Brunel University of London is inviting applications for a fully funded doctoral studentship analysing The Wapping Post, a newspaper set up by striking print workers and journalists during the Wapping Dispute 1986-7. The award is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council through the doctoral training programme called TECHNE. It is a collaborative doctoral award working with the Marx Memorial Library & Workers’ School (MML).
The Project The Wapping Post lies within the News International Dispute Archive of the MML’s Printworkers’ Collection. Almost half a million copies of the Wapping Post were written, produced and distributed during and just after the dispute involving printworkers and journalists sacked by Rupert Murdoch’s News International in 1986. The research project will investigate 1) the production practices of the Wapping Post, 2) analyse its modes of representation and innovation, 3) compare the Wapping Post’s coverage of the strike with other publications within the trade union movement and the left as well as the dominant press media, 4) situate the Wapping Post in the context of the then contemporaneous debates led by the Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom on media accountability and democracy.
Details of Award The Techne CDA Studentship will fund a full-time studentship for 3.5 years (42 months), with an option to extend this by up to a further 6 months for placement/career enhancement activity. The studentship will consist of a stipend in line with UKRI levels including London Weighting , the current level is £21,237 for 24/25 and will be paid for 42 months. Fees are paid at the home rate directly.
Supervisory Team The first supervisor is Professor Michael Wayne whose research interests and expertise includes British political and media cultures since the breakdown of the post-war social democratic consensus in the 1980s. The second supervisor is Dr Alison Carrol, a historian with research expertise on British and European politics and socialist political cultures. The student will also be supervised by Meirian Jump, the Director of the MML whose archive specialism is in labour movement collections. The collaboration with the MML is expected to include contributing to public engagement activities, such as the 2026-7 40th anniversary of the dispute.
Required Candidate Experience BA and MA degrees that have covered relevant subject areas such as media studies, mass communications, politics, history, and/or working class or trade union studies. The ability to analyse texts and contextualise texts appropriately.
In addition it would be advantageous to have Experience carrying out research in an archive and/or working in an archive/heritage setting. Experience as a content producer using digital technologies and/or digitisation methods. Experience using interviews as a research method. A sympathy with the aims and objects of the MML.
Application Process Expressions of interest should consist of the following: A current CV (including the names of two referees). A cover letter outlining why you think you are well placed to undertake this research project. A sample of academic writing (e.g. a MA dissertation or essay). Candidates invited to an interview will be asked to supply transcripts of first degree and postgraduate qualifications.
Expressions of interest (consisting of the above) should be sent to Michael.wayne@brunel.ac.uk no later than: Monday January 6th 2025. Interviews will be held the week beginning 20th January 2025.
Following interview, the chosen candidate will be invited to complete an application, in conjunction with the supervisory team, for final submission to TECHNE by 20th February 2025.
Further Information For more information on TECHNE see: https://www.techne.ac.uk/ For more information on the project, potential applicants are advised to contact Professor Michael Wayne.