ESRC WGSSS Studentship in the Politics, International Relations and Area Studies Pathway

The School of Modern Languages (MLANG) at Cardiff University is delighted to offer fully funded Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) studentships starting in October 2024. We expect to make one doctoral studentship award in the field of Global Language-Based Area Studies.

Language-based area studies draws upon foreign language skills to explore the society, politics or culture of a particular country or region. Students may do research on Britain, Europe and its member states; African studies; China or Japan, nationalism and identity politics; justice and incarceration; multilingualism and social linguistics; international relations, security and comparative politics.

We particularly welcome applications on topics which require knowledge of, or a readiness to undertake study of one of the major European languages, Chinese or Japanese. Other languages may also be available via the University’s Languages for All programme or via hard language training.

Applicants should consider approaching a potential supervisor before submitting their application to confirm that there is appropriate supervisory capacity and to discuss their application. Information on staff research interests can be found on Cardiff’s School of Modern Languages (MLANG) web pages. In some instances, students may benefit from co-supervision by staff in Cardiff’s Department of Politics and International Relation (Politics/ IR).

Duration:

The duration of study is dependent on prior research experience/ training needs which will be assessed by completing an Initial Development Needs Analysis (DNA) at the application stage and a full DNA prior to award if successful. Durations of study may vary from - 3.5 to 4.5 years full time (or part time equivalent). This may include support for a research training Master’s and PhD.

Placement:

All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a 3-month, funded Research in Practice placement. All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.

Entry Criteria:

To receive WGSSS 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. Non-native English speakers should have a high level of English Language Competency (7.0 IELTS minimum).

Eligibility:

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. The latter can comprise up to 30% of our cohort and will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and 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/ civil partnership status, pregnancy/ maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. We welcome applications for both full and part-time study.

Assessment:

Applicants are reminded to submit all relevant documents by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview and asked to give a short presentation as well as answering a series of panel questions. Interviews may be conducted in person or via Zoom.

How to apply:

Applications should be submitted via the above ‘Apply’ button. Please click on the ‘apply’ box and received no later than 12 January 2024. Please include all of the following documents with your application:

1) Cover letter (two pages maximum)

The cover letter must include the following bullet points as subheadings:

• Set out your reasons and motivation for applying to study at Cardiff University, and the Politics, International Relations and (Global Language-Based) Area Studies pathway.
• Please detail your understanding, and expectations of doctoral study.
• Provide detail of your academic interests generally, and particularly of those relating to your proposed research.
• Drawing on your own background (including your life/ work/ university experiences or volunteering) please provide a summary of why you are ready to undertake a PhD now and how you will flourish as a result of PhD funding. You might include personal challenges that you have overcome or study/work/life achievements and how these map onto the skills required. Challenges could include, but are not limited to, protected characteristics, socio-economic status and of being a prospective first-generation student or care- experienced.
• Reflecting on your own background and/or proposed approach to PhD study and the opportunities which it will present, how will you support diversity and inclusion in the PhD community?

2) Academic CV (two pages maximum)

3) Research proposal

The proposal should be up to a maximum of 1000 words, not including bibliographic references. We suggest that you use the following five headings in your research proposal: 

• Title, aims and purpose of the research;
• Brief overview of the academic literature relevant to your field;
• Proposed design/methods;
• Academic contributions of your research.
• Bibliographic References

4) Two academic or professional references

Candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths.

5) Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable)

6) If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry)

Funding:

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend of in line with

UKRI minimum rates (currently £18,622) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant.

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.