Elizabeth Jones

I studied for a PhD in Literature at Cardiff University, passing my viva with no corrections in March 2022. I am enormously grateful to the James Pantyfedwen Foundation for their generous support, without which I would have struggled to be able to complete my thesis on ‘unquiet’ medieval queens on the late Elizabethan stage.

I supplemented my research and writing by pursuing many additional educational opportunities that were available to me as a PhD candidate. For example, I undertook Masters-level modules in Old French and Palaeography, participated in the Medieval and Early Modern (MEMORI) reading group and seminar series, and attended various workshops and seminars. I also presented my research at conferences and intend to revise some of my work for publication in the near future.

During my studies, I also cultivated my passion for both teaching and widening participation. I worked as a PhD tutor for undergraduates in the School of English, Communication, and Philosophy, as well as for school pupils on outreach projects such as Cardiff University’s ‘Step Up’ initiative, the Brilliant Club’s Scholars’ Programme, and the Welsh Government’s Seren Network. These experiences helped me to secure a full-time position during the final year of my PhD: since June 2021, I have been working as a Widening Participation Officer at Cardiff University. In this role, I am responsible for designing, developing, and delivering a programme of support for students as they transition into university.  

Studying for a PhD was a fantastic experience: it afforded me numerous exciting opportunities for personal and professional development whilst completing extensive, original research into a topic that interested me greatly. The James Pantyfedwen Foundation’s support was instrumental in enabling me to complete my studies, which in turn has helped me begin my career in Higher Education. Diolch yn fawr!'