PhD Scholarship in History

The Opportunity

This PhD scholarship is funded as a significant part of an ARC funded project, "Asterix and the Making of Modern France: The Creation of a National Myth", conducted by Professor Julie Kalman. This project will undertake a comparative study of the extraordinary popularity of the Asterix comic book series across at least two of the following three case studies: Canada, the US, and the UK, from the 1960s onwards. Drawing on newspaper articles, fan mail, and contemporary scholarly writing, the project will mirror the central questions of the ARC-funded project, regarding the series' attractions for readers, and the meanings given to the series. This will open up a sociocultural history of the post-war period in these countries. The project will also contrast and compare each case: what resonated with readers in each country in their translated versions, and what can this tell us, both about their own post-war stories, and the books themselves? How did translations transpose meanings into different national contexts? How were jokes translated in order to resonate in different national contexts? This is of particular interest, as the series enjoyed enormous success in the UK and Canada, but not in the US.

Undertaking this PhD as part of a larger project has several advantages. First, the successful candidate will be integrated into an already successful research agenda that has been funded by the Australian Research Council. Second, the candidate will benefit from expert supervision from research leaders in history, and from entering a PhD with a pre-existing structure. Finally, the candidate will benefit from being part of outcomes from the research, which may include co-authored publications (where the candidate's contributions will be recognised through co-authorship), funded symposia, school-engagement exercises, and future grant applications.

Monash University is the largest university in Australia and regularly ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide. Monash has six globally networked campuses and international alliances in Europe and Asia. The applicant will be based at the Clayton campus in Melbourne. The Arts faculty at Monash is inclusive and vibrant, as is the School of Philosophical, Historical and International Studies (SOPHIS). The historians have a strong and supportive research culture, and there is an equally strong sense of cohort among the history postgraduate students. The historians are internationally-recognised scholars successful in attracting national and international competitive funding.

Candidate Requirements

The successful candidate will require a proven track record in research fieldwork and historical methodology. In its assessment, the selection committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian (or equivalent international) Honours or Master's degree (both in a relevant field), with a significant research component and with first-class honours/H1 awarded.

Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of Arts are available at Applicants should ensure they familiarise themselves with these requirements before deciding whether they should apply.

Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Please note that applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

The successful applicant will be expected to enrol by 2 January 2026. However, there may be some flexibility as to the date of commencement.

Enquiries

You are required to discuss your research proposal with Professor Julie Kalman ), School of Philosophical, Historical, and Indigenous Studies before you submit an Expression of Interest.

Submit an Expression of Interest

Expressions of Interest shall comprise:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
• A brief research proposal not exceeding 750 words in length that fits within the broad project aims and objectives, and demonstrates some understanding of the area of research
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works, conference presentations and relevant work experience
• A full statement of academic records, degree certificates and official grading system (if available), supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
• English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
• Names and contact details of 2 academic referees
• Copy of your current passport (if available)

Once you have discussed your Expression of Interest with Julie Kalman, please submit your Expression of Interest Form and indicate that you are applying for a "Special Scholarship Scheme – PhD Scholarship in History".

Application Close: Monday, 29 September 2025, 11:55 pm AEST

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