PhD Heritage and Museum Studies (Practice as Research)

University of Essex

Our PhD Heritage and Museum Studies (Practice as Research) is an innovative doctoral programme designed for students who want to combine academic inquiry with hands-on heritage practice.This programme combines theory and applied heritage work, enabling students to develop projects that actively contribute to heritage preservation, interpretation, and engagement.This research-led and practice-oriented PhD supports a broad range of creative and professional outputs, including digital archives, heritage reconstructions, museum interventions, revitalisation initiatives, etc.Students will be expected to propose and complete a practice-based project, supported by rigorous academic research and critical analysis. The final PhD submission consists of both a practice-based project and a 40,000-word thesis that critically contextualises the work.This PhD is ideal for professionals and researchers seeking careers in museums, heritage consultancies, academia, cultural institutions, and public engagement sectors. Whether working with historic sites, community-driven heritage projects, or emerging technologies for preservation, this programme prepares students to tackle contemporary challenges in heritage management.