PhD Study : Language contact and language planning at community level in Ireland

Apply and key information  

Summary

The current language dynamics of Ireland have been determined by a range of factors, the most prominent being the contact between Irish and English. This contact has been conditioned by political, economic, sociological and geographical issues, leading to Ireland’s indigenous language being reduced to minority language status, with a shrinking autochthonous speech community. This scenario warrants scrutiny, both in terms of seeking to track and understand the ongoing nature of language shift within this community, and to identify fit for purpose language planning initiatives that will protect Ireland’s linguistic diversity and seek to reverse the current decline.

PhD projects are invited within this broad area that include both fieldwork and policy objectives. The scope of such projects will include the development of new analytical frameworks for assessing current and historical efforts at language planning that are comprehensive i.e. attending to economic, cultural, linguistic, educational matters etc.

PhD project proposals are welcome to investigate the rationale for devolving responsibility for language planning to local communities in the Gaeltacht and the Galltacht areas. Projects may include investigating policy initiatives to support linguistic diversity in post conflict societies and focus on the case of minority language provision in particular. Case studies may draw upon the experience of speakers in Ireland, Cyprus or South Africa, for example.

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

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

AHRC CDT programme

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
19 March 2018

Preferred student start date
mid September 2018

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Gearoid O Domagain

Other supervisors