Projects in this area will focus on the investigation of language at the level of syntax, semantics, or pragmatics, and their interfaces. The proposed projects can adopt a synchronic or a diachronic perspective. Projects will focus on core theoretical questions to be answered with appropriate theoretical and/or experimental methodologies. Research projects may focus on the study of linguistic phenomena (and potentially their change through time or place).
We invite projects employing a range of methods. In particular projects may address a core theoretical or empirical debate in the area of syntax, semantics, or pragmatics and their interfaces.
Projects may also aim at developing an analysis of a particular phenomenon in a given language, dialect or group of languages.
Applicants are invited to contact potential supervisors to discuss the proposed focus of the study.
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 offers the following levels of support:
The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:
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.
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.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living
Submission deadline
Friday 7 February 2020
12:00AM
Interview Date
20 March 2020
Preferred student start date
mid September 2020