Celtic Crescent Doctoral Focal Award

This practice-led PhD project will investigate how Scottish textile heritage, particularly within the Highlands and Islands, is translated into contemporary design practice, and how heritage-based making can support culturally sustainable innovation within Scotland’s creative economy. With a strong emphasis on Gàidhlig and Scottish cultural contexts, the project will explore how language, place, craft knowledge, and community identity are embedded in textile production and design.

Focusing on Highland textile microclusters, the research will examine how vernacular skills, patterns, and material traditions are interpreted by contemporary designers and producers. It will address questions of authenticity, cultural ownership, and responsible innovation, asking how heritage can be mobilised in ways that sustain both local economies and cultural integrity.

The methodology will combine practice-led research, material experimentation, archival and object-based study, and qualitative engagement with makers and heritage stakeholders. The successful candidate will undertake an internship with the Harris Tweed Authority, including engagement with independent Harris Tweed weavers, to gain first-hand experience of heritage governance, protected status regulation, and the lived realities of island-based textile production. There will also be an opportunityto work with the National Museums Scotland textile collections, supporting object-based research into historical Scottish dress and material culture.

The project offers a unique opportunity to develop a materially grounded research practice embedded within Highland textile communities, contributing directly to Scotland’s heritage-based creative economy.

You will be based at The Glasgow School of Art, and will be part of a connected cohort of Celtic Crescent researchers sharing training and experiences. You will take part in at least one three-day residential Crucible Lab bringing the entire cohort together in one of our Celtic nations. It is not possible to study remotely.

Join us on Tuesday 24 March at 12 Noon for a webinar about the GSA's Celtic Crescent studentship. During the webinar we will cover the application process and timeline (deadline for applications is April 10) and give you further details about the PhD project itself. There will be the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session, or you can contact us at dfa@gsa.ac.uk at any time. You can book attendance at the webinar here.

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Should you have any specific questions in advance of the application deadline, please contact: dfa@gsa.ac.uk

Studentships are fully-funded for a minimum of three and a half years (42 months) and a maximum of 4 years (48 months max, including any placements). Part-time students will be pro-rata.

Each studentship covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend (currently £21,805 for full-time study 2026-27) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant. Full and part-time applicationsare welcomed.

Some financial support will be available to help you to take advantage of placement and/or other workplace opportunities as part of your doctoral studies.

Applications should be received no later than 10 April 2026 at 4pm UK time including all required documents. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered.

Completed applications should be submitted via email to dfa@gsa.ac.uk

To apply you need to:

• Complete an application via the GSA's online application portal. If applying for full time study, please complete the your application here. If applying for part time study, please complete your application here.

You also need to send the following documentation to dfa@gsa.ac.uk

• CV: this may be in conventional CV format, in narrative form. It should demonstrate how your lived experience, educational and/or work journey showcases your potential. Alternative formats such as a short video will also be considered. Please contact dfa@gsa.ac.uk if you would like to discuss an alternative format;
• A completed Celtic Crescent Application Form (this can be found in the link at the top of this page);
• Details of two academic orprofessional referees. Referees must be able to comment on the applicant’sresearch strengths;
• Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable);
• If relevant, proof of English Language Competency - IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.5 in each component (or equivalent).

Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview, during which applicants will be asked to give a short presentation and answer a series of panel questions.  Interviews may be held in person but will also be available through Zoom/Teams for all students who wish to participate in that way. Interviews can be conducted in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic if preferred. Interview questions will be provided in advance. Accommodations may include pre-recorded presentations, written presentations, or structured Q&As instead of a presentation. We are open to other accommodations that would help you do your best in the assessment.

Applicants will have the following:

- Academic qualifications and/or professional experience in a relevant field (e.g. textile design, design anthropology, design history, fashion, material culture, or heritage studies), equivalent to a UK honours degree at a first or upper second-class level;

- A strong interest in practice-led research and heritage-based design, particularly in relation to textiles and material practices;

- A meaningful engagement with Scottish and Gàidhlig culture, and sensitivity to questions of cultural identity, ownership, and representation;

- Experience of, or willingness to develop, qualitative and/or practice-based research methods;

- The ability to work collaboratively with creative practitioners, heritage organisations, and community stakeholders within Scotland’s textile microclusters.

We welcome applicants from all types of backgrounds, particularly those with professional or creative practice experience or non-traditional educational paths. Professional experience in the creative industries or heritage sector would be advantageous.

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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) are fundamental to the delivery of exceptional Higher Education and research. We welcome students from every background, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. Our goal is to understand your learning style and help you create environments where you can thrive. Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) can provide you with funding for extra study-related costs due to mental or physical health conditions, learning differences or any other disabilities. 

For further information, please contact our Student Support Services.

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International Eligibility

The studentship is available to home and international students. However, international students should note that the AHRC studentship only covers UK fees. The difference between home and international fees will be covered by The Glasgow School of Art.

A maximum 30% of each cohort may be international students.

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