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Research Degree Scholarships

Explore current research scholarships and studentships available at Cardiff Met. Each opportunity includes details on eligibility, funding, and how to apply.

Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences WGSSS Studentship Competition 2026

The School of Sport & Health Sciences, and The School of Education & Social Policy at Cardiff Metropolitan University are delighted to offer fully funded WGSSS (ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership) studentships in the Sport and Exercise Sciences, Psychology, Education and Linguistics and Bilingualism Pathways starting in October 2026.

Applications should broadly align with the research interests of academic staff within the pathways/Schools and be discussed with prospective supervisors well in advance of application.

Applications from students who have not contacted and elicited the support of potential supervisors will not be considered. Staff research interests can be viewed here:

If you have an enquiry about a specific Pathway, please contact the Pathway Leads:

Sport and Exercise Sciences: Professor Lynne Evans levans@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Psychology: Dr Rhiannon Phillips rphillips2@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Education: Professor Steve Cooper smcooper@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Linguistics and Bilingualism: Dr Robert Mayr rmayr@cardiffmet.ac.uk

For general enquiries, please contact ESSHRI@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Entry criteria:

To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equivalent to a UK honours degree at a first-class or upper second-class level, or a Master’s degree in a related field. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.

Duration of study:

Durations of study vary from 3.5 (PhD) to 1+3.5 (MSc + PhD) years full-time (or part-time equivalent). The duration of study is dependent upon the prior research experience and training needs of the student which will be assessed by completing a Development Needs Analysis. We welcome applications for both full-time and part-time study.

Research in Practice Placement:

All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice Placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.

International eligibility:

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

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

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 or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Assessment:

Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview. As part of the interview applicants may be asked to make a short presentation.

How to apply:

Applications should be received no later than 12 noon 27/11/2025 including all required documents. This is an internal deadline that is in advance of the WGSSS deadline for the purpose of providing candidates with feedback that can be incorporated into their final application and submission for the WGSSS deadline of 11th December 2025. Due to the volume of applications received incomplete applications will not be considered.

All applications should be submitted to ESSHRI@cardiffmet.ac.uk with the subject line WGSSS Gen and the relevant pathway name (Sport and Exercise Sciences, Psychology, Education or Linguistics and Bilingualism).

Please include the following documents with your application:

  • WGSSS Application Form
  • Academic CV (two pages maximum)
  • 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).
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (including translations if applicable)
  • If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry)
  • Please submit the above documents and the WGSSS Studentship Application form as a single word document by the application deadline.

Funding:

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend of in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £20,780 for 2025-26 full-time) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant. Full-time and part-time applications are welcomed. If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.

 

PhD Research Studentship (full-time) – Cross-border professional learning in the Health and Wellbeing curriculum across Wales and Scotland.

Package: £20,780 year bursary plus tuition fees (at EU/UK rate). Stipend amounts are in line with UKRI rates. For 2025/26 this is set at £20,780. For subsequent years, the doctoral stipend will match those outlined annually by the UKRI.

Project Title: Dysgu proffesiynol trawsffiniol yn y cwricwlwm Iechyd a Lles yng Nghymru a’r Alban/ Cross-border professional learning in the Health and Wellbeing curriculum across Wales and Scotland.

Project Description: Wales and Scotland have both undergone major curriculum reforms through the Curriculum for Wales 2022 and Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence. Both aim to equip young people with the skills needed for life in a changing world, placing greater emphasis on teacher agency and curriculum design. A key shared area within these reforms is Health and Wellbeing, which integrates elements of physical education, personal and social education, and nutrition. While both nations share similar aims, little research has explored how teachers experience these changes — particularly in relation to their professional learning, confidence, and evolving professional identities.

This doctoral project will investigate the professional learning needs of secondary Health and Wellbeing teachers in Wales and Scotland. It will critically examine teachers’ experiences of curriculum reform, explore their professional identities, and collaboratively design and evaluate a bilingual professional learning package that fosters cross-border collaboration.

The thesis will be written in Welsh, contributing to the growth of Welsh-medium educational research and supporting the aims of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. A mixed-methods approach will be adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative studies with teachers in both countries.

Criteria:

Essential Criteria

  • Fluency in written and spoken Welsh (the thesis and associated outputs must be completed in Welsh)
  • A good undergraduate degree (first class or upper second-class honours) and/or a Master’s degree in Sport, Education or a closely related field
  • Evidence of strong academic writing and analytical ability
  • Demonstrated understanding of educational theory, policy, or practice relevant to the proposed area of research.
  • Proven ability to plan, conduct, and complete independent research projects.
  • Awareness of research methods in educational based research.
  • Excellent communication skills in Welsh and English, both oral and written
  • Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a research community or academic team
  • Commitment to contributing to Welsh-medium research and scholarship in education

Desirable Criteria

  • Previous experience of research in education, for example through a Master’s dissertation or funded project
  • Familiarity with the Welsh and/or Scottish education system, its curriculum, or policy context
  • Engagement with or contribution to the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol or Welsh-medium higher education activities
  • Competence in the use of research-related software, such as NVivo, SPSS, or similar tools
  • Evidence of disseminating research (e.g. conference presentation, publication, or report)
  • A clear interest in promoting education and scholarship in Welsh

Supervisory Team: Dr Lowri Edwards (DoS), Dr Anna Bryant, Professor Rhodri Lloyd

Application: Applicants should provide a personal statement (max 1000 words) outlining your experience, reasons for applying and a brief outline of your initial thoughts on the area of research. Please do not submit a formal research proposal. Please send your personal statement and full CV to: Laura Lind (LLind@cardiffmet.ac.uk).

Please provide the name, address and status of two referees who are willing to provide a reference for you. One should be your present or most recent employer (unless you have not worked before) and one other who is able to describe your suitability for this post. References are normally taken up when the candidate is invited for interview.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the project in more detail before applying, please contact Dr Lowri Edwards on LCEdwards2@cardiffmet.ac.uk

The closing date for receipt of applications is 9th January 2026. Interviews w/c 16th February 2026.