From South Africa to Derry: A journey through language, tradition and scholarship

This winter, Dr Mark Pote graduates from Ulster University with a PhD in Irish Language, Literary & Oral Tradition, marking the culmination of a remarkable academic and personal journey that spans continents and cultures. 

His doctoral thesis, Míniugud Senchasa Úa Cendselaig: An Edition and Analysis of a Genealogical Text from the Book of Lecan, makes a fresh contribution to the study of medieval Irish genealogy and literature. 

Originally from South Africa and raised in a bilingual household, Mark grew up immersed in the country’s rich linguistic diversity. 

“That environment sparked my early interest in language and its cultural significance,” he reflects. Although he first completed a degree in business, it soon became clear that his true passion lay in languages. 

In 2017, Mark moved to Ireland to study German at University College Cork. It was there, through the Department of Early and Medieval Irish, that he first encountered the academic study of the Irish language and the wider field of Celtic Studies. “I quickly became fascinated by Ireland’s extraordinary literary tradition,” he recalls. The prospect of contributing to this vibrant field inspired him to pursue further study, and when Ulster University offered a scholarship for doctoral research, he seized the opportunity.  

Mark says Ulster University stood out for its strong research reputation and the opportunity to work with supervisors whose expertise complemented his own. Having previously studied and worked in Cork and Dublin, the move to Derry offered a fresh perspective, both academically and personally. “Ulster was the perfect place to experience a new academic environment and, quite literally, life at the opposite end of the island.” 

While teaching at Ulster, Mark valued the opportunity to work with students from a wide range of backgrounds. “I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my knowledge with both international and domestic students.”

One of the major highlights of his time there was the chance to present his research as part of the postgraduate research seminar series. Sharing his work in that setting and receiving thoughtful feedback from staff and fellow researchers helped him refine his ideas and address some of the trickier gaps in his project. “More than once, a single comment from a colleague helped solve a problem I had been wrestling with for weeks,” he recalled, “which was both a relief and a humbling reminder of how invaluable fresh eyes can be.” 

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During his studies, Mark received Third Prize in the NUI Dr H. H. Stewart Literary Scholarship in Latin, completed Ulster University’s First Steps to Teaching programme (becoming an Associate Fellow of Advance HE), and had his first academic article accepted for publication. “Seeing so many hours of work gradually take shape as a finished publication that will hopefully be useful to others felt both exciting and rewarding.” 

A standout moment was passing his viva with minor corrections. “Reaching that point after nearly four years of work felt surreal. I had dreaded the viva for months, but once the examination began, I enjoyed it far more than I expected. It became a wonderful opportunity to talk about my research with respected experts in the field.” 

Beginning a PhD in the midst of a global pandemic brought unique challenges. Travel restrictions limited access to manuscripts and conferences, and personal isolation was keenly felt. “A PhD can feel isolating at the best of times, and the pandemic certainly amplified that.” Adapting to Ulster Irish after starting with the Munster dialect was another hurdle, but one that deepened his appreciation for the language’s richness and regional character. 

Looking ahead, Mark will begin an O’Donovan Scholarship at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, continuing his work at postdoctoral level. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to developing my PhD research further at such a renowned institution.” 

“Ulster University is a fantastic place to study if you’re ready to work hard and make the most of the opportunities available. You’ll learn from experts who genuinely want to guide you through the long journey of a PhD. The Doctoral College offers excellent support, and I strongly recommend taking full advantage of its training sessions. Derry is a fun, relatively affordable, very walkable city with excellent transport links and a brilliant place to live and study.”  

Mark’s graduation will be celebrated with friends and family from Derry, South Africa, and from a few other corners of the world, a fitting tribute to a journey defined by connection and community. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about undertaking a PhD, visit: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/postgraduate-research/phd