Date: 01/10/2025
Project Title:
New Area Studies as a Methodological Framework
Project Supervisor:
Professor Simon Stewart, simon.stewart@port.ac.uk.
Institution:
Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature, University of Portsmouth.
Placement Period:
Starting between February and April 2026. Placement available full-time for 3 months (13 weeks) or part-time 6 months. Placement will be hybrid.
How to Apply:
Send a CV, sample of your writing (e.g. lit review chapter) and covering email to Professor Simon Stewart copied to scdtp@soton.ac.uk outlining in around 500 words your interest in the position and highlighting relevant expertise and experience.
Deadline to Apply:
13th February 2026
Placement Details:
Project description
The Centre for European and International Studies Research is developing a distinct approach which utilises New Area Studies (NAS) as a methodological framework, with a strong emphasis on positionality and feminist and decolonial methods. We argue that NAS provides a fertile ground for reflections on methodology, knowledge production and the construction of epistemic communities that go beyond traditional disciplinary silos. At CEISR, our approach to New Area Studies also seeks a greater knowledge and understanding of people and places. It approaches social, cultural, political and economic life in a globalising world in ways that are multi-layered, non-linear, and transcending national boundaries.
RAP work to be undertaken
- Contribute to the development of this approach by conducting a literature review that focuses on state-of-the-art research on New Area Studies and related methodological developments in the field with a specific focus on debates about time and temporality.
- Help to organise CEISR-related events that are taking place during the placement.
Anticipated benefits for the student
- Contribute to the development of this approach by conducting a literature review that focuses on state-of-the-art research on New Area Studies and related methodological developments in the field with a specific focus on debates about time and temporality.
- Help to organise CEISR-related events that are taking place during the placement.
Anticipated benefits for host
- Our research centre would greatly benefit from further and more in-depth research into discussions taking place in New Area Studies.
Required skills, knowledge and experience
- Skill in writing literature reviews
- Strong critical thinking and writing skills
- Ability to work well independently and be proactive.
Funds provided by the host
We will cover the costs associated with hosting events that feature the research produced by the student.
Supervised by Professor Simon Stewart, Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature, University of Portsmouth. Contact simon.stewart@port.ac.uk
(Ref:251207, RIP-RAP-25-05)
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