Reclaiming Toponymic Heritage: Irish Place-Names, Policy, and Public Space in Northern Ireland

Summary

Irish place-names hold centuries of linguistic, cultural, and environmental knowledge, yet many have been obscured by anglicisation or administrative change. This innovative PhD project explores how the Irish layer of Northern Ireland’s landscape can be rediscovered, interpreted, and re-presented through digital storytelling, creative media, and community engagement.

Working at the intersection of language, heritage, and digital innovation, the project will combine traditional research methods—such as philological and archival study of historical sources—with digital mapping (GIS) and multimedia storytelling techniques drawn from the screen industries. By analysing how Irish place-names are used in public signage, mapping, and policy, the research will contribute to the implementation of the Identity and Language (NI) Act 2022 and the Irish Language Strategy.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to design and build interactive digital outputs, such as online maps, visual stories, or short films, bringing linguistic heritage to life for new audiences. The project may involve collaboration with local councils, language bodies, and creative industry partners to develop tools and media that make cultural data engaging and accessible.

This project is ideally suited to a candidate with interests in Irish language and culture, digital humanities, creative media, or heritage studies. It offers the chance to develop advanced interdisciplinary skills—combining humanities research with digital content creation—while contributing to Northern Ireland’s growing screen and creative industries.

The research will illuminate how understanding and sharing the stories behind our place-names can foster cultural awareness, sustainability, and community connection, positioning heritage as a living and creative force in a modern, inclusive society.

The successful applicant must demonstrate a high level of fluency in the Irish language.

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
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

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%

Equal Opportunities

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.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period