Announcement: International PhD Scholarship
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
International PhD Scholarship
School of Languages and International Studies
Reference No INT-057Thomas
Applications are invited for a full-time scholarship available in the School of Languages and International Studies. The scholarship is tenable for up to 3 years for a PhD (via MPhil route) [subject to satisfactory progress] and is open to international applicants only. UK/EU applicants are not eligible to apply. The scholarship will provide £15000 towards the cost of the International tuition fee over 3 years.
Project Title: Distance Language Learning with Digital Technologies
Project Description:
The research project aims at increasing our understanding of learning strategies vis-à-vis language learning in online and distance education. Building on the School’s interest in developing distance and blended learning approaches for existing language courses, aimed specifically at international students and the areas of professional teaching practice, the research project has the goal of contributing to our understanding of a number of areas including: online and distance teaching and learning strategies, distance and blended learning materials design, professional development for distance language educators, and the use of social and collaborative learning technologies for language education. The successful scholarship candidate is expected to outline a research proposal that draws on existing work in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) and second language acquisition (SLA), and can contribute to the goal of constructing a set of pedagogical and/or design criteria for online and distance language learning that will inform research in the area over the next decade. It is expected that the research proposal will involve the collection of qualitative and/or quantitative data where appropriate, using, for example, an ethnographic approach to understand learner collaboration in online language learning communities, and survey tools, case studies and interviews to examine learner perspectives on distance language learning.
Applicants should have, or expect to receive a qualification equivalent to a high class UK honours degree. A high proficiency in English Language is required for this project at IELTS 7.0 or equivalent. Depending on prior experience, candidates will also have the opportunity to contribute to the School’s undergraduate teaching where appropriate.
Informal project related enquiries may be directed to Dr Michael Thomas email mthomas4@uclan.ac.uk / Tel 01772 893148
Application Forms can be found at: www.uclan.ac.uk/studentships ?
Completed application forms should be emailed to researchdegrees@uclan.ac.uk
The closing date for applications to the Graduate Research Office:
Friday 13 May 2011 5pm British Summer Time
Proposed Interview Date: 1 June 2011
