Two MRes scholarships available in the marine cultural heritage of the eastern African coast

Two Masters by Research studentships are available to study at the University of York. They are part of the Rising from the Depths AHRC Network, which promotes the marine cultural heritage of eastern Africa. They are both based in the Department of Archaeology, on the theme of heritage broadly construed, but are interdisciplinary in their approach.

A Masters by Research is an independent research degree, completed over a 12-month period. The projects suggested for study are outlined here, but there is a lot of scope for interpretation by the successful candidate; ultimately it should become your own project. 

Information on MRes at the University of York can be found here

The Masters by Research Awards will be at the Home fee rate and standard UKRI stipend rate. 

Any questions about these opportunities should be directed to Stephanie Wynne-Jones (stephanie.wynne-jones@york.ac.uk)

Closing date for applications: 31st March 2021

Developing digital heritage resources for community participation

This project will critically assess the potential for digital resources to promote inclusive practice at heritage sites on the east African coast. It will be focused on Kilwa region, southern Tanzania, drawing on previous research on community heritage involvement here. The project will assess existing digital infrastructure and work with partners in the region to identify appropriate digital resources for presenting the rich heritage of Kilwa in an inclusive way. The results will inform ongoing work in the region, with the potential for the development of digital resources that can be implemented locally.

Qualifications: BA/BSc in a relevant discipline (archaeology, heritage, digital humanities)

Supervisor: Stephanie Wynne-Jones (Archaeology)

Intangible heritage and sustainable development: a case study from Zanzibar

This project will explore the notion of intangible marine cultural heritage with a focus on subsistence activities in the Zanzibar archipelago. This is the setting for multiple development projects that attempt to harness economic possibilities from marine environments. This project will explore the interplay between ‘heritage’ in the form of community traditions and practices, and livelihood development initiatives connected with the sea. It will benefit from a connection with a specific project aimed at empowering women through sustainable seaweed farming, run by NGOs and local research institutions, and in turn, it will form a complement to their work. This project will then be able to reflect critically upon the relationship between notions of heritage and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals in coastal areas.

Qualifications: BA/BSc in a relevant discipline (anthropology, heritage/archaeology, development studies, geography)

Supervisors: Stephanie Wynne-Jones (Archaeology) and Cecile Brugere (Stockholm Environment Institute)