Applied Linguistics and Bilingualism: Fully Funded ESRC Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) Studentship: Bilingual Statutory Education for International Migrants in Wales

3 Apr 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Swansea University

Department

Central

Research Field

Language sciences » Linguistics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

United Kingdom

Application Deadline

19 Apr 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/London)

Type of Contract

Other

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Offer Starting Date

1 Oct 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Applied Linguistics and Bilingualism: Fully Funded ESRC Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) Studentship: Bilingual Statutory Education for International Migrants in Wales

The School of Culture and Communication at Swansea University is delighted to offer fully funded Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) studentships starting in October 2024.

The Welsh Government has taken significant steps to welcome international migrants, as evidenced by the Nation of Sanctuary Strategy (2019). In the same vein, the Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015), the Wales Anti-Racist Action Plan (2022), and Cymraeg 2050, A million Welsh speakers (2017), also promote equality, diversity, and the thriving Welsh language. 

Despite the emphasis on multiculturalism and multilingualism in the Curriculum for Wales (Welsh Government 2022), how migrant families' access Welsh and bilingual schools in Wales remains underexplored. Initial findings indicate that many migrants lack information about Welsh-medium education (Higham 2024). 

This project aims to contribute to a new Welsh approach to linguistic integration, addressing educational and linguistic inequalities for migrant families in Wales. It focuses on first-generation international migrants in Wales, without Welsh or English as a first language.  

The research will incorporate a mixed-methods approach. This may include a quantitative approach (i.e. statistical data analysis) and a qualitative approach such as sociolinguistic research on the lived experiences of international migrant families in Wales. Anticipated outcomes may include the analysis of effective practices in promoting Welsh-medium and bilingual education to this population and increased engagement opportunities for migrant communities in Wales to make informed decisions about their children’s education. 

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

Requirements

Research Field

Language sciences » Linguistics

Education Level

Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

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 master's from a UK academic research organisation. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.  

• We welcome applications from individuals who have any ability or knowledge of Welsh. If needed, support will be provided to help individuals to learn and practice using Welsh. 

• We encourage applications from individuals from minority ethnic or migrant backgrounds. 

• An ability to speak or sign a language or languages other than English and Welsh is desirable.

Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply. 

Specific Requirements

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 identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.  

We welcome applications for both full and part-time study. 

Applicants are reminded to submit all relevant documents (transcripts, supporting statement, etc.) by the deadline. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered.  

Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview. Interviews are expected to take place in April 2024. As part of the interview process, applicants will be asked to give a short presentation and answer a series of panel questions consistent with previous practice on the pathway during the Wales DTP and guided by the WGSSS’s commitments on EDI. 

Interviews may be held in person but should also be available through Zoom/Teams for all students who wish to participate in that way.  

Most applicants can expect to hear the outcome of their interview within 10-12 weeks. 

Additional Information
Benefits

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend of in line with UKRI minimum rates  (£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 have access to a Research Training Support Grant. 

Eligibility criteria

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 master's from a UK academic research organisation. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.  

• We welcome applications from individuals who have any ability or knowledge of Welsh. If needed, support will be provided to help individuals to learn and practice using Welsh. 

• We encourage applications from individuals from minority ethnic or migrant backgrounds. 

• An ability to speak or sign a language or languages other than English and Welsh is desirable.

Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply. 

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 identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.  

We welcome applications for both full and part-time study. 

Applicants are reminded to submit all relevant documents (transcripts, supporting statement, etc.) by the deadline. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered.  

Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview. Interviews are expected to take place in April 2024. As part of the interview process, applicants will be asked to give a short presentation and answer a series of panel questions consistent with previous practice on the pathway during the Wales DTP and guided by the WGSSS’s commitments on EDI. 

Interviews may be held in person but should also be available through Zoom/Teams for all students who wish to participate in that way.  

Most applicants can expect to hear the outcome of their interview within 10-12 weeks. 

Selection process

Please see our website for more information.

Website for additional job details

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/applied-linguistic…

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Swansea University

Country

United Kingdom

City

Swansea

Postal Code

SA2 8PP

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/applied-linguistic…

Contact

City

Swansea

Website

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/applied-linguistics-esrc-wgsss-phd-rs594.php?utm_source=euraxess&utm_medium=scholarship&utm_campaign=postgraduate24&utm_content=pgr

Street

Singleton Park

Postal Code

SA28PP

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED