PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies: Call for EOIs

The Initiative for Peacebuilding is excited to invite expressions of interest in our Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding PhD.

This call is now closed, but the Initiative welcomes general enquiries from prospective PhD candidates.

Invitation to submit an expression of interest

The University of Melbourne’s Initiative for Peacebuilding brings together research, teaching, and policy development from a wide range of disciplines to support effective engagement in conflict prevention and peacebuilding in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Initiative’s leadership is excited to invite expressions of interest in our Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding PhD. The intention is to find a promising scholar who wishes to undertake a PhD in the interdisciplinary field of peace and conflict studies.

Commencing in early 2022 and continuing for at least 3.5 years, the PhD candidate will be hosted in the Faculty of Arts’ School of Social and Political Sciences and affiliated with the Initiative for Peacebuilding. The primary supervisor will be either Professor John Langmore or Dr Tania Miletic, with a relevant secondary supervisor also appointed, depending on the proposed research topic. The successful PhD candidate will be automatically considered for fully funded research higher degree scholarships offered by the Faculty of Arts.

Selection process

A specific, preliminary research project proposal should be submitted in your expression of interest. While the research must make an original contribution to knowledge on conflict prevention and peacebuilding in general, you may propose your own project based on your academic interest and emerging expertise.

Submissions must include:

• a cover letter;
• one-page preliminary overview of your doctoral research project proposal;
• academic CV;
• contact details of two referees; and,
• academic transcripts.

Considerations in the selection of the preferred expression of interest will be as follows:

• you must meet the entry requirements for acceptance into the Faculty of Arts Doctor of Philosophy program, and preferably be a resident of Australia due to pandemic-related travel restrictions;
• your demonstrated capability to undertake a program of doctoral training and research, as well as the extent to which your proposed project is both compelling and relevant to the priorities of the Initiative. Prospective candidates may have a background in any relevant discipline, but their project must be relevant to the interdisciplinary field of peace and conflict studies; and,
• where empirical research is proposed to be undertaken, a focus relevant to the Asia and the Pacific region or specific areas therein are strongly encouraged.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview prior to the final selection being made.

Should your expression of interest be deemed successful, you will be invited to formally apply for the Faculty of Arts Doctor of Philosophy program by 31 October.