Postgraduate research

Join our passionate, challenge-led and diverse research community to explore your interests in a supportive and impact-focused environment

We are one of the foremost centres of research in Welsh and other Celtic languages, and supervise several PhD students working on other languages and international contexts.

Our interests span the fields of literature, linguistics, politics, legislation and culture – seeking to better understand their formative impact on the world we live in today, and how they can shape our future experiences.

Recognised internationally for research quality and impact, we have a consistent and proud history of affecting positive practical, cultural and legislative change, benefiting communities in Wales and around the world.

Our approach

We offer three flexible research pathways which can be tailored to your personal and professional circumstances. All three can be taken through the medium of Welsh or English.

• Welsh PhD/MPhil
• Language, Policy and Planning PhD/MPhil
• Creative and Critical Writing (Welsh medium) PhD

You can take the PhD as a full-time option (three years) or part-time (five years) while the MPhil runs for one to two years.

We have a very wide range of research specialisms within the School and are sure you’ll find a match with some of the interests of our staff. These include:

• medieval literature in Welsh and English
• Welsh literature including children’s literature
• translation studies
• creative and critical writing
• the historical development of the Welsh language and dialectology
• language variation and change
• language planning and policy
• bilingualism and second language acquisition
• sociology of language.

Our PhD students are currently working on a range of diverse topics which include:

• Medieval Welsh Dream Narrative
• Dialect Levelling in Machynlleth
• Trilingualism in Wales
• Rights, Language and the State
• The Relationship Between Language, Images and Meaning in Welsh Pictorial Literature for Children
• Language Variation and Switching in Cardiff
• Memory and Nation in the Contemporary Modern Period
• Investigating Language-In-Education Policies from a Social Justice and Linguistic Human Rights Perspective in Science and Technology Departments in Three Algerian Southern Universities.

Professional experience

We recognise that work experience opportunities can support your professional, academic and personal development.

Equally, opportunities to engage with the national and international academic community connected to your subject area allows you to build your profile and develop valuable connections.

Our city centre location and long-standing relationships with external partners and organisations will give you a head start in finding opportunities for placements. We also offer opportunities for employment within the School.

Research projects

From time to time opportunities arise for students to work on a research project under the leadership of a School staff member.

Learn to Teach

We’ll also offer you the opportunity to host seminars and language sessions through the University’s Learn to Teach programme. You’ll be provided with specific training on how to teach and conduct assessment before undertaking any such work.

Academic engagement

We’ll provide financial and pastoral support to encourage your attendance at relevant conferences, seminars and events which will aid your studies and help you to network within academic, or other, communities relevant to your subject area.

Funding

There are a range of different funding options available to support your PhD studies, both within the University and through external foundations and partners.

• The James Pantyfedwen Foundation
• Doctoral Training Initiatives

Contact

For further information about the programme, contact Professor Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost. To discuss scholarships, please contact the School.