Anthropology of Heritage or Material Culture

About the Project

We are inviting expressions of interest to undertake doctoral research on a project in the anthropology of heritage or material culture, to work under the supervision of Dr Alanna Cant, a specialist in art and craft, material culture, heritage, cultural tourism, and Roman Catholicism in Mexico and the United Kingdom.

Applicants will develop their own research project, reflecting their existing interests and understanding of social anthropology, to explore how people engage with objects, places, and material practices, and how these shape social life, identities, and value. Example topics include: processes and politics of heritage-making or preservation; museum and conservation practices; the social lives of objects; artistic and creative work; art and/or tourism economies; intellectual and cultural property; material religion; the intersections of value, memory/history, and materiality.

Regional specialisation is open to any part of the world, although a proposal that connects with existing regional interests in the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science may be prioritised. The primary research method will be ethnographic research, so language proficiency may be taken into consideration. Candidates with ideas that push the boundaries of current scholarly debates or develop innovative ethnographic approaches are particularly encouraged to get in touch.

Successful applicants will join a vibrant community within the Department of Archaeology, working with research students and staff across the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science.

Please note that there is not currently any dedicated funding for doctoral research in this area. You can find out more information about funding your studies here.

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, is ranked at 194 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 120 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving specialist supervision. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that can help support your career aspirations. If you need to develop your academic English skills before you start your studies, then the University has an excellent International Study and Language Institute which can help with this.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent)/master’s degree in social anthropology, museum studies, human geography or another closely related discipline.

International applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional English courses that can help with meeting these requirements.

The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community.

How to apply:

Please contact Dr Cant in the first instance at a.m.cant@reading.ac.uk, before submitting an application to the online application system.

Further information: https://www.reading.ac.uk/archaeology/phd

Enquiries: a.m.cant@reading.ac.uk