Language and Communication

The PhD is a three-year full-time programme or runs over five years, part-time.

Assessment

The PhD is assessed by submission of a thesis of up to 80,000 words and a viva voce examination.

The MPhil is assessed by submission of a thesis of up to 50,000 words and a viva voce examination.

In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) English Language and Literature was ranked 4th for research impact and 5th for research power. In the most recent QS rankings we are within the top 100 for the study of English Language. In recognition of our academic excellence, we are part of the Welsh Graduate School of Social Science which offers ESRC-funded scholarships on a competitive basis via the Linguistics and Bilingualism pathway.

Within the School of English, Communication and Philosophy, the Centre for Language and Communication Research is one of the foremost international Centres for research, research training and teaching in social, applied and interactional areas of human communication, language and linguistics. We use linguistic theory and a wide range of methods to explore how language works as a system, and how it is used to define identity and reflect and mould attitudes. We apply our research to important social challenges, to generate improvements in diverse areas including language learning, Alzheimer's care, multicultural interaction, legal-lay interaction and social inclusion.

Research environment

The School takes the training of research students very seriously, providing the facilities and supervisory guidance to help them flourish intellectually and work productively.

The Arts and Social Studies Library is well-stocked with books and academic journals in all our subject areas, while also possessing substantial electronic resources and specialist collections such as Cardiff Rare Books, a rich archive of over 14,000 items ranging from fifteenth-century incunabula to twentieth-century fine press books.

In a competitive jobs market, our students are encouraged and supported in building up the skills that will make them employable, whatever their career direction. We value the rich experience of our many overseas students and actively attend to their specific needs in relation to their cultural context of study and the demands of writing elegantly in a second language.

There is a biweekly Postgraduate Research Seminar throughout each semester.

There are several productive reading and research groups in CLCR and the wider School. In addition groups frequently emerge in line with the interests of colleagues and doctoral candidates. We encourage doctoral students to take the lead in proposing and organising new groups.

PhD students in the Centre for Language and Communication Research also take part in an annual conference, sharing their research with student peers, academic staff, visiting scholars and other stakeholders.

Postgraduate study in the School is a gateway to a wide variety of careers within and beyond academia.

Many overseas postgraduates return to lectureships with much enhanced career prospects.

Funding

See our latest PhD studentships and projects and find out more about other funding opportunities.

Tuition fees

Students from the UK

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Students from the rest of the world (international)

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Admission process

All applications will be reviewed initially by the admissions tutor, taking into consideration the quality and viability of the research project, as well as the capacity of staff to supervise the intended research project. This will include consultation with potential supervisors. Applicants who pass this initial stage of assessment will then be invited to make a formal application for a place on the PhD programme. We interview all PhD applicants where an offer is being considered.  To participate in an initial review of your intended PhD application, please contact encap-pgadmissions@cardiff.ac.uk.

A list of potential supervisors and their research profiles can be found at the School’s website.

A First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or equivalent is normally required, in a suitable field (such as Linguistics, Communication, Media Studies, Languages, some Social Sciences, English Literature and Humanities).

Successful applicants to the programme will also have demonstrated a strong performance at Master’s level in a subject related to linguistics, will have completed a course in research methods, and will have some experience of conducting empirical research (possibly as part of the master’s degree).

All PhD candidates are required to have adequate research training.  If lacking such training, they will be considered for the MA in Language and Linguistics with progression to the 3-year PhD programme. During the MA year, in order to progress to the PhD programme, students are required to obtain a minimum overall mark of 60 or above for the taught stage of the MA. If you are uncertain whether you would be eligible to be considered for direct entry onto the PhD programme, please see the flow chart.

English language requirements

For non-native speakers of English, an IELTS overall score of 7.5 with at least 7.0 in each sub score is essential.

Please read our English language requirements for more details.