The digital world (e.g. the internet, mobile phones, smart homes) is an integral part of our daily lives and is becoming an increasingly important means of sustaining the health and wellbeing of people worldwide. It is therefore important to understand how the design and use of such technologies persuades and influences us - our thoughts, attitudes, feelings and therefore our behaviour.
The PaCT Lab is one of the few human computer interaction groups based within a psychology department in the UK. We regularly work with computing scientists and designers. We seek to understand the social, behavioral, and psychological impact of today’s digital world including social media such as Twitter, and TikTok but also, persuasive technology and its influence on health behaviours as well as the development of smart homes, transportation and cities. PACT Lab is interested in users’ perceptions of trust, privacy and security and how perceptions influence intention to use (or not) certain technology.
Get in touch with us to explore human behaviour, emotions and experiences in relation to technology and the impact of technology on individuals both online and offline. This project allows the candidate to identify the context in which they would like to explore this specific project.
Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.
For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/ Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g., SF20/…) will not be considered.
Deadline for applications: Open
Start Date: October 2020 or March 2021
Northumbria University is an equal opportunities provider and in welcoming applications for studentships from all sectors of the community we strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented groups.
Please direct enquiries to Prof Lynne Coventry (
lynne.coventry@northumbria.ac.uk)
