University of Otago to offer City of Literature scholarship

Posted: Thursday Jan 26, 2017

The University of Otago and Dunedin City Council are excited to announce the launch of a new doctoral scholarship in literary studies.

A University of Otago City of Literature PhD Scholarship will be offered annually to a research student to study at the University of Otago.

Dr Shef Rogers, Head of the Department of English and Linguistics, says the scholarship was originally suggested by Associate Professor Jacob Edmond. It was developed to establish a tangible recognition of Dunedin's special City of Literature status for the benefit of postgraduate students.

Dr Rogers says graduates in any discipline intending to undertake research at PhD level on a topic relating to literature are eligible to apply.

"The topic could well come from a student in tourism, history or other areas as well as English. The scholarship signals the University's support for the city's designation and deepens the ties already established through the University’s Centre for the Book (https://blogs.otago.ac.nz/cfb/).”

City of Literature Director Nicky Page says the scholarship celebrates Dunedin's City of Literature status and acknowledges its rich literary past and present.

"The University is intrinsically involved with the city's literary heritage and is a key partner for the City of Literature. We have been working together on a number of exciting projects and I'm thrilled that the Department's vision for this generous scholarship has been realised," she says.

"The scholarship offers an exciting opportunity for writers – it's open to any area of literary studies, from medieval to digital, and includes research combined with a creative writing project such as a novel, short story or poetry collection."

Ms Page says that in a nice coincidence of timing, local writer Beverly Martens recently launched Literary Walking Tours around the University campus. The tours showcase the University's connections with well-known writers such as Thomas Bracken, Charles Brasch, Janet Frame, James K Baxter and Hone Tuwhare.

More information about the scholarship is available online at www.otago.ac.nz. Applications for this year's scholarship close Friday, 31 March.

For more information

Dr Shef Rogers
Head of Department, English and Linguistics
University of Otago
Phone 03 479 8892

Nicky Page
Director City of Literature
Phone 021 810 057