Funding
Funded (UK/EU and international students)
Project code
AAD50440525
Department
Research and Innovation ServicesStart dates
October 2025
Application deadline
3 June 2025
Applications are invited for a fully-funded collaborative four year PhD to commence in October 2025.
The ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ and Portsmouth City Council are pleased to announce the availability of a fully funded Collaborative doctoral studentship from 1 October 2025 under the AHRC’s .
The PhD will be based in the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries in collaboration with Portsmouth City Council and will be supervised by Dr Milena Metalkova-Markova, Dr Laurel Forster and two co- supervisors from Portsmouth City Council.
The successful applicant will receive a bursary from the Arts and Humanities Research Council through the Collaborative Doctoral Partnership scheme to cover tuition fees for up to four years of study and a stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26). Bursary recipients will also receive £1,500 p.a. for project costs/consumables.
Costs for student visa and immigration health surcharge are not covered by this bursary. For further guidance and advice visit our international and EU students ‘Visa FAQs’ page.
The work on this project could involve:
- Archival and other research to reveal the socio-political and cultural contexts of the design, construction and use of the library in relationship to Portsmouth’s urban and architectural identity
- Unravel the dynamics of local government investment in modern architecture and the impact of Brutalism on Portsmouth urban identity
- Community, city and civic research to define relevant building and urban space conservation and revitalization strategies for the library’s present role as an urban living room and a community hub
The project examines the architectural value of Portsmouth Central Library both in the context of the work of City Architect Ken Norrish, Portsmouth and within the wider context of UK Brutalism and international modernism - its unique architectural contribution of a particular kind of Brutalism to Portsmouth’s urban identity and its regional impact on Brutalist substantial legacy.
This research project aims to highlight the socio-political and cultural contexts of the design, construction and use of the library in relationship to Portsmouth’s urban and architectural development in the second half of 20th century and to identify its significance within the history of UK modern architecture.
The largest public library in Hampshire built in 1976, it completed the Guildhall Square reconstruction. This research project highlights the dynamics of Portsmouth government investment in modern architecture in the context of other cities and regions in the UK. Since library usage has evolved over time, the project explores and considers the present role of the Central Library in supporting vulnerable groups and communities within the city, and assesses the condition of the building .This will lead to a conservation and management plan to preserve and enhance the unique features of its design.
Aligned with Portsmouth History Centre Development Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2027, this project adds to a broader scheme to design ways of inclusively reusing this major public building, and includes all present uses of the library as a way of triggering a further revitalization of the public square. Ideally located, facing the Guildhall square and Portsmouth City Council, Portsmouth Central Library’s spatial potential, outreach activities and support of its active local history groups, will become visually legible. This will be presented and celebrated in two directions: outwards, inhabiting the public spaces around it and within the square; and inwards, welcoming wider public audience inside the building.
Researching the architectural legacy of the library’s design as a Brutalist masterpiece and defining a proper conservation strategy, this project aims to foster a stronger public engagement as a way of capitalizing on the prime location, design, activities and energies of its participant/public-facing groups? This will highlight the value of the library as a community hub and will present the library as the major public living room of the city.
Entry requirements
You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.0.
Applicants should ideally have a relevant Master’s-level qualification in Architecture, Architectural History, Interior Architecture and Design, Urban Design or Building and Heritage Conservation & Preservation. or they should be able to demonstrate equivalent experience in a professional setting.
Suitable disciplines are flexible, but might include Art & Architectural History, Museum or Archival Studies, Heritage Studies, Humanities, Creative technologies or Interaction design, Art Disciplines or Urban Studies & Planning. Applicants possessing skills in architectural design analysis and/or tactical urbanism are highly desirable, alongside experience in interdisciplinary methods and public engagement-centred design.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate an interest in the public library’s contemporary performance area and potential and enthusiasm for developing skills more widely in related areas, such as recording public engagement, building illuminatio design, design competition , and working with community groups, students and/or children.
How to apply
We’d encourage you to contact Dr Milena Metalkova-Markova (milena.metalkova-markova@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.
When you are ready to apply, you can use our . Make sure you 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. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.
If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code AAD50440525 when applying. Please note that email applications are not accepted.
It is intended that interviews will take place online tentatively in late June 2025 (TBD).