¶º±ÆÖ±²¥ is offering a fully funded PhD studentship commencing in October 2026. The studentship is part of the Celtic Crescent Doctoral Fund Award, one of ten funded by AHRC across the UK.  

Celtic Crescent 

Celtic Crescent is a multilingual consortium of seven Higher Education Institutions across Cornwall, Scotland and Wales. Working with non-academic creative economy partners, the consortium aims to help grow the next generation of research and innovation talent in the creative economy. We focus particularly on creative economy micro clusters marked by inequality, under-representation, and marginalisation arising from geographic, socio-economic, and linguistic factors. Studentships may be full-time or part-time, discipline-spanning, and may include practice-based, interdisciplinary, industry-led or minority-language research. 

Doctoral research anchored in a sense of place has transformative potential to generate more diverse creative outputs, more innovation-ready SMEs, and more skilled innovators, thereby helping to sustain longer-term careers in our rural, coastal, and post-industrial creative economies. This vision underpins every aspect of Celtic Crescent’s work. 

Funding 

Studentships are fully-funded for a minimum of three and a half years (42 months) and a maximum of 4 years (48 months max, including any placements). Part-time students will be pro-rata. 

Each studentship covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend (currently £21,805 for full-time study 2026-27) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant. Full and part-time applications are welcomed. 

The Project 

This fully funded PhD explores how digital content creators can contribute to reshaping the future of Welsh and other Celtic languages within platform-based media ecosystems such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. As linear broadcasting declines, linguistic vitality increasingly depends on independent creators producing, distributing and monetising minority-language content beyond traditional public service institutions. While promising examples exist, minority-language digital creation remains limited and under-researched, particularly in relation to its cultural, linguistic and economic impact. 

This project addresses that gap by examining minority-language digital creation as contemporary cultural production, creative labour and place-based economic activity. Focusing on rural, coastal and post-industrial regions, it will investigate how creators build audiences, generate value and contribute to local creative microclusters. Using mixed methods, which may include creative practice, digital analytics, interviews, audience research, and regional case studies, the research will develop new frameworks 

to measure impact and inform policy, skills development and strategic investment. 

Working closely with industry partners, including independent production companies and digital creators, the PhD will translate findings into practical skills pathways and development models. The project will include a placement with Rondo Media, offering hands-on experience in producing digital content for platform-based audiences. This unique integration of academic research and practical production will combine rigorous scholarly analysis creative and/or performative elements, enabling the doctoral researcher to critically examine digital creation through active participation in it. The project therefore offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the sustainability of Celtic languages while strengthening inclusive, place-based creative economies. 

Students will be based in ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥ and will be part of a connected cohort of Celtic Crescent researchers sharing training and experiences. You will take part in at least one three-day residential Crucible Lab bringing the entire cohort together in one of our Celtic nations. It is not possible to study remotely. Due to the nature of the research this PhD cannot be offered as a distance learning opportunity. 

Who Should Apply? 

You will have 

• Academic qualifications and/or professional experience in a relevant field (e.g. social sciences, media studies, sociolinguistics, language policy, creative industries, digital media, communication or related disciplines), equivalent to a UK honours degree at a First or Upper Second-class level;
• A strong interest in minority languages (particularly Welsh or other Celtic languages), linguistic vitality and creative economies;
• An understanding of digital platforms (e.g. YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) and contemporary content creation practices;
• Experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods (or a clear willingness to develop mixed-methods skills);
• An interest in applied, collaborative research and engaging with industry partners, including undertaking a placement with Rondo Media;
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently while contributing to academic and industry networks 

The project requires a functional level of Welsh, with potential comparative work in Scottish Gaelic or Cornish. This is essential for analysing digital content, conducting creator interviews, and engaging audiences authentically in minority Celtic languages. Support for language development will be provided by both the university and the placement with Rondo Media, ensuring the student can build confidence and skills in Welsh while working with creators and industry partners. The PhD thesis may be written in either Welsh or English, reflecting the student’s language proficiency and the bilingual nature of the research context. 

We welcome applicants from all types of backgrounds, particularly those with professional or creative practice experience or non-traditional educational paths.  

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) are fundamental to the delivery of exceptional Higher Education and research. We welcome students from every background, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. Our goal is to understand your learning style and help you create environments where you can thrive. Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) can provide you with funding for extra study-related costs due to mental or physical health conditions, learning differences or any other disabilities.  

Find out more about ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥ Disability Services. 

International Eligibility 

The studentship is available to home and international students. However, international students should note that the studentship only covers UK fees. This means that the difference between UK fees and international fees would have to be covered by the student themselves 

A maximum 30% of each cohort may be international students. 

Applicant webinar 

An online webinar for applicants will be held on 13 March at 9-10am UK time. This will be an opportunity to understand the Celtic Crescent’s aims and focus, and ask any questions you may have. To register for the webinar, please complete the form here:  

How to apply 

Applications should be received no later than 10 April 2026 at 4pm UK time including all required documents. Late applications may not be considered. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered. 

APPLY HERE 

When applying, please select AHRC Celtic Crescent Doctoral Focal Award as your scholarship opportunity. For your Academic Contact, please enter ‘Professor Ruth McElroy’. 

Please include the following documents with your application: 

• CV: this may be in conventional CV format, in narrative form or as a short video. It should demonstrate how your lived experience, educational and/or work journey showcases your potential;
• Statement outlining your interest in this project, your ideas for it and your suitability to undertake it (2 pages max);
• Details of two academic or professional referees. Referees must be able to comment on the applicant’s research strengths;
• Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable);
• If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry). 

Assessment 

Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview, during which applicants will be asked to give a short presentation and answer a series of panel questions.  Interviews may be held in person but will also be available through Zoom/Teams for all students who wish to participate in that way. Interviews can be conducted in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic if preferred. Interview questions will be provided in advance. Accommodations may include pre-recorded presentations, written presentations, or structured Q&As instead of a presentation. We are open to other accommodations that would help you do your best in the assessment. 

More about the AHRC Celtic Crescent Doctoral Focal Award