-specific nature of the PhD, the successful student will be expected to spend a significant proportion of their time carrying out research and gaining relevant experience at National Museums NI as part of the studentship.

Details of Award

CDP doctoral training grants fund full-time studentships for 4 years or part-time equivalent up to a maximum of 7 years.

The award pays tuition fees up to the value of the full-time home UKRI rate for PhD degrees. Research Councils UK Indicative Fee Level for 2023/2024 is £4,786.

The award pays full maintenance for both home and international students. The UKRI National Minimum Doctoral Stipend for 2023/2024 is £19,237, plus a CDP maintenance payment of £600/year.

The student is eligible to receive an additional travel and related expenses grant during the course of the project courtesy of National Museums NI worth up to £2,000 per year for 4 years.

The successful candidate will be eligible to participate in events organised for all Collaborative Doctoral Partnership students who are registered with different universities and studying with cultural and heritage organisations across the UK.

NB. All applicants must meet UKRI terms and conditions for funding. See:

https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/

Project details and how to apply

For more information and how to apply see:

https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/postgraduate-research/apply/how-to

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.