University of Portsmouth UK PhD Scholarship

The University of Portsmouth invites applications for a fully funded three-year PhD commencing in October. The PhD studentship is part of the “Sail to Steam, Carbon to Green” project, funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, and aims to understand the role of local knowledge and the past and present-day impact of the maritime industry and globalisation on communities in the Global South.

The PhD programme focuses on the port city of Mombasa, Kenya, and is one of four PhDs funded by the project. The PhD will be based in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences within the Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures (PCMC), in partnership with the AEGIS Centre, and supervised by Dr Melanie Bassett, Professor Tamsin Bradley, and Professor Brad Beaven. Additional mentorship is offered by academic partners at the University of Nairobi and Pwani University.

Selection is based on eligibility and the application materials submitted through the University of Portsmouth’s online application form, including a personal statement, proof of degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of English language proficiency, and an up-to-date CV. Applicants must quote the project code ASH50830326 when applying, and email applications are not accepted.

The studentship includes full fees and an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for/26), a travel allowance for national and international research, and a ‘community engagement fund’ for co-producing responses related to energy transition. Costs for student visa and immigration health surcharge may be covered. The opportunity is only open to new students who do not hold a previous doctoral-level qualification.

• Open to new students who do not hold a previous doctoral-level qualification.
• Good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on the chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject.
• In exceptional cases, equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered.
• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
• Must be eligible and prepared to live and work for periods of time in Portsmouth and Kenya.
• Must be willing to collaborate and co-produce outputs with community groups and other stakeholders.
• Must be willing to work with members of the Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures, AEGIS (University of Portsmouth), and Lloyd’s Register Heritage and Education Centre to produce podcasts, blogs and educational material based on the research.
• Must be fluent in Swahili/Kiswahili; local Mombasa dialects, such as Kimvita, would be an advantage.

• Full fees.
• Annual stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26).
• Travel allowance to conduct national and international research.
• ‘Community engagement fund’ to enable co-production of impactful responses to historical research and current challenges associated with energy transition.
• Costs for student visa and immigration health surcharge may be covered.

1. Contact Dr Melanie Bassett ([email protected]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.
2. When ready to apply, use the University of Portsmouth online application form.
3. Submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency, and an up-to-date CV.
4. When applying, quote project code ASH50830326 to be considered for the funded PhD opportunity.
5. Email applications are not accepted.

• Personal statement
• Proof of degrees and grades
• Details of two referees
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Up-to-date CV