PhD Study : Language in post-conflict societies

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Summary

Languages are much more than merely their communicative function. They serve important symbolic and identity roles in societies which are emerging from conflict to peace. How a particular language is recognised and represented within the institutions of the state, in community settings and by the wider populace inevitably reflects wider political and cultural antagonisms. Language policies, therefore, can relate directly to wider processes of reconciliation or indeed to the continuation of conflict in supposed times of peace via cultural means. In other words, debates on language and identity can be used either to bring communities together or to polarise them.

This project will investigate the impact that language ideologies have in the context of post-conflict societies. In particular, this project should address the manner in which language rights and policies might be implemented in such regions, in particular drawing on the shifting discourses about languages and their relation to speakers’ and learners’ identities, and the impact that such changes might have on a language’s status in the public space, and the nature of the wider public’s relationship with that language.

Students, after discussion with their supervisor, may wish to carry out a study which addresses a number of language settings or concentrate primarily on one language, such as the Irish Language in Northern Ireland, within a strongly comparative context.

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.

  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • 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 70%
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
  • Experience of presentation of research findings
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
  • Applicants will be shortlisted if they have an average of 75% or greater in a first (honours) degree (or a GPA of 8.75/10). For applicants with a first degree average in the range of 70% to 74% (GPA 3.3): If they are undertaking an Masters, then the average of their first degree marks and their Masters marks will be used for shortlisting.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

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

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

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Contact supervisor

Dr Philip McDermott

Other supervisors