Opportunities with the Hong Kong History Centre
Hong Kong History Centre Studentships
Two awards are open to students embarking on PhD research starting in September 2026 in any aspect of the History of Hong Kong, broadly conceived. One is reserved for candidates working in the period pre-dating 1950 (with a preference for the pre-war or pre 1930 period); the other is open in period. We are looking for applicants interested in pursuing original research to be supervised by members of the Hong Kong History Centre and associated staff in the Department of History (including but not limited to Professor Robert Bickers, Dr. Vivian Kong, Dr Peter Hamilton, and Professor Ray Yep), and who also share a vision for public engagement of the discipline.
The studentships are co-funded by a generous donation to the Hong Kong History Centre at the University of Bristol (https://www.hkhistory.net/), and by the University. The Centre encourages and facilitates the study of the history of Hong Kong in the UK, and collaborates with partners in Hong Kong and internationally. Possible doctoral projects could focus on any sub-discipline of history, with a focus on Hong Kong, that could be provided with expert supervision from Hong Kong History Centre staff or other members of the Department of History. It is expected that the project would require Chinese language skills.
Alongside their research, the students will help with aspects of public engagement coordinated by members of the team.
More details: Hong Kong History Centre Studentship
Hong Kong History Centre Accredited summer programmes
We are excited to announce the three-weeks Hong Kong History Centre Accredited summer programmes in summer 2026!
This summer school is ideal for students who want to explore Asian and global history through the lens of Hong Kong, develop first-hand skills in analysing primary sources, and acquire the experience to conduct original historical research.
We welcome applications from the UK and international students, both undergraduates of any major as well as recent graduates and postgraduates.
This three-week course is hosted by the Hong Kong History Centre, an internationally recognised hub for cutting-edge research on Hong Kong’s local, regional, and global past. With its expert faculty and exceptional library resources, Bristol offers an inspiring setting to explore Hong Kong’s global connections.
More details please see: Hong Kong History | Centre for Study Abroad | University of Bristol
International Visiting Scholar Scheme 2026/27
The Hong Kong History Centre, based in the School of Humanities and part of the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Bristol (UK), is now welcoming applications to the Centre’s Visiting Scholar Scheme for visits in the academic year 2026/27.
The Centre welcomes expressions of interest globally from colleagues at various stages of their career who would like to contribute to, and benefit from, research activities at the Centre and who are based at an institution outside of the UK.
Benefits of the scheme include:
- Developing new research relationships and accessing a wide variety of research-related events.
- The opportunity to participate in the life of the Hong Kong History Centre, the world’s first research centre focusing on the study of Hong Kong history.
- Opportunities to present your research to colleagues and postgraduates within the History Department for peer support and input.
- Becoming a part of a Hong Kong History Centre network of scholars
All visitors will be given access to the library and can benefit generally from a wealth of subject-specific resources from the Centre, School and wider University including the University’s Hong Kong Collections, the only Special Collections and Archives in the UK that has made Hong Kong a collections priority.
The deadline for all applications for visits in the academic year 2026-27 is 5pm, Friday 30 January 2026.
There are two streams of entry to the scheme:
- Visiting Research Associate positions. These are to progress your own project and to contribute to the activities of the Centre, and more widely the School of Humanities and the Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Law.
Eligibility: For applicants at any stage of their academic career (Early Career to Professorship) working on the history of Hong Kong
Expectation: To actively engage and contribute to the Centre’s research activities and community.
Duration: A continuous visit of up to 1 month (Sept-June)
Funding: Up to £3,000 to include travel, accommodation costs and a subsistence contribution.Visitors will have access to shared office space.Please ensure you read the call guidance before completing the application form:
*Visiting Research Associate application guidance
*Visiting Research Associate application form - Visiting Postgraduate Research (PGR) student.
Eligibility: applicants need to demonstrate their interest and work on the history of Hong Kong and be registered as a current research student at another university (international).
Expectation: PGRs are expected to fully engage with the research community at the Centre and the School as appropriate.
Duration: A continuous visit of 1 – 2 months, based in Bristol. (Sept-June)
Funding: Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs of up to £3,000 for one month, and up to £5,000 for two months.Students will have access to the Faculty’s Graduate Research CentrePlease ensure you read the call guidance before completing the application form:
*Visiting Postgraduate Research Student application guidance
*Visiting Postgraduate Research Student application form
Check back here for regular postings of current and forthcoming opportunities to work and study with us.