PhD Studentship – Take One Picture (1995‑present): Children’s Art, Creativity and Learning, and the Future of Museum Education
University of Westminster & The National Gallery
London, United Kingdom
General Description
The University of Westminster, in partnership with The National Gallery, is offering a fully funded AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) PhD studentship beginning 1 October 2026. This interdisciplinary project centres on Take One Picture (TOP), a national primary schools programme initiated in 1995 that encourages deep exploration of a single painting each year, inspiring creative responses from children and fostering lifelong engagement with art. It engages with thousands of UK primary pupils over three decades, providing a rich foundation for research into children’s art, creativity, learning and the future role of museum education. The research will adopt a longitudinal, multidisciplinary approach, working with museum professionals, teachers, and past and present participants to map the programme’s evolution, examine its impacts, and envision future directions that can inform museum education practice across cultural organisations. Successful candidates will be jointly supervised by experts from the University of Westminster and The National Gallery and will split their time between both institutions. This project offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to museum learning research, engage with diverse stakeholders, and help shape the future of arts education in museum settings.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a relevant master’s degree (e.g., Museum Studies, Art History, Education Studies, Psychology, Visual and Material Culture Studies) or demonstrate equivalent professional experience in related settings such as museum education or educational environments. The studentship is open to both Home and International applicants; overseas fee status students must cover the difference between UKRI funding and international tuition fees and must reside in the UK throughout the PhD. All applicants must meet UKRI funding terms and conditions.
Required Expertise/Skills
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic writing and research capabilities, an interest in interdisciplinary research spanning museum studies, arts education, and psychology, and the ability to engage collaboratively with diverse stakeholders including museum professionals, teachers, and children. Professional experience in museum education, learning or outreach teams, or relevant educational settings is desirable.
Salary Details
The studentship funds full UKRI home tuition fees and provides full maintenance at the UKRI National Minimum Doctoral Stipend for 2026/27: £21,805 per annum plus London Weighting of £2,000 and a CDP maintenance payment of £600 per year. An additional travel and related expenses grant of up to £1,000 per year for up to four years is available. International students are eligible for full maintenance but must cover the fee difference (approx. £17,000 per annum for 2025/26).
Application Deadline
30 April 2026 (for a start date of 1 October 2026)