AHRC Celtic Crescent Doctoral Focal Award: Digital Content Creation for Celtic Language Revitalisation Bangor University in United Kingdom

Bangor University is offering a fully-funded PhD studentship as part of the AHRC Celtic Crescent Doctoral Focal Award, focusing on Digital Content Creation for Celtic Language Revitalisation. This research opportunity is designed for candidates interested in exploring how digital content creators can shape the future of Welsh and other Celtic languages within platform-based media ecosystems such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. As traditional broadcasting declines, the vitality of minority languages increasingly relies on independent creators who produce, distribute, and monetize content outside conventional public service institutions.

The project addresses the gap in research on minority-language digital creation, examining its cultural, linguistic, and economic impact. You will investigate digital creation as contemporary cultural production, creative labour, and place-based economic activity, with a focus on rural, coastal, and post-industrial regions. Using mixed methods—including creative practice, digital analytics, interviews, audience research, and regional case studies—you will develop frameworks to measure impact and inform policy, skills development, and strategic investment.

Collaboration with industry partners, including independent production companies and digital creators, is integral to the project. You will have a placement with Rondo Media, gaining hands-on experience in producing digital content for platform-based audiences. This integration of academic research and practical production allows you to combine scholarly analysis with creative and performative elements, critically examining digital creation through active participation.

The PhD is based at Bangor University in Wales, joining a connected cohort of Celtic Crescent researchers. You will participate in at least one three-day residential Crucible Lab, bringing together researchers from across the Celtic nations. Due to the nature of the research, this PhD cannot be offered as a distance-learning opportunity.

Applicants must have academic qualifications and/or professional experience in relevant fields (social sciences, media studies, sociolinguistics, language policy, creative industries, digital media, communication or related disciplines), equivalent to a UK honours degree at First or Upper Second-class level. A strong interest in minority languages (especially Welsh or other Celtic languages), linguistic vitality, and creative economies is required. Understanding of digital platforms and content creation practices is expected, along with experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods or willingness to develop mixed-methods skills. Functional Welsh language ability is essential, with support for language development provided. The thesis may be written in Welsh or English.

Bangor University welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, including those with creative practice or non-traditional educational paths. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are central, with support available for disabled students through Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

The studentship is fully funded for 3.5–4 years (full-time or part-time pro-rata), covering tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend (£21,805 for 2026-27), and access to a Research Training Support Grant. International students are welcome but must cover the difference between UK and international fees themselves.

Applications must be received by 10 April 2026 at 4pm UK time, including CV (conventional, narrative, or video), statement of interest and suitability (max 2 pages), details of two referees, degree certificates and transcripts, and proof of English language competency if relevant. Select 'AHRC Celtic Crescent Doctoral Focal Award' as your scholarship opportunity and list Professor Ruth McElroy as your Academic Contact. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview, with questions provided in advance. Interviews may be held in person or online, and can be conducted bilingually in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic if preferred. For further information, contact Dr Cynog Prys at [email protected].

For full details and to apply, visit the project page.