PhD Study : Language policy and planning in post-conflict societies

Apply and key information  

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. This contact has been conditioned by political, economic, sociological and geographical issues, leading to Ireland’s indigenous language being reduced to minority language status, with a shrinking autochthonous speech community. This scenario warrants scrutiny, both in terms of seeking to track and understand the ongoing nature of language shift within this community, and to identify fit for purpose language planning initiatives that will protect Ireland’s linguistic diversity and seek to reverse the current decline. PhD projects are invited within this broad area that include both fieldwork and policy objectives.

The scope of such projects will include the development of new analytical frameworks for assessing current and historical efforts at language planning that are comprehensive i.e. attending to economic, cultural, linguistic, educational matters etc. Projects may include investigating policy initiatives to support linguistic diversity in post conflict societies and focus on the case of minority language provision in particular.

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.

  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
  • Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology
  • Research proposal of 2000 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 65%
  • For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
  • Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
  • Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Experience of presentation of research findings

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

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.

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
Friday 7 February 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
20 March 2020

Preferred student start date
September 2020

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Philip McDermott

Other supervisors