DfE Fully Funded PhD Studentships - Linguistics

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DfE Fully Funded PhD Studentships - Linguistics

• DfE Fully Funded PhD Studentships - Linguistics: School of Arts, English and Languages | PHD Applications are now CLOSED
• Project details
• Subject information
• Course content
• Entry Requirements
• Fees and Funding
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Overview

The School of Arts English and Languages invites applications for fully-funded PhD studentships in 8 thematic areas, each generously funded by the Department for the Economy.

Full details of individual projects and codes can be viewed at https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ael/Study/FundingScholarships/#dfe-department-for-the-economy-2026-entry-4916658-1

Funding Information

These studentships provide full tuition fees and a maintenance stipend for a maximum duration of three years, subject to eligibility.

Dr Justin Livingstone

More Information

j.livingstone@qub.ac.uk

Full-time: 3 years

Linguistics overview

The study of language is fundamental to the research environment across the School of Arts, English and Languages, where various linguistic approaches are taken to varieties of English, French, Irish, and more. You’ll be part of a dynamic doctoral research environment and will study alongside students from diverse backgrounds. We supervise students undertaking research in key sub-disciplines of linguistics, including: sociolinguistics; language variation and change; language policy (education, community languages, minoritized languages); place-names; language used in new media, narrative, literature, rhetoric, discourse analysis and translation; and advancing knowledge of languages across the levels of phonetics and phonology, lexicology, morphology-syntax and pragmatics. As part of a lively community of over 200 full-time and part-time research students you’ll have the opportunity to develop your research potential in a vibrant research community that prioritises the cross-fertilisation of ideas and innovation in the advancement of knowledge.

Research students are encouraged to play a full and active role in relation to the wide range of research activities undertaken within the School and there are many resources available including:

• Students can not only choose from a wide variety of fields within Linguistics but can also specialise in a particular language or languages (e.g. English, French, Irish, Chinese).
• Opportunities to attend Graduate School training sessions, designed to help you maximise your research training and experience, and to organise or participate in the annual postgraduate conference.
• Access to the Queen's University Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme, including professional training and certification in Strategic Management and Leadership.
• Opportunities to participate in activities led by the School’s Centre for Research in Linguistics.

Course content

Research Impact Our Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences is ranked within the world’s top 200 by QS World Rankings 2026. Our English department is rated as in the world’s top 100 by QS World Rankings 2026. Languages and Linguistics ranked 9th in the UK for teaching satisfaction in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

Employment after the Course For further information on career development opportunities at PhD level please contact the Careers, Employability and Skills team on acareers@qub.ac.uk / +44 (0) 28 9024 5133 Development Officers will be happy to provide further information on your research area career prospects.

Professional Opportunities Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to work as professional linguists or to play leading roles in educational practice, the public sector or within NGOs. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives such as the Future Ready Award and the opportunity to certify in Strategic Management and Leadership bolster our commitment to employability.

Dr Daniel McAuley Lecturer (Education) SAEL Email: Daniel.McAuley@qub.ac.uk

Dr Jane Lugea Reader SAEL Email: J.Lugea@qub.ac.uk

Dr Marc Richards Lecturer SAEL Email: m.richards@qub.ac.uk

Dr Marcas MacCoinnigh Senior Lecturer SAEL Email: m.maccoinnigh@qub.ac.uk

Dr Merryn Davies-Deacon Lecturer SAEL Email: M.Davies-Deacon@qub.ac.uk

Dr Simon Statham Senior Lecturer SAEL Email: S.Statham@qub.ac.uk

Prof Gregory Toner Professor SAEL Email: g.toner@qub.ac.uk

Prof Janice Carruthers Professor, Dean of Research SAEL Email: J.Carruthers@qub.ac.uk

Prof Joan Rahilly Professor SAEL Email: J.Rahilly@qub.ac.uk

Prof Mícheál Ó'Mainnín Professor SAEL Email: M.Omainnin@qub.ac.uk

Prof Piotr Blumczynski Professor SAEL Email: P.Blumczynski@qub.ac.uk

Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually. This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year. The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Entrance requirements

Graduate A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. While a Master's degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) is not essential, it is desirable and applicants without this qualification will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country .

Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. Taken within the last two years

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs .

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC

Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC

England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC

EU Other 3 | £23,600

International | £23,600

1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees .

Linguistics costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

Additional course costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.

Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.

How do I fund my study?

Find PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.

We offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.

The Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.

Information on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students .

The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply .

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here .

You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

Download Postgraduate Prospectus

Research areas