PhD Scholarship Candidate/Biopic Screenwriter

Salary: Full scholarship + a maintenance grant

De Montfort University is seeking candidates for a practice-led collaborative PhD project designed to develop unexplored archival materials into a ready-to-shoot feature biopic screenplay about the Nobel Prize-winning British philosopher, Bertrand Russell.

With a specific focus, the screenplay will be developed particularly aiming at the Asian market. In line with the AHRC’s latest funding strategies, this project will not only generate original research outputs, but also societal and economic impact.

This is an original and unique research project that is not only regional, but also international. This is the first of its kind to be conducted around Russell’s life – a pioneering endeavour.

Person specification

The ideal candidate will be someone who already has some experience working in the film industry as a screenplay development researcher or assistant on biopic projects after their postgraduate degree.

The candidate will be confident in carrying on independent research and looking for an
opportunity to launch their career to another level as an established screenwriter, specialising in biopics or films based on true events.

This PhD project will provide an opportunity for the candidate to develop creative practice at doctoral level through a credited screenplay based on Nobel Prize-winning philosopher Bertrand Russell, embodying research that will bring new critical and historical insight to the subject. In addition, the expertise among the supervision team will nurture the candidate’s entrepreneurial mindset, opening insights into the industry from a global perspective.

How to apply

Formal M4C Application Process

The application process has two stages:

Stage 1: Application to study for a PhD at DMU (deadline 22 November 2024)

1. Locate potential supervisors – you can make initial contact with a potential supervisor or contact one of the DMU Site Directors for advice.

A key benefit of M4C is the opportunity for cross-site supervision with an academic in one of the other M4C universities. Your nominated supervisor will assist you in drafting your initial application.

2. To apply for a PhD at De Montfort University (DMU), you are required to provide the following documentation via the admissions portal.

• Midlands4Cities: Midlands4Cities Funding Initial Application Form – please download, complete and attach to your application.
• Certificates and Transcripts – scanned copies of your most relevant academic certificates and transcripts will need to be provided. Documents that are not in English must be provided with a certified English translation.
• English Language – applicants who require to evidence their English language will need to produce an UKVI IELTS (Academic) known as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate at 6.5 or equivalent, with no component below 6.0 and shall have been taken not more than two years prior to entry OR a copy of a degree from a majority English speaking country (dated within the last 5 years). We provide a free English examination for applicants and offer holders which can be used in place of an IELTS.
• Passport – a scanned copy of your passport will need to be provided.  The copy will be of the picture page that shows your passport number and information of your nationality.
• References – are not required at this stage; these will be requested as part of your M4C funding application.

Stage 2: The funding application (deadline 12 noon, 13 January 2025)

The funding for your Doctoral programme must be applied for through the Midlands4Cities website.

Go to the Midlands4Cities application page where you will also find guidance for applicants and the criteria used in assessing applications. Please be aware you many need to refresh your browser to be sure of accessing the up-to-date documents for 2025 entry,

Expressions of interest need to be submitted as soon as possible to the project supervisor, Dr Hiu Man Chan: hiu-man.chan@dmu.ac.uk 

Further help

Want some further help with your application? 

Your prospective supervisor will be the main point of contact for guidance in the first instance, and the DMU Site Directors will also review your application. They can be reached at m4c-sd@dmu.ac.uk.

Midlands4Cities also organise application writing workshops, one in each partner city area. They will provide practical advice on how to plan your application and structure your research proposal. For DMU and the University of Leicester the 2024 workshop will take place on 9 November 2-5pm online.

You are free to attend any of the workshops – you do not have to go to the one in the city where your potential home university is based.

The closing date for this position is 22/11/2024 at 17:00