PhD Study : Treescapes and their Meaning in Gaelic Cultures

Summary

Trees and wooded places have always occupied a separate domain in the discourse of Celtic languages and cultures. Early Celtic nature poetry, the legend of the Wild Man, the Gaulish druidic mysteries in the oak-groves described by Caesar, Irish Christian hermits preaching in the woods are only a few very well-known examples from the Celtic and Gaelic past. Within the current debate on climate change there is much scope for a creative reconsideration of the impact of culture on the physical environment and in turn the power of the natural world to both conserve and maintain fragile cultural ecosystems and contribute to their destruction.

This project will focus on human behavioural processes and practices pertaining to the Celtic cultural domain. Key research questions will be examined from a broad range of perspectives, including: aesthetic, commercial, spiritual, social, historical and ethical receptions of the form and function of treescapes and their role in Celtic language and culture. The project will seek to uncover the cultural memory behind these issues, drawing on various aspects of both tangible and intangible Celtic heritage.

It is envisaged that this project will produce new knowledge that will influence academic discourse in the field of Gaelic and Celtic Studies and also contribute to debate on the formation of environmental policy that is cognisant of the significant positive impact that cultural intelligence combined with climate smartness can have on societal attitudes to the maintenance of current treescapes in Ireland and Scotland and the creation of future treescapes that are both biodiverse and culturally diverse. Candidates will have a good working knowledge of Irish or Scottish Gaelic so that they are able to meaningfully connect with the project.

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
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

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
• 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