UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM · UNITED KINGDOM
Porous Bodies: Plague and Conceptions of the Human Body in Late Medieval England
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
This PhD research examines the complex relationship between humans and the bacterium Yersinia pestis, responsible for the plague, in England from the Black Death in 1348 through to the mid-16th century. It explores how this interaction was understood through medical, political, and religious perspectives, how people reacted to it, and how it reshaped existing ideas about humanity, including the body and soul. The study specifically investigates how the plague contributed to and reinforced the concept of the human body as a porous entity.
Curriculum
The thesis is structured into four chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of the porous body concept in relation to the plague:
- Chapter 1
- Medical Responses to Plague and Bodily Porousness
- Chapter 2
- Public Health, Discourse, and the Porous Body
- Chapter 3
- Religious Devotion, Holy Figures, and Bodily Integrity
- Chapter 4
- Dramatic Portrayals of Porous Bodies
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for this PhD programme?
- A Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field is typically required for PhD study. Specific entry requirements for this research topic would be discussed with potential supervisors.
- How do I apply for the Porous Bodies PhD programme?
- The application process involves identifying potential supervisors, developing a research proposal, checking entry requirements, preparing academic transcripts, degree certificates, a CV, and references, then submitting your application through the University of Birmingham's online portal. An interview may also be required.
- Are there any scholarships or funding available for this programme?
- This research was partly funded by The Wolfson Foundation and the University of Birmingham. Applicants should consult the university's funding pages for details on how to apply for similar research funding opportunities.
- What are the potential career outcomes after completing this PhD?
- This research contributes to fields like history, literature, and cultural studies, potentially leading to careers in academia, research, archives, museums, or related heritage sectors.
Entry requirements
PhDA Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field is typically required for PhD study.
Specific entry requirements for this research topic would be discussed with potential supervisors.
Fees
Tuition (international)Information not available.
Tuition (home)Information not available.
LivingInformation not available.
As this is a research thesis, specific fee structures may vary and should be confirmed directly with the university.
How to apply
1. Research Potential SupervisorsIdentify academics whose research interests align with yours. The supervisors for this thesis were Olivia Robinson, Victoria Flood, and David Griffith.
2. Develop a Research ProposalOutline your proposed research project, methodology, and expected outcomes.
3. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language requirements for PhD study.
4. Prepare Application DocumentsGather necessary documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, references, and a CV.
5. Submit ApplicationApply through the University of Birmingham's online application portal.
6. Attend Interview (if required)You may be invited for an interview to discuss your application and research proposal.
Scholarships
Wolfson Foundation/University of Birmingham fundingAmount not specified
Accreditation
This is a PhD thesis, representing the culmination of doctoral research.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for this PhD programme?
+
A Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field is typically required for PhD study. Specific entry requirements for this research topic would be discussed with potential supervisors.
How do I apply for the Porous Bodies PhD programme?
+
The application process involves identifying potential supervisors, developing a research proposal, checking entry requirements, preparing academic transcripts, degree certificates, a CV, and references, then submitting your application through the University of Birmingham's online portal. An interview may also be required.
Are there any scholarships or funding available for this programme?
+
This research was partly funded by The Wolfson Foundation and the University of Birmingham. Applicants should consult the university's funding pages for details on how to apply for similar research funding opportunities.
What are the potential career outcomes after completing this PhD?
+
This research contributes to fields like history, literature, and cultural studies, potentially leading to careers in academia, research, archives, museums, or related heritage sectors.