Psychology PhD studentship

Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship - Nature and Development Lab – is nature good for babies? (2024)

What you get

• A stipend for 3 years to cover living costs. The amount is tied to the UKRI studentship rates; for 2023/24 it is £18,622 per year.
• UK or International fees are covered for 3 years.
• Research/training costs of £750 per year are also covered for 3 years, and enhanced costs are provided for some neuroscience projects.
• School-funded Postgraduate Researchers have the opportunity to take up Doctoral Tutoring during your PhD with a range of modules to choose from. This work is paid at Grade 6 which is currently £17.38 per hour, and covers contact time, preparation and marking.

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

PhD project

Whilst it is well established that nature is good for adults and children in terms of wellbeing, health, and learning, there is very little evidence of the impact of exposure to nature in infancy on development and outcomes in later life, or on the mechanisms that might underlie these benefits.

Part of this PhD will aim to quantify what the experience of natural environments of infants is and make predictions as to how this would impact cognition and perception in development. Understanding what the visual experience of infants actually is through use of methods such as Baby Head Cams or wearable light sensors can help shed light on what the relationship is between what infants’ experience and how that impacts their cognition and perception.

There is scope to tackle this programme of research from different areas and methods. For example, investigating infant sensitivity to natural scene statistics and how their immature visual system might impact perception; looking at if babies experience lower stress and higher wellbeing in natural than urban environments; how infants integrate information across different senses; or if babies attend and learn better when exposed to nature or natural statistics.   

You can see my profile here alice-skelton. Please get in touch with a.e.skelton@sussex.ac.uk to talk about your application.

 Doctoral Tutor role: 

If you choose to undertake a  Doctoral Tutor role you will receive training and begin teaching in the first term of your studies. You will be encouraged to study for a formal teaching accreditation (Associate of the Higher Education Academy), enrolling on a ‘Starting to Teach’ module in the first term.  

Eligibility

• Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a First or a high Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, and/or a Master’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience or a related discipline.
• The University of Sussex believes that the diversity of its staff and student community is fundamental to creative thinking, pedagogic innovation, intellectual challenge, and the interdisciplinary approach to research and learning. We celebrate and promote diversity, equality and inclusion amongst our staff and students. As such, we welcome applications from all, regardless of personal characteristics or background.
• This award will pay fees at the Home or International rate. International students must move to Sussex for the duration of the PhD and will not be permitted to register as Distance Learners. The studentship does not include additional funding towards the costs of visas or travel to the UK for International students.

Number of scholarships available

One scholarship

Deadline

How to apply

• Please read Some questions we are often asked before you start your application.
• Please submit your application online for 'PhD in Psychology' for entry in September 2024.

• In the Supervisor suggested by applicant section of your application, put Alice Skelton
• In the Proposed source of funding section of your application, please put Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship – Alice Skelton - ringfenced

Candidates should provide: 

• A research proposal that outlines your knowledge of the research area, hypotheses that could be addressed in your PhD, and an outline of potential methods. The scope of the proposed work should be appropriate for a 3-year PhD research programme. The research proposal should be approximately 1,000 to 1,500 words in length and not exceed 3 pages, including references. It should be set at a minimum of 10 font type with margins a minimum of 1cm.
• Current degree transcript(s) with full details of performance on all completed courses. 
• Two academic references.
• An up-to-date CV.
• A document summarising any teaching experience you have and illustrating your suitability for a Doctoral Tutor role. 

Overseas applicants please read our International Requirements to assist with preparing your application.

Contact us

For queries with respect to the application process please contact:  psychologyphd-enquiries@sussex.ac.uk 

To discuss the details of this project further please contact:  
Dr Alice Skelton a.e.skelton@sussex.ac.uk

Timetable

Deadline for applications:  19 January 2024 23:59.
Interviews likely to take place mid to late February with with notifications expected early March.