This studentship is one of nine that are associated with the Cultural and Scientific Perception of Human-Chicken Interactions Project. This project is largely funded by the AHRC Science in Culture Large Grants scheme but, in addition, seven PhD studentships have been fully funded by four of the six universities involved in the project. The chicken is native to Southeast Asia but over the last 8,000 years it has been transported by people around the world – no other livestock species is so widely established. The chicken’s eastward spread from Asia to the Americas has been the subject of many studies; however, its diffusion to the West has received much less attention. There has been no comprehensive review about the rapidity of the spread of the chicken and its cultural and environmental impacts both past and present. Given the social and cultural significance of this species (whether as a provider of meat, eggs or feathers, its widespread use in cockfighting or its association with ritual, magic and medicine), a detailed analysis of the natural and cultural history of chickens in Europe is long overdue and has genuine potential to provide cultural data of the highest quality and relevance for a range of disciplines and audiences.
This studentship is one of two funded by Bournemouth University. It will entail the analysis of material culture associated with the keeping and exploitation of chickens in Europe.
Applications are invited from researchers with a strong interest in the study of material culture in prehistoric and/or historic Europe. Applicants should hold a Masterâs degree (or equivalent) in Archaeology or a closely-related disciplinary field.
Eligibility Criteria Candidates for this fully-funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years. All candidates must satisfy the Universityâs minimum doctoral entry criteria for studentships of an honours degree at Upper Second Class (2.1) and/or an appropriate Masters degree. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.
In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project.
To discuss this opportunity further please contact: Dr Mark Maltby  mmaltby@bournemouth.ac.uk
For details on how to apply please visit the apply button below.
Closing Date: The first call for applications will close 8th November 2013
Interviews for all nine PhDs associated with this project will be held at Roehampton University in late November/early December 2013