The University engages a rich and diverse range of individuals and groups to undertake and support teaching and research.
You will support academic staff under direct academic supervision, in a range of learning environments and to support the quality of the student learning experience.
This role is a Student Research Assistant position focused on helping develop a new university module, Language and the Self, for the 2026-27 academic year. You will act as a bridge between theory and real-world experience by interviewing students about their linguistic and cultural experiences, transcribing those conversations, and identifying key themes. Essentially, the role will gather the "human stories" and digital resources that will be used to teach future students about how language, culture, and identity intersect.
The list of main duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive and you may not be expected to carry out all of the activities listed, nor is there a guarantee that you will be given the opportunity to do all of the activities listed below.
- Participation in 2 X 20 minute meetings with Jane (Approx 5 students depending on language combination) - to plan and prepare the interviews
- Interviewing of students (max 20 minutes)
- Transcribing interviews (supported by software where available)
- Summary of themes and uploading to a designated for use in new module in 2026-7
- Further resource research as required
You will be supporting materials development for the module Language and the Self, a new Level 2 module, with the following description:
This module explores the complex relationship between language, identity, and sociocultural groups, encouraging you to critically engage with your chosen language(s) in personal, social, and political contexts. Through an interdisciplinary approach, you will examine what it means to be a ‘legitimate’ speaker, how language operates within diverse cultural groups (e.g. gender identity), and the role of cultural practices and artefacts in shaping identities. The module integrates technology as a tool for multilingual engagement and self-reflection and fosters online enquiry, communication and research skills, including in ethnography. This module encourages you to see yourselves as active participants in multilingual societies, equipping you with the critical tools, intercultural competence, linguistic confidence, and digital literacy to navigate diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes during the Year Abroad and beyond.
For informal enquiries about this job contact Jane Woodin, module lead ([email protected])
Person specification:
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.