CSCA PhD Studentship (Fixed Term)
The University of Cambridge's Ax:son Johnson Centre for the Study of Classical Architecture (CSCA) invites applications for either one or two fully-funded doctoral studentships commencing in October 2025. These prestigious awards are intended for outstanding candidates who wish to pursue original research into the history of the classical tradition in architecture, covering any period from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. The studentships will be held within the Faculty of Architecture and History of Art (AHA), and will be supervised by one of the Centre's senior academics: Dr Frank Salmon (CSCA Director), Dr Elizabeth Deans (Assistant Director), or Professor James Campbell.
Applicants are expected to develop and propose their own original research topics, which must align with both the CSCA's mission - focusing on classical architectural heritage in a historical and global context - and the research interests of one of the Centre's supervisors. Given the international scope of classical architecture over the past 600 years, successful candidates may be required to undertake visual and archival research abroad, subject to formal university permissions.
Each studentship would be fully funded for three years of full-time study (part-time study is not permitted due to the terms of the CSCAs research grant). The award includes full payment of University and College Composition Fees at the Home rate (£10,356 for 2025/26). For international students, whose fees are higher (£31,230 for 2025/26), the Centre will either support efforts to secure external funding or, in exceptional cases, explore covering the full international fee. In addition, students will receive a maintenance stipend expected to be £19,237 per year. Additional support for research-related travel, IT equipment, and other needs may be available through negotiation.
Award holders will initially be registered as probationary PhD students, with progression to full registration after successful completion of the first year. Students will benefit from the full range of Cambridge's academic and research resources, including its world-renowned libraries, colleges, and research facilities. The University offers a broad array of professional development opportunities and intellectual enrichment through seminars, lectures, and symposia.
The CSCA academic community includes faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, visiting professors, and current doctoral students engaged in closely aligned research. New students will be expected to contribute not only to the scholarly output of the Centre but also to its intellectual life and practical activities.
Ideal candidates will possess a strong academic record, including a First or Upper-Second Class undergraduate degree and a Master's-level qualification in a relevant field, particularly in architectural history focused on the classical tradition. Additional requirements include a sound general knowledge of classical architectural history, proficiency in relevant languages, archival research experience, appropriate IT skills, and a willingness to engage actively in the Centre's academic activities.
These studentships offer an exceptional opportunity to join a vibrant research community dedicated to the rigorous study and preservation of classical architectural traditions. Interested candidates are encouraged to consult the CSCA's mission statement and apply with a clear research proposal aligned with the Centre's goals and expertise.
Please send your application by 20 June 2025 to: postgraduate.admin@aha.cam.ac.uk.
Please include in your application:
- a personal statement (maximum 1,500 words) explaining what you would propose to research were you to be offered a studentship, how you would propose to research it and with which of the three named possible supervisors you would propose to work;
- a CV (maximum 2 pages);
- a sample of writing (maximum 10,000 words). This could be a piece of academic writing (e.g., a Master's dissertation, or part of one) or a text written in the course of any current or previous professional work;
- names and email addresses of two referees - who have agreed to write in support to postgraduate.admin@aha.cam.ac.uk by the closing date;
- transcripts of university-level grades and qualification certificates.
The successful applicant will be expected to apply formally through the University of Cambridge following notification of the interview outcome. They will be expected to apply to Downing College (where the CSCA is housed). College membership brings with it the benefits of college accommodation and of a thriving intellectual and social community, as well as of welfare and other pastoral support.
All prospective students are strongly advised to first make informal contact with the CSCA Director, Dr Frank Salmon (fes11@cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference GB46244 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.