Irish language, literature and folklore

Apply and key information  

This project is funded by:

    • Department for the Economy (DfE)

Summary

This project will draw on staff expertise in the historical Irish text and more modern folklore tradition, and may, for example, focus on the following areas:

- Scholarly editing of Irish texts from the 1200-1900 period

- Analysis of linguistic and thematic aspects of text traditions

- Investigation of textual transmission and scribal activity

- Folklore collection or analysis of archives.

Applicants should upload a single document entitled “research proposal” and this should contain two parts:

  • A short proposal about the  project to be undertaken (up to 500 words) and to be discussed at the interview if shortlisted
  • A short piece of academic writing (published or unpublished)  from a previous research project (up to 4000 words).

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
  • Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Masters at 70%

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

  • Department for the Economy (DfE)

These scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a UK National, or
  • Have settled status, or
  • Have pre-settled status, or
  • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or
  • be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

Recommended reading

Mac Cathmhaoil (Nioclás): An scéalaíocht agus na lámhscríbhinní sa tréimhse mhall: gnéithe de sheachadadh Mac na Míchomhairle In Léachtaí Cholm Cille 51 (2021), pp. 59–81.

Ó Cuív (Brian): Ireland’s manuscript heritage. In Éire-Ireland 19/1 (Spring, 1984), pp. 87–110.

Ó Macháin (Pádraig) (ed.): Paper and the paper manuscript: a context for the transmission of Gaelic literature / edited by Pádraig Ó Macháin (2019).

Smith (Peter J.): Early Irish historical verse: the evolution of a genre. In Texts and transmission (2002), pp. 326–341.

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 24 February 2025
04:00PM

Interview Date
20th/21st March 2025

Preferred student start date
15 September 2025

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Nioclas Mac Cathmhaoil

Other supervisors