PhD Study : Language acquisition; language processing; language meaning

Summary

Projects in this area will focus on the experimental investigation of language; how is acquired by children, processed by typical adults and/or impacted by developmental or acquired language disorders. Projects may investigate linguistic problems in the domains of syntax, semantics or pragmatics or the interfaces between multiple domains.

We welcome projects employing a range of experimental methodologies including both offline behavioural methods and online methods. These can be combined with the use of corpus methods, especially involving CHILDES. Prior experience with experimental methods and/or statistical analysis is preferred, but not required. In particular we welcome research proposals which have the potential to address both core theoretical and empirical problems using novel methodologies and those involving an element of comparative investigation, either across phenomena or populations.

Projects may also focus on the acquisition of particular language, dialect or group of languages, like for example Celtic languages, which are widely investigated in the institute. Students are invited to contact potential supervisors for more specific information on appropriate research questions.

Projects in the area of meaning will focus on the investigation of meaning (semantics) and meaning in context (pragmatics). Projects should focus on core theoretical questions that can be answered with appropriate theoretical and/or experimental methodologies. Research projects may focus on the linguistic study of semantic phenomena, their interfaces with pragmatics and syntax and/or an investigation of how meaning (semantics) is accessed and employed by different speakers in different contexts.  We invite projects employing a range of methods. In particular projects may address a core theoretical or empirical debate in the area of semantics and its interface with other linguistic domains. Projects may also aim at developing a semantic/pragmatic analysis of a particular language, dialect or group of languages and investigate its predictions experimentally. Students are invited to contact potential supervisors to discuss the proposed focus of the study.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Masters at 70%
• Masters at 75%
• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living