Fully Funded ESRC Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) Studentship: Developing Awareness of and Widening Access to Welsh Medium and Bilingual Statutory Education for International Migrants in Wales

Funding providers: ESRC Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) and Swansea University

Project description: 

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.  

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 master's from a UK academic research organisation.   

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

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. 

Please visit our website for more information on eligibility.