The Department for Applied Linguistics at the University of Warwick has a long history of researching topics related to intercultural communication in specific professional contexts, from business and educational settings to the worlds of healthcare and professional sports. In particular, staff in Applied Linguistics at Warwick have a proven track record of producing innovative, interdisciplinary research showing the real-world impacts of how diversity (especially in terms of gender and cultural/linguistic background) plays out in intercultural interactions. We also have a strong interest in researching the relationship between language and identity, with particular research expertise in representations of gender across media. With a strong tradition of sociolinguistic research, we are interested in the way variations in language reveal and construct the social world around us.

We are delighted to offer two PhD scholarships linked to these two important topics:

1. Intercultural research on diversity in professional contexts

This project involves investigating a topic related to diversity and intercultural communication in a specific professional context (e.g. business, creative, educational, healthcare, science/technology, sport etc.), in which the candidate has worked or has extensive experience of. For the purposes of this scholarship, the “intercultural” aspect of intercultural communication can be defined broadly, but the project should involve exploring how real-world issues relating to diversity can be informed by and/or inform intercultural communication research. Projects with an interactional focus are strongly encouraged, and proposals focussing on neurodiversity would be particularly welcome.

The successful candidate of this scholarship will be working with Dr Duncan LeesLink opens in a new window.

 

2. Linguistic Bias in Large Language Model Artificial Intelligence

Language is central to both the operation (prompting) and output of Large Language Models such as ChatGPT. But the impact of language variation in prompts, as well as the linguistic biases inherent to LLM responses, have not yet been extensively studied. Work proposed for this scholarship will focus on either the effects of prompt language variation on LLM output, or else the study of patterns in LLM-produced text. Approached through the lens of applied linguistics, this work should seek to provide critical commentary on the representation of communities, characteristics, and/or ideas in the context of LLM artificial intelligences.

Proposals for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches to the topic will all be considered. Applicants for this scholarship will have a pre-existing interest and experience in the critical linguistic study of ideological bias in discourse. Prior experience studying language and technology, or artificial intelligence in particular, may be useful but is not required.

The successful candidate of this scholarship will be working with Dr Matthew VoiceLink opens in a new window.

 

Criteria: Our criteria are as follows:

1. Excellent research proposal with clear relevance to one of the above topics.
2. Potential to succeed on our PhD programme and make a good contribution to our collegiate research culture in the department.

You must have submitted an application to study on our PhD programme and have received an offer before the scholarship can be confirmed. Your intended supervisor can provide help in reviewing your research proposal and developing your ideas.

Awarded by: Department of Applied Linguistics

Eligility: Home fee paying students. Applicants must have submitted an application for one of our PhD programmes and received an offer.

Value: Home fees paid and stipend at UKRI current rate for 3.5 years

Number available: 2

Exclusions: The scholarships are full-time fees only for Home fee paying students. We reserve the right to extend the deadline and/or award only one or no scholarship(s) if the applications received are not deemed suitable.

 

Deadline for application: 1 July 2025

Further details: Your research proposal (supplied as part of your PhD application) should have clear link to one of the two topics listed above.

We are looking for students who are willing to actively contribute to our collegiate research culture. This includes liaising with our current PhD students, acting as a student representative, and supporting our weekly research seminars and other departmental initiatives.

To apply for our PhD programme: use this link to find out about our PhD programmeLink opens in a new window, and applyLink opens in a new window. Guidance on completing a research proposal is also available hereLink opens in a new window and should be used by all applicants.

 

We welcome excellent students with different backgrounds and look forward to hearing from you!