Dr. Mark Pote has graduated from Ulster University with a PhD in Irish Language, Literary & Oral Tradition, marking the culmination of a remarkable academic and personal journey spanning 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.

Dr. Mark Pote, at his graduation on Tuesday.

placeholder image — Dr. Mark Pote, at his graduation on Tuesday.

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.

“Ulster was the perfect place to experience a new academic environment and, quite literally, life at the opposite end of the island,” he says.

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

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 was the chance to present his work in postgraduate research seminars.

“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.”

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.

Dr. Mark Pote has graduated from Ulster University with a PhD in Irish Language, Literary & Oral Tradition.

“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."

He added: “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

Dr. Mark Pote, originally from South Africa, graduates with a PhD in Irish Language, Literary & Oral Tradition from Ulster University.

"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.”