Research overview
PhD Black Studies is a place for the study of the history, literature and culture of Black people, specifically African and Caribbean descended peoples from across the continent and diaspora, including people of mixed Black heritages.
It is the only programme of its kind in Europe and is steeped in interdisciplinary methods and critical reflection to investigate the roles, lives, cultures, politics, representations, activism, art, histories and movement of people of African descent.
The course is particularly relevant at this crucial time within the UK, as students, communities and institutions of higher education increasingly assess curriculum offerings in dialogue with the ongoing effort to consider the influence and experience of the Black diaspora around the world.
The PhD programme is closely aligned with the Centre for Black Studies. The university also hosts the Institute for the Institute for the Study of Slavery (ISOS) and the Rights Lab, enabling students to expand their research networks across the university and beyond.
The PhD is based in the School of Languages, Cultures, and Area Studies, which has a long history of research in African diaspora studies and African American studies. However, we also welcome comparative research proposals that address issues across disciplines and national boundaries.
The programme is particularly welcoming PhD proposals connected to music (especially contemporary genres and musical theatre), the history of America, literature, and politics but is open to all applications broadly connected to the Arts and Humanities.