In case you're looking for a place to do a PhD with getting money, here might be something for you - providing you're not averse to metal and metalworking:
Newcastle University (UK) announces a call for a PhD scholarship on a project titled Technological choice and variability in prehistoric metalworking: a transdisciplinary investigation, funded by the AHRC Northern Bridge Doctoral Training Partnership as a Collaborative Doctoral Award. The partner organisation is ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, STFC, UKRI.
Project Summary
This project investigates variability and social choice in prehistoric metalworking through an innovative transdisciplinary approach that integrates experimental archaeology, materials science, and a critical review of social studies on craft practice. The student will develop a novel understanding of artisan skill, sensory perception, communities of practice, and craft specialisation in prehistoric bronzeworking. The research will provide new insights into the social context of early European metallurgy, reassessing the enduring link between metallurgy and the rise of social complexity. Through this work, the student will acquire a unique transdisciplinary skillset that will significantly enhance their intellectual profile and employability.
Prospective candidates are advised to look at the full project proposal here: https://northernbridge.ac.uk/applyforastudentship/cda/
Value and duration of the award
Tuition fees paid at a rate equivalent to the UK home fee. For international students, Newcastle University will generously cover the difference between home and international fees through the university's Global Scholarships Scheme. Costs for relocating to the UK cannot be covered.
A yearly stipend paid in regular instalments. Awards increase every year, typically with inflation. As an indicator, the level for 2024/2025 is £19,237.
A contribution to research costs of £600 per annum. Additionally, award holders can apply to a Northern Bridge fund reserved to support primary research costs.
Duration of the award: 3.5 years full-time or 7 years part-time. Funding can be extended up to 4 years by undertaking a placement at the partner organisation or another non-higher-education institution. The maximum duration of a UK PhD is 4 years full-time (8 years part-time).
As one would expect for a PhD thing, you need to have a Master's degree in Archaeological science or something similar or an MSc in a relevant science degree, as well as some knowledge about metallurgy and materials. Bonus points if you are familiar with bronze casting and have experience there. In addition, the usual stuff for working together with other researchers (including interdisciplinary work), writing scientific papers etcetera (and of course the thesis), and working towards deadlines in the academic field.
If you think that might be something for you, go find out more on the official website at https://northernbridge.ac.uk/applyforastudentship/cda/ for details about everything (look under "recruiting programs" and scroll down, unless something else sounds even more like the thing for you). Deadline for your application according to the guidelines on that page is Monday 3rd February 2025, midnight (UK time).