UK-Fully Funded PhD Studentships in Conservation Science

Bournemouth University, UK

Research Project: Carcass Processing Method in Roman Britain. This research scholarships is offered by The Centre for Archaeology, Anthropology & Heritage,School of Conservation Science, Bournemouth University.

Candidates must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years. All candidates must satisfy the School’s minimum doctoral entry criteria for studentships of: an honours degree at Upper Second Class (2.1) and/or an appropriate Masters degree. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, the Research Centre will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project.

Please note within the School of Conservation Sciences that only one of these studentships will be offered to an overseas fee-based candidate and the remainder to Home/EU fee-based candidates.

Research Background

Social and economic changes are evident within the Romano-British archaeological record, but the extent, rate and means by which many of these changes came about is poorly understood. The proposed research will improve understanding of social and economic behaviour linked to the butchery, distribution and consumption of meat in Roman Britain.

This project will involve the development of quantitative and qualitative methods to study the methods of carcass processing carried out in Roman Britain. Previous research has established that there were significant changes in butchery practices during this period, particularly in relation to the exploitation of beef and marrow. New processing techniques were introduced and some settlements appear to have relied heavily on specialists practising these new methods for their meat supply. However, there is much scope for further research into the origins of these new practices and how widely and quickly they were adopted by different communities in various regions of Roman Britain. It is also possible that different methods of butchery were practised on carcasses whose meat was destined for preservation than those whose meat was required for immediate consumption.

One problem is that there are no universally accepted methods of butchery recording and analysis. The student would be expected to develop methods that could be easily replicated by zooarchaeologists.

Study materials will be derived from a range of Romano-British sites, including large towns, small towns, roadside settlements, villas, other rural settlements and military sites. It is expected that the study would incorporate assemblages from various regions. Both supervisors have a good history of research and consultancy with several museums and archaeological units, from where material could be selected.

The aims and objectives of the project will be of relevance to many scholars of the Romano-British period not just those specialising in zooarchaeology.

First Supervisor: Mark Maltby

Additional Supervisor: Ellen Hambleton

Recent publications by supervisors relevant to this project :

Maltby, M. 2007 Chop and change; specialist cattle carcass processing in Roman Britain. In B. Croxford, N. Ray, R. Roth and N. White (eds.) TRAC 2006: Proceedings of the 16th Annual Theoretical Roman Archaeology Conference Oxford: Oxbow 59-76.

Maltby, M. 2006 Salt and animal products: linking production and use in Iron Age Britain. In M. Maltby (ed.) Integrating Zooarchaeology. Oxford: Oxbow: 119-24.

Maltby, M. in press Feeding a Roman Town: Environmental Evidence from Excavations in Winchester 1972-1985, Oxford: Archaeopress.

To discuss this opportunity further please contact Mark Maltby by email: mmaltby@bournemouth.ac.uk

How To Apply

Please complete the application form which can be downloaded here , ensuring that you:

• Enter the title of the studentship for which you want to apply and complete all relevant sections of the application form.
• In the application form you are asked to submit a synopsis, of not more than 500 words, outlining your understanding of the theme for which you are applying, the approach you would envisage taking and what qualities you believe you bring to the research community.
• Please note incomplete applications will not be considered so please ensure you complete the form.
• It is important to note that these studentships only apply to the advertised themes as set out on the relevant Research Centre’s website. Any applications for studentships not relating to these themes will not be considered. However, details of how to apply for full- and part-time self-funded study can be found on the Graduate School web pages.
• Successful applicants will be invited to interview either at the University or by video conference.

Eligibility Criteria
Candidates for the fully-funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years. All candidates must satisfy the University’s minimum doctoral entry criteria for studentships of: an honours degree at Upper Second Class (2.1) and/or an appropriate Masters degree. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, the BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project.

Closing Date
The final close date for applications is 31 July 2008.

However, applications are assessed independently and offers may be made to ideal candidates throughout the process. As such – apply early to avoid disappointment.

Send The Application Form to:

Louise Pearson
email: lpearson@bournemouth.ac.uk

Address:
Bournemouth University
Christchurch House
Talbot Campus
Poole
Dorset
BH12 5BB
UK