Application Deadline: 17/02/2026
Applications are now open to become a WGSSS Cluster Rep! The Cluster Rep role is vitally important to the WGSSS and provides a conduit for comments/ideas from fellow WGSSS-funded students across the academic schools and pathways. The role will involve project-based work to shape and develop the WGSSS and attend and participate in online termly meetings with the Cluster Lead and WGSSS Team.
- We are recruiting 1-2 Reps per Cluster
- WGSSS students in all stages of their studies are welcome to apply
- A lead rep will be nominated by the Cluster Rep cohort, and the lead rep will sit on the WGSSS Management Group.
What are the Benefits of Becoming a WGSSS Cluster Rep?
Society and Wellbeing Cluster Rep (2025) Betsi Doyle, Sociology / Science and Technology Studies Pathway, Cardiff University, writes:
Being a Cluster Rep has given me the opportunity to get involved in the PhD community beyond my institution. It has helped me get to know a wonderful cohort of PhD students and the staff/team in the WGSSS. It has been great to help organise events and reflect the feedback of fellow PhD colleagues to help develop the WGSSS programme in collaboration.
Learning, Language and Behaviour Cluster Rep (2025) Walaa Mouma, Linguistics and Bilingualism Pathway, Swansea University, writes:
This role helped me develop my communication, organisation and leadership skills, and it gave me a deeper understanding of how student voices contribute to the wider WGSSS experience. I would strongly encourage future students to apply. Even small, informal opportunities to bring scholars together can make a significant difference to their sense of belonging and wellbeing.
Rights and Governance Cluster Rep (2025) Brett Lewis, Politics, International Relations and Global Language Based Area Studies Pathway, Cardiff University, writes:
I really enjoyed this role. I think it’s important to have conversations with staff from a student perspective, as a lot of the time it can be difficult to know who to talk to when you have pressing and seemingly unusual questions. This role gave me the opportunity to extend a bridge between staff and students to my cluster and resolve some questions that students had. I had opportunities to improve my communication skills, my understanding of the structures of universities and the WGSSS, and a chance to improve the experience for students going forward.
For people thinking about applying, I think that there is no real reason not to consider this role. Not only do you get to engage with people who share a love for research, but you get to develop relationships across disciplinary lines and learn some really cool and often confusing things. I would recommend tying in quickly with your cluster to get the ball rolling when you do start, as this will maximise your time in the role.
The Role of the Student Rep
- To complete project-based work to shape and develop the WGSSS.
- To involve other WGSSS students in providing feedback, opinion and ideas.
- To attend and participate in online termly meetings with the Cluster Lead and WGSSS Team
- To attend an annual meeting with the WGSSS Director.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply, please complete the linked MS Application Form. Nominees are asked to outline, briefly, why they would make a good student rep and to enlist the support of 1-2 fellow WGSSS funded students for their nomination.
1-2 student reps will be selected for each Cluster. Where there are more nominations than positions, there will be a ballot of fellow students who will be asked to indicate a preference.
The deadline for applications is 17 February 2026. For more information please visit the Cluster Rep Recruitment page.