Call for Applications - Inter-disciplinary PhD in Historical Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences, with financial support from The Gerda-HenkelStiftung calls for applications for the 2018 Inter-disciplinary PhD by Research programme in the fields of Historical Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences tenable at Makerere University. It is a three-year-fulltime fellowship for qualifying candidates to pursue studies leading to the award of a PhD in Historical Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences of Makerere University.

An Inter-disciplinary PhD by Research programme in the fields of Historical Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences engages a cluster of subjects that study human society with a particular sensitivity to change over time, historical context, and the development of various kinds of evidence to support analyses about the causes, characteristics, and implications of such changes in human society. These are subjects that equip students with many skills such as the ability to conduct independent research, analyse texts or images, and write persuasively. They also focus on helping students to understand betterhow these skills and analytical approaches can be applied to issues of societal significance beyond the university.

In the 2018 admission, preference will be given to research projects in Historical Humanities disciplines such as The Classics (the study of literature, philosophy, epic, and drama), Archelogy, Art History, History, History of Science, Historicising Religion (Islam and Christianity) in Africa, History of Law, Prehistory/Early History and Historicising Language and Linguistics in Africa.

Preference will also be given to projects that address issues of great relevance to contemporary life and future of modern society under the themes of ‘Islam, the Modern Nation State and Transnational Movements’ and ‘Security, Society and the State’ (for more information about the above two themes, visit the Gerda-Henkel Stiftungwebsite at:

http://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/special_programme_islam or http://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/special_programme_security).

Projects in the traditional Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences such as Political Science that have a STRONG HISTORICAL PROBLEM, FOCUS OR QUESTION are eligible for funding. Such projects should explicitly and overtly show a clear and strong historical bias and/or focus.

Eligibility

Eligible candidates forthe Inter-disciplinary PhD by Research programme in the fields of Historical Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences should:

Have practical research experience from working in Humanities and Social Sciences research projects at a University or Research Institute and a strong foundation in writing and research methods.
Be a Ugandan national or a national of a sub-Saharan African country. Admission into the cohort aims for a 60:40 ratio of Ugandans to sub-Saharan African citizens respectively and will aim at gender parity. Qualified female candidates are especially encouraged to apply. However, both principles of equity will be guided by the quality of the application proposal presented.
Be a holder of Master’s degree in Humanities and Social Sciences from a recognised university. The Master’s degree must have been completed less than ten years at the time of application.
Be a holder of an undergraduate degree in Humanities and Social Sciences from a recognised university with a Second Upper Class or above.
Be fluent or show proof of fluency in English Language because English is the language of instruction and thesis writing at Makerere University.
Provide two letters from two academic referees who are intimately familiar with his/her work recommending his/her application. It is important that the referees give the recommendation letter to the applicant to scan and send it with his or her application. It is also important that only those referees who are named on the applicant’s application formshould supply a reference for the applicant.
Confirm that you will be available from June 2018 to undertake a three-year full-time study leading to the award of a PhD in the fields of Historical Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences of Makerere University
Preference will be given to applicants with a maximum age of 40 years (men) or 45 years (women) by 30^th June 2018. The special contribution of the candidate’s proposed study to Humanities and Social Sciences scholarship may vary this requirement.

Funding

The Inter-disciplinary PhD by Research programme in the fields of Historical Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences is a fully-fundedprogramme with generous financial help from the Gerda-Henkel Stiftung. The scholarship will cover all costs of the PhD programme, including travel, living expenses, medical insurance, a laptop, university fees and all research and training costs. The maximum value of the scholarship for the 2018 Fellows is approximately UGX 44,450,000 in the first year, UGX 37,450,000 in the second year and UGX 37,450,000 in the third year. In the first year, the value of tuition and laptop computer will be deducted before the balance is paid into the Fellows bank account in three instalments, while in the second and third years, only the value of tuition will be deducted.

Timeline

The Inter-disciplinary PhD by Research programme in the fields of Historical Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences is a full-time 3-year doctoral training by research, which starts in June 2018 and ends in June 2021. The two key deliverables for successful candidates are a full proposal within 6 months and a PhD dissertation within 36 months. Fellows are advised to have a ready draft of their dissertation by the 20^th month of the programme.

How to apply

The complete application form and supporting documents must be submitted by Friday, 9^th February 2018 to the following email addresses:

graduate.college@chuss.mak.ac.ug with copy to principal@chuss.mak.ac.ug

For Further Information

In case of any questions regarding the programme or your application, kindly contact the following: