Cardiff University and Ffotogallery are delighted to offer a fully funded Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) studentship under the Journalism, Digital Media and Democracy Pathway.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
ESRC-funded PhD Studentship on The Valleys Archive at Ffotogallery: Community, Photography & Democracy in South Wales, 1978-2028
Start date: Wednesday 1 October 2025
Closing date for applications: Friday 16 May 2025
Interviews will take place online on: Thursday 22 May 2025
Project Overview:
This co-creative interdisciplinary doctoral project is focused on a collection of historic documentary photographs commissioned by Ffotogallery in the 1980s known as ‘The Valleys Project’.
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Ffotogallery in 2028, the studentship will examine how historical photographic archives can be harnessed to address pressing issues of community disenfranchisement and cohesion, of visibility and representation, and of visual literacy and skills development in the digital age.
As well as examining the history of the collection, the researcher will lead the design and delivery of a programme of in-person activities and online resources in collaboration with Ffotogallery to open up the archive for communities in South Wales. In addition to a thesis, intended outputs include workshops using the collection to explore social exclusion and prejudice; commissioning of works by community participants; co-produced interface and interpretation for exploring the digitised archive; and a public exhibition.
The intended outcome of the studentship is to further knowledge and enrich practice in the Galleries, Libraries, Archive and Museums Sector in relation to public engagement with digitised archives, using the Valleys Project as a vital historic resource to promote digital literacy, democratic engagement, and social representation.
Focused on this valuable historical resource, the studentship addresses reportage, archives, digital media, to explore history and citizenship in a digitalised democracy. To do so, it will answer crucial questions not only about the historical resources, but also about photography, representation, participation and politics. Possible research questions include the following:
-
What social and political factors account for the historical development of The Valleys Project at Ffotogallery?
-
What role did community participation play in its development and its mode of representing the region?
-
What do contemporary audiences think about the image of South Valleys projected by The Valleys Archive?
-
How can the archive be made accessible and reinterpreted to connect with current societal challenges?
-
How do contemporary residents use visual media to document parallel concerns today (e.g., food banks and the cost-of-living crisis, post-Brexit political campaigning and social media, grassroots activism and local journalism, or deindustrialisation and youth identities)?
-
What models of participatory photography projects (such as PhotoVoice) and what pedagogies of archive engagement (e.g. critical literacy theory) can support this work?
Working closely with communities to co-produce research, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to take a collaborative, ground-up approach to select areas of focus within the collection, engaging residents in the research design and analysis to facilitate a locally relevant, impactful study. Depending on the research aims and approach, the student may draw on any of the following:
-
archival / historical research;
-
semi-structure interview, focus groups or oral histories;
-
photo-elicitation or participatory photography projects; and
-
user-centred resource and skills development design.
Entry Criteria:
To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equivalent to an UK honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.
Duration of study:
The duration of study varies from 3.5 to 4.5 years full time (or part time equivalent).
The duration study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs of the student which will be assessed by completing a Development Needs Analysis. We welcome applications for both full and part-time study.
Research in practice placement:
All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.
International Eligibility:
WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
How to apply:
Application is by email to allbesont@cardiff.ac.uk
Please include the following documents with your application:
-
Academic CV (two pages maximum)
-
2 academic or professional references (candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths).
-
Degree certificates and transcripts (including translations if applicable)
-
If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language with an IELTS of 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in each sub score, or equivalent).
Applications should be received no later than Friday 16 May 2025 (17:00, UK time) including all required documents. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered.
Assessment:
Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview. As part of the interview process, applicants will be asked to give a short presentation on their ideas for developing the project, and to answer a series of panel questions from the interview panel concerning their relevant knowledge, skills and experience. Interviews are expected to be held online on Thursday 22 May 2025.
FUNDING NOTES
The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £20,780) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant.
If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.
