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- Tasks: Research adult Welsh learners' motivations and evaluate motivational theories for minority languages.
- Company: Swansea University, a leading institution in research and education.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD with tuition fees covered and an annual stipend of £19,237.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on language learning and contribute to Welsh culture.
- Qualifications: Must speak and write in Welsh; 2.1 undergraduate degree and a master's degree required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic research community with a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 19237 - 19237 £ per year.
Although large numbers of adults attend Welsh for Adults classes nationally, statistics from 2019–2024 show that only around 26% progress beyond Entry level (CEFR A1; National Centre for Learning Welsh, 2025). Increasing these progression rates is a key aim of the Welsh Government’s strategy to reach one million speakers by 2050 (Welsh Government, 2017; 2025). Achieving this requires a deeper understanding of learners’ changing motivations, and ensuring that Welsh tutors draw on current evidence to sustain learner engagement over time. Motivation is a major factor in second language acquisition (Yousefi & Mahmoodi, 2022). The L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS; Dörnyei, 2005) is widely used to explain variation in learners’ motivation. However, questions have been raised about its suitability for languages other than English and for minority-language contexts (Dörnyei & Al-Hoorie, 2017; Zhu, 2019). There is very limited research on the motivations of adult Welsh learners, and no studies have yet applied the L2MSS to Welsh. This project will address this gap by developing a systematic understanding of adult Welsh learners’ motivations and evaluating the suitability of contemporary motivational theories for a minority indigenous language context.
Specific Requirements
- The ability to speak and write in Welsh is essential.
- PhD: Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’. Alternatively, applicants with a UK first class honours degree (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) not holding a master’s degree, will be considered on an individual basis.
Additional Information
This scholarship is funded jointly by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and Swansea University's Postgraduate Research Office through its central equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) funding for three years and commences in September 2026. This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £19,237 for 2024/25). Additional research expenses of up to £500 per year will also be available.
Eligibility criteria
- The ability to speak and write in Welsh is essential.
- PhD: Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’. Alternatively, applicants with a UK first class honours degree (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) not holding a master’s degree, will be considered on an individual basis.
Selection process
Please see our website for further information.
Welsh, Sociolinguistics: Fully Funded PhD in Understanding and Supporting Adult Motivation to L[...] employer: Swansea University
Contact Detail:
Swansea University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Welsh, Sociolinguistics: Fully Funded PhD in Understanding and Supporting Adult Motivation to L[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty at Swansea University. They can give you the inside scoop on what the department is looking for and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the research area. Familiarise yourself with the L2 Motivational Self System and its relevance to Welsh learners. Show us that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong personal statement. Use it to showcase your motivation and how your background aligns with the project’s goals. Make it personal and let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Welsh, Sociolinguistics: Fully Funded PhD in Understanding and Supporting Adult Motivation to L[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Welsh: Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the Welsh language and culture in your application. We want to see how your motivation aligns with our goal of increasing Welsh speakers!
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your academic background, focus on any experience related to sociolinguistics or language acquisition. We love seeing how your past work connects to this exciting PhD opportunity!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We recommend customising your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of this PhD position. Show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials and can consider you for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swansea University
✨Know Your Welsh
Since the ability to speak and write in Welsh is essential for this role, make sure you brush up on your language skills. Practise common phrases and relevant vocabulary related to adult education and motivation in Welsh. This will not only show your commitment but also help you communicate effectively during the interview.
✨Understand the Research Context
Familiarise yourself with the current statistics and challenges surrounding adult Welsh learners. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to increasing progression rates and what strategies you think could be effective. Showing that you understand the context of the research will impress the interviewers.
✨Engage with Motivational Theories
Dive into the L2 Motivational Self System and other motivational theories relevant to language learning. Think about how these theories apply to Welsh learners specifically. Being able to discuss these concepts and their implications for your research will demonstrate your depth of knowledge and critical thinking skills.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare some insightful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about their current research projects, the support available for PhD students, or how they envision the role contributing to the wider goals of the Welsh Government. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.
