Applied Linguistics and Bilingualism: ESRC Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) PhD Scholarship in the Applied Linguistics and Bilingualism Pathway

Funding providers: ESRC WGSSS and Swansea University

Subject areas: Applied Linguistics and Bilingualism

Project description: 

Prospective student is invited to propose a research topic for doctoral study in the language-related areas of expertise of staff in Applied Linguistics. Broadly, these areas include research that addresses:

• Bilingualism/multilingualism
• Second language acquisition
• Lexical studies
• And/or the structure, meaning and use of language in linguistics, psycho- and sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, psychology, sociology, language technology and education.

Supervision can also be held jointly with colleagues in Welsh, Modern Languages, Translation, Psychology and Education.

PhD student in Applied Linguistics will have access to our new Eyetracking lab and specialist software including subscriptions to gorilla.sc and Qualtrics. Student will also become member of the Language Research Centre – an interdisciplinary research centre encompassing language related research across the university. 

For advice on the suitability of a topic, please email Dr Vivienne Rogers (v.e.rogers@swansea.ac.uk). It is strongly recommended that applicants contact Dr Rogers before submitting their application to confirm that there is a) appropriate supervisory capacity within the university on the chosen topic, b) to be put in contact with that potential supervisor and c) to discuss their draft application.

Duration of study: The duration of study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs which will be assessed by completing an Initial Development Needs Analysis (Initial DNA) at the application stage and a Full DNA prior to award if successful.

Duration of study may vary from 3.5-4.5 years, full-time (or part-time equivalent) dependent on your prior research experience. Swansea University, in conjunction with colleagues in the WGSS, will undertake an assessment of the successful applicant’s training needs and work with them to tailor the training they are offered to meet their research needs. This might take the form a full master's course or might be comprised of individual courses designed to enhance skills required for their chosen area of study.

Research in practice placement:  All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). Student will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business, or civil society organisations.  

Eligibility

To receive ESRC studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equal to an honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters from a UK academic research organisation.

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

The WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief.

English Language: IELTS 6.5 Overall or Swansea University recognised equivalent.

Funding Details

Funding Comment

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship. 

Students also have access to a Research Training Support Grant, worth up to £940 per year.

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