Elsewhere on Ulster
This project is funded by:
The issue of indigenous languages and cultures in Northern Ireland has been mired in distortionary cultivated stereotypes that Irish is a Catholic/ Nationalist/ Republican language, and that Ulster Scots is a Protestant/Unionist/Loyalist language. These stereotypes have served to alienate swathes of the community from various aspects of their shared heritage, a process which has served to diminish both languages and cultures as living traditions. The Ulster Scots tradition celebrates the common bonds between Ulster and Scotland, but the parallel bonds between Ireland and Scotland in relation to their common Gaelic heritage which have endured for over one and a half millennia are frequently discounted or ignored. Our society has learnt to compartmentalise these cultures into the orange (PUL) and green (CNR) camps, thereby alienating the communities from their interdependent diversity by conflating linguistic /cultural identity or interest with political antagonisms (Unionist vs Nationalist, Catholic vs Protestant, British vs Irish). These unresolved issues continue to have a persistent negative effect on community relations within Northern Ireland and on North-South relationships. The FLOURISH project will tackle language-related conflict by harnessing the positive benefits of cultural and linguistic diversity. In a concrete way, the project will realise the shared aim “to create a community, which promotes mutual respect and understanding, is strengthened by its diversity and where cultural expression is celebrated and embraced” (Source: Northern Ireland Executive's Together Building a United Community strategy). The project will have three main areas of implementation (1) Community engagement; (2) Capacity building for staff in local councils; and (3) Awareness raising for young people in second level schools. There are 3 PhD opportunities for candidates with a background in minority language sociolinguistics to assist with the delivery of the project's objectives and conduct research on their implementation and impact within a wider theoretical and policy context. Each PhD researcher will write a thesis under the supervision of the project team and develop a wide range of research skills and expertise in the area of minoritized languages in post-conflict societies. These 3 doctoral projects pertain to the research areas of sociolinguistics and sociology of language. Participation in these projects will require relevant linguistic competence to address research topics. SPECIFIC RESEARCH CONTEXT 1: Building positive relations around Irish and Ulster Scots through community engagement This project will examine ways to nurture better community relations around Irish and Ulster Scots in Northern Ireland and the border counties by creating intentional contexts where people of many backgrounds participate together in consultations to explore our diverse linguistic culture and heritage and their value to society while addressing contentious issues. SPECIFIC RESEARCH CONTEXT 2: Enhancing local government’s capacity to deal with sensitive language and culture issues This project will conduct a needs analysis with the 11 local councils in NI and the participating councils from the border counties of Ireland and identified the need for a certified Language and Culture CPD (Continuous Professional Development) programme that focuses on the skills and know-how required to deal knowledgeably and sensitively with council and civic affairs that involve Irish language and Ulster Scots and issues of cultural diversity in general. SPECIFIC RESEARCH CONTEXT 3: Inspiring the next generation to cherish our linguistic and cultural diversity This project will examine the role of young people in Northern Ireland, the border counties of Ireland and Scotland in creating the conditions for a shared sense of the region's Irish and Scottish cultural roots, and will investigate its value in underpinning the unique culture spanning both the Irish border and the North Channel from a youth perspective. |
Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.
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.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.
Appointment will be made on merit.
This project is funded by:
Tuition fees will be covered in full and a stipend of £20,780 per annum will be paid for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) is also available.
To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.
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.
Submission deadline
Wednesday 30 July 2025
04:00PM
Interview Date
8 August 2025
Preferred student start date
15 September 2025
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