Music traditions and cultural history
Based at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
One full-time, three year PhD studentship available from 1 January 2012
The National Library of Wales holds extensive and important archives relating to musical traditions in Wales, their performance and reception. The Faculty of Arts of The Open University has a long history of innovative engagement with museums, libraries and galleries, and this important extension is aimed at providing an opportunity for postgraduate study in the world’s major depository of Welsh traditional music. The work will complement various fields of research already prevalent in the Faculty, but particularly that of its Digital Humanities Group.
Applications are sought for a PhD studentship which will engage innovatively with the Library’s collections and the way they are understood. The Faculty of Arts is especially interested in exploring specific collections of Welsh traditional music from the nineteenth century and audio and film recordings of its performance in the first half of the twentieth century. Various alternatives to the traditional PhD thesis are possible as the end product of the studentship, especially as the project is intended to exemplify new approaches to the study, understanding and dissemination of the subject through digital media.
Further details of research in the Faculty of Arts at The Open University can be found at http://www.open.ac.uk/Arts/research/index.shtml. These details also provide links to relevant collections at the Library. This opportunity is not restricted to music graduates.
For further particulars and instructions on how to apply go to www3.open.ac.uk/employment or contact the Music Department on 01908 653280 or email Arts-Music-Enquiries@open.ac.uk. Closing date: 7 October 2011. Interviews will be held during the first two weeks of November 2011. It is hoped that the studentship will commence in January 2012 or as soon as possible after that date.
We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.