Embodied pedagogy through Indian performance traditions for mental health and learning

Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements

Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

Initial Application deadline: 25 May 2025 

Full  Application deadline: 5 June 2025 

Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date: September 2025

For further details contact:

Dr José Dias (Coventry University) or Dr Divya Nedungadi  (GITAM)

Introduction

This fully funded PhD project is part of the Cotutelle arrangement between Coventry University, UK and GITAM (Deemed to be University). Each scholar will receive two doctoral degree, one from GITAM, one from Coventry University.

Research scholars receive stipends and full research infrastructure access from both universities. 

The PhD Student will start at GITAM University, with the supervision team drawn from the two universities.

Project details

Art in Motion investigates Indian performance traditions as vital forms of embodied knowledge that carry cultural memory, shape identity and foster community. Drawing on ancient treatises and contemporary perspectives, the project explores how movement-based practices transmit values, narratives, and ways of being across generations and geographies.

By critically engaging with these traditions through interdisciplinary and cross-cultural inquiry, Art in Motion seeks to illuminate how embodied performance can inform inclusive pedagogies, support cultural preservation, and enhance holistic well-being.

The research contributes to GITAM and the Centre for Arts, Memory and Communities (CAMC), Coventry University’s shared mission to advance understanding of how artistic practices function as living archives and tools for social connection, memory-making, and educational innovation.

The project will address the following research questions:

1. In what ways do aesthetic principles in performance traditions influence the emotional and sensory experiences of both performers and audiences?
2. How can innovative pedagogies and an educational toolkit enable the transmission of embodied knowledge through performance for enhancing cross-cultural and inclusive educational practices?
3. How can the experiential processes within dance practices influence emotional regulation, body awareness, and psychological well-being in participants across diverse cultural and educational contexts?
   Funding

Benefits

Tuition fees and stipend

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral and Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Candidate specification

Applicants must meet the admission and scholarship criteria for both Coventry University and GITAM for entry to the cotutelle programme.

• Applicants should have a Master’s degree at 55%.
• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
• Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study.