PhD Study : Twentieth-century bilingual writing and translation in Ireland

Summary

PhD applications are welcome from students wishing to study diverse topics within the subject area, including literary studies of the work of bilingual authors, and also studies of translation (into Irish or English) by twentieth-century Irish authors. One of the fields of study for which we offer supervision is bilingual writing in twentieth-century Ireland. This includes the bilingual work of writers such as Pádraig Mac Piarais, Brendan Behan, Liam Ó Flaithearta, Eoghan Ó Tuairisc, Michael Hartnett, Celia de Fréine, Gearóid Mac Lochlainn, and other, sometimes neglected, writers.

Ó Tuairisc once complained that the bilingual writer tends to be distrusted and/or ignored by both linguistic groups. But has that always been the case? We encourage fresh analysis of the work of bilingual writers and of its reception over time. Another research area for which we welcome applications is translation studies, in particular the study of translations into Irish or English by twentieth-century Irish authors.

Many Irish writers have engaged with translation as a significant part of their oeuvre, which leading commentator Michael Cronin has noted, identifying three levels at which northern Irish poets, for example, have engaged with translation: firstly, as a continuing ‘dialogue with the other language on the island, Irish’; secondly, ‘as liberation, escaping from the pressures of Irish politics and history into the playful exuberance of foreign literatures’; and thirdly, ‘as a way of addressing the conflict but indirectly’.

There are other motivations for translation, as suggested by the work of Gearoid Mac Lochlainn and others. Also, when one considers the relatively under-researched translation work of leading poets such as Seamus Heaney, Derek Mahon, Gabriel Rosenstock, etc., there is rich territory for exploring translation choices, methods, difficulties, and even disputes. For example, translation and reception of the work of Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and/or Biddy Jenkinson’s caution regarding translation into English (in Ireland) could form points of focus and debate.

Should any applicant wish to include translation practice (into Irish or English), together with a commentary, as part of their PhD study, that could perhaps be arranged, dependent upon the source language.

In conclusion, we welcome PhD applications for studies of twentieth-century bilingual writing (between Irish and English); and in translation studies, we welcome applications regarding the translation practice of twentieth-century Irish authors whose target language is Irish and/or English. Such a translation study may, if the applicant wishes, and depending upon the proposed source language, contain a practical element together with a commentary.

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
• 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