The University of Antwerp in Belgium has announced a fully funded doctoral scholarship opportunity for international researchers interested in media studies, prison education, arts, and social justice.

The position is based within the Faculty of Social Sciences and forms part of the prestigious European Research Council (ERC)-funded WALLS2BRIDGES project.

The scholarship offers candidates the opportunity to undertake cutting-edge research examining how prison communities use media and creative practices to challenge dominant narratives and contribute to debates on justice and incarceration.

About the WALLS2BRIDGES Research Project

WALLS2BRIDGES: Media Production of Prison Communities is a major international research initiative exploring how incarcerated individuals, their families, and anti-prison activists produce media across different national contexts.

The project investigates how media practices influence public understandings of justice in France, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Researchers will examine a broad range of media forms, including:

Letters and prison newspapers
Podcasts and radio productions
Films and audiovisual content
Digital and online media platforms
Community-led communication initiatives

By adopting a transnational and interdisciplinary approach, the project seeks to understand the relationship between media production, surveillance systems, lived experiences, and struggles for social justice.

Research Focus in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland

The successful PhD candidate will focus specifically on the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, investigating organizations that operate at the intersection of prison education, arts, and media.

The research will examine how NGOs, charities, educators, artists, and advocacy groups use media for:

Public communication and awareness
Advocacy and policy engagement
Knowledge production and community building
Shaping debates around incarceration and justice reform

The candidate will contribute to comparative research alongside scholars working on other countries included in the project.

Key Research Areas

The doctoral project will explore prison arts and media initiatives from multiple perspectives.

Researching from Above

This strand focuses on institutional and policy dimensions, including:

Government policies and regulatory frameworks
Funding mechanisms for prison arts programs
Institutional structures supporting media initiatives
Public discourse surrounding incarceration and rehabilitation

Researching from Below

This component examines how programs are implemented in practice through the work of:

NGOs and charities
Prison educators
Artists and creative practitioners
Institutional actors and community organizations

Lived Experiences and Creative Archives

Researchers will also investigate how incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals engage with creative initiatives while documenting and preserving their media outputs. Key themes include:

Access to creative opportunities
Ethical considerations in prison research
Archiving and preservation practices
Long-term impact of prison-produced media

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should possess a strong academic background in the social sciences or related fields.

Eligible candidates should have:

A Master’s degree in media studies, sociology, anthropology, criminology, or a related discipline
Excellent English-language proficiency
Experience with qualitative research methods such as interviews, ethnography, or discourse analysis
Interest in media, arts, prison education, and social justice issues
Awareness of ethical considerations when working with vulnerable communities

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, the following experiences will strengthen an application:

Research experience related to prisons or carceral systems
Work with NGOs, charities, or community organizations
Media production skills in film, audio, or digital storytelling
Experience in publishing, editing, or curating content
Knowledge of prison studies, media justice, or prison abolition debates
Existing connections with prison education organizations in the UK

Scholarship Benefits

The University of Antwerp offers a competitive doctoral scholarship package and access to a vibrant international research environment.

Benefits include:

A one-year doctoral scholarship, renewable for up to three additional years following positive evaluation
Monthly doctoral scholarship funding
Eco vouchers and internet connectivity allowance
Bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transportation costs
Access to training and professional development through the Antwerp Doctoral School
Opportunities to participate in international conferences and workshops
Extended fieldwork and research stays in the UK and Northern Ireland

Most research activities will be conducted at the University of Antwerp’s City Campus in Belgium, alongside field-based research abroad.

Responsibilities of the Successful Candidate

The selected doctoral researcher will be expected to:

Conduct independent research leading to a PhD dissertation
Publish findings in peer-reviewed academic journals
Present research at international conferences
Contribute to collaborative project outputs
Organize workshops and public engagement events
Share research findings with NGOs, charities, and community organizations
Work within an interdisciplinary and international research team

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit their applications through the University of Antwerp’s online recruitment platform.

Required application documents include:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation letter
Writing sample in English
Academic transcripts and diploma certificates
Contact details of two referees
A short research proposal (maximum two pages) outlining an approach to researching prison arts, media, and education in the UK and Northern Ireland

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 15 June 2026 (midnight Brussels time)
Expected Start Date: September 2026 or shortly thereafter
Interview Period: July 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in interviews and present their proposed research project in alignment with the objectives of the WALLS2BRIDGES initiative.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Antwerp encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds and identities. As a recipient of the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award, the institution promotes equal opportunities, inclusion, and a supportive working environment for researchers from around the world.

LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding