Swansea University has opened applications for a fully funded PhD studentship in Welsh and Sociolinguistics, focusing on understanding and supporting adult motivation to learn Welsh. The studentship, reference RS917, is open to UK applicants only and will begin in October 2026.
The project is jointly funded by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and Swansea University’s Postgraduate Research Office through its central Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) funding. Funding is provided for three years, covering full tuition fees, an annual UKRI-rate stipend (currently £20,780 for 2025/26), and additional research expenses of up to £500 per year.
Swansea University Research Focus
Despite high enrolment in Welsh for Adults programmes, national data show that only around 26 per cent of learners progress beyond entry level. Improving learner progression is a central pillar of the Welsh Government’s ambition to reach one million Welsh speakers by 2050. This PhD project seeks to address that challenge by examining how adult learners’ motivation evolves during their first year of learning Welsh.
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The research will explore the relevance of contemporary motivational theories—particularly the L2 Motivational Self System—within the context of a minority indigenous language, an area that remains under-researched. The findings are expected to inform both academic debate and practical teaching strategies for Welsh tutors.
Supervision and Study Mode
The project will be supervised by Dr Gwennan Higham (Swansea University) and Dr Rhian Hodges (Bangor University). It is aligned with the PhD in Welsh programme and may be undertaken full-time or part-time.
Methodology and Impact
Using a mixed-methods approach, the research will combine questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with adult learners across south-west and north-west Wales. Data will be analysed using advanced quantitative and qualitative techniques, including statistical modelling and thematic analysis.
The project has strong potential for real-world impact, with findings expected to feed directly into tutor training and course design through collaboration with the National Centre for Learning Welsh. Academically, it aims to make an original contribution to sociolinguistics and second-language motivation research, particularly in minority-language contexts.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be UK residents
- Have native or near-native Welsh language skills (spoken and written)
- Hold at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree and a Master’s degree at Merit, or a first-class honours degree (or equivalent)
Applicants must also meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall or recognised equivalent, where applicable).
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via Learner Gateway by 12 January 2026. Applicants must reference RS917 clearly within their application and upload all required supporting documents, including a CV, academic transcripts, cover letter with a supplementary personal statement, one verified reference, and confirmation of submission of the mandatory EDI Monitoring Form.
Informal enquiries are welcome and may be directed to Dr Gwennan Higham at [email protected].
This studentship represents a significant opportunity for candidates interested in Welsh language revitalisation, sociolinguistics, and applied research with direct cultural and policy relevance.
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