This project seeks to understand how fashion producers in Africa use knowledge, technology, capital and inputs to create social, economic and cultural value for domestic and global markets, and how this influences socioeconomic change. Creative economies enable broader readings of value across economic, social and cultural spheres, presenting opportunities for conceptual innovation in this project.
Current debates on global production, such as with global value chains, have tended to neglect ideas of lead firms in Africa due to narrow understandings of value. The project therefore aims to move beyond visions of Africa as resource-constrained to focus on creativity, ideas and innovation, including in sustainability, emerging across the continent. The PhD will focus on generating new data on fashion economies relevant to industry and pursue concept-building on lead firms in the global South.
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Eligibility criteria
African Leadership Centre, King’s College London
International political economy, creative and cultural studies
African nationals and be permanently resident in an African country;
- Plan to commence a full-time MPhil/PhD programme at King’s College London in the 2023-24 academic year (Ideally we would like to candidate to start in October 2023 but by no later than January 2024).
- Meet the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree in the Faculty of Social Science and Policy at King’s College London.
- You should hold or expect to obtain a High Merit or Distinction at Master’s level (or equivalent) in any subject.
- Disciplinary areas of particular relevance would include but not be limited to: International Political Economy; Political Economy; Fashion Management; Business; Development Studies; Culture, Media & Creative Industries; Policy; Sociology; Geography; Social Sciences.
- A strong interest in fashion and the creative economy (academic, professional, personal).
- Good team-working, observational, organisation and communication skills.
- Experience of qualitative and quantitative methods.
Application process
The selection process will involve a pre-selection based on documents – CV, cover letter explaining your interest in the project and how your prior experience is relevant, and sample of written work (i.e. MSc/MA thesis). Please email these documents to Dr Ikpe and Dr. England in advance of applying through the KCL portal. If selected, this will be followed by an invitation to an interview. If successful at the interview, an offer will be made for PhD study and scholarship funding.
Deadline: 30 June 2023
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For more information and application, visit their official website.
Bukola Owo-Bello is a spirited storyteller, content creator and YouTuber who loves sharing amazing opportunities, inspiration, and ideas with forward-thinking African youths.
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