This project uses three approaches to answer questions about children’s acquisition of syntax, using the phenomena of children’s null subjects as a case study (Valian, 2016; Hyams, 2011).
First, an experimental approach compares young children’s production and comprehension in English. Prior experience with behavioural methodologies for this approach is preferred, but not required.
Second, a corpus approach will involve the creation and analysis of a corpus with young children acquiring Irish as a first language in different dialects to ask questions about language variation. Experience with Celtic languages is required for this approach, with proficiency in Irish preferred.
Finally, a computational approach will assess the linguistic input of young children acquiring Irish as a first language to ask questions about language acquisition and language change. Experience with computational modelling is required for this approach, particularly with Bayesian models.
Applicants are invited to contact potential supervisors about proposals using one or more of the above approaches.
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
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