Celtic Crescent

This project seeks to develop a new creative work in Gaelic that will explore the links between culture, music, belief and languages in Scotland, and, potentially, to do this in comparison with one other distinctive community. There is a current skill shortage in Gaelic theatre-making and by working with Theatre gu Leòr, this project offers the successful applicant the opportunity to develop a set of professional skills alongside their academic ones.

The motivation for the project is the Zeitgeist of cultural ambiguity stemming from the contemporary fracturing of conventional familial and social links: the feeling of being culturally ‘adrift’.

The main part of the project will be practice-based, involving the writing of a new creative Gaelic work. Rather than basing this on research questions, the successful applicant will be encouraged to explore:

• The links between culture, music, belief and languages in (Gaelic) Scotland (and potentially one other community)
• The concept of being ‘between’: cultural hybridity, linguistic duality, and the search for belonging
• Expressions of ‘traditional’ identity in the modern era
• Efforts to forge new kinds of community in a world where the old norms have been disrupted by remoteness

The academic apparatus will involve an analytical commentary and may incorporate data analysis of a qualitative study conducted to capture authentic responses to the research themes and to the question of theatre as a means of understanding these.

This is a groundbreaking project for Gaelic, where practice-based research has rarely been undertaken. Its approach, using creative writing and potentially stage production, to investigate the variety of ways people connect to culture in a physically fragmented society, represents a unique combination of scholarly and artistic media in an effort to find elucidation in a broad, inclusive and authentic manner.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to spend up to three months with Theatre gu Leòr where the applicant may participate in in-house writing workshops and shadow dramaturgy development of any live production by Theatre Gu Leòr.

This project has the potential to support the continued vitality of the Gaelic language while also strengthening the small pool of individuals capable of providing the next generation of academic and artistic leadership. It addresses a key challenge in the Gaelic creative economy by directly developing the skills and capacity that are currently in short supply.

Students will be based in Aberdeen 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.

Informal enquiries are encouraged: please contact Professor Moray Watson for further information.

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.

Standard PhD entry requirements for the University of Aberdeen are an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent).

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

We also invite applications from those returning from a career break, industry or other roles. We typically require a minimum 2:1 in your first degree (or equivalent), but exceptions can be made where applicants can demonstrate excellence in alternative ways, including, but not limited to, performance in masters courses, professional placements, internships or employment.

You should have exceptional language skills in both English and (Scottish) Gaelic, at least at C1 level on the CEFR scale.

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. 

The studentship is available to home and international students. However, international students should note that the AHRC studentship only covers UK fees. International students considering applying should contact Professor Watson to discuss their fee arrangements in the first place.

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

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

Please send your complete application to pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk by 10 April 2026 at 4pm UK time

Your application must be a single email with the subject line: "Celtic Crescent PhD Project - [Your Name]" and include only these documents:

• 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);
• Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable);
• If relevant, proof of English Language Competency and Gaelic Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry).
• Two academic or professional references. Referees must be able to comment on the applicant’s research strengths. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure both references are submitted by the deadline, as we cannot request them on your behalf.
• References can be submitted with your application or emailed to pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk

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 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.