Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here.
This project is no longer listed on FindAPhD.com and may not be available.
Click here to search FindAPhD.com for PhD studentship opportunitiesAbout the Project
Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of learning disability. One of the biggest challenges for individuals with Down syndrome is language, a well-known predictor of psychosocial and academic outcomes. Evidence suggests that shared reading could be an effective vehicle by which parents can support their child’s early language and communication.
Project aims and objectives: This PhD offers a unique opportunity to conduct a collaborative project that will have a direct impact on parents and preschool children with Down syndrome by:
- analysing the characteristics of shared book reading interactions between young pre-school children with Down syndrome and their parents
- co-creating with parents an interactive shared book reading intervention and training package for 2-4 year old children with Down syndrome
- conducting a small-scale case series to test the acceptability and potential of the intervention and training package for enhancing child language and communication
Down Syndrome Education International is an international charity based in the UK that supports scientific research and delivers evidence-based advice and information to improve outcomes for children with Down syndrome worldwide.
Collaborative Partner: Down Syndrome Education International (DSEI)
Training Opportunities
A comprehensive package of training will be agreed in consultation with the supervisors. Elements of training will be provided by the supervisors, University of Reading, Down Syndrome Education International and by other providers. The successful candidate will join a thriving postgraduate research community of more than 70 PhD students who benefit from excellent support and resources from the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences and the University Graduate School
Applicants: essential and/or desirable attributes/skills
We are seeking a Speech and Language Therapy, Linguistics or Psychology graduate with excellent communication skills, experience of working with young children and enthusiastic about working with parents.
Studentship Details:
- This studentship may be taken as either a 1+3 year award (a one-year MSc followed by a three-year PhD), a +3 award (a three-year PhD)
- It may be taken full-time or part-time
Residential eligibility
- To be eligible for a full award you must be a Home or International student who satisfies the criteria below:
To be a home student, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a UK national (meeting residency requirements), or
- Have settled status, or
- Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
- Have indefinite leave to remain or enter.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above, you are classed as an international student.
How to apply for this studentship
In order to be considered for this SeNSS studentship, you must first apply for a place to study University of Reading, noting that you are applying for the collaborative studentship. Please go to University of Reading, How to apply for a PhD for information on how to make your application.
You will then need to make a separate application to SeNSS for this collaborative studentship. Please read the SeNSS Collaborative Studentship Application Guidance Notes before completing our online application form. The Guidance Notes are available at the bottom of the following webpage: Applying for a SeNSS collaborative studentship
Starting date: On or about 1 October 2022.
For further enquiries:
For enquiries related to the studentship topic, please email Dr Emma Pagnamenta ([Email Address Removed])
For enquiries related to your eligibility for this studentship, and the application process, please email: [Email Address Removed]
Funding Notes

Search suggestions
Based on your current searches we recommend the following search filters.
Check out our other PhDs in Reading, United Kingdom
Check out our other PhDs in United Kingdom
Start a New search with our database of over 4,000 PhDs

PhD suggestions
Based on your current search criteria we thought you might be interested in these.
Understanding how best to measure sleep outcomes in parents of children with a chronic or life-limiting condition / Health and Aging
Ulster University - Coleraine Campus
Brief interventions for parents of children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties: an evidence synthesis with stakeholder engagement
Queen’s University Belfast
Fully-funded White Rose BBSRC DTP iCASE project with Syngenta: Developing novel scaffold proteins to stabilize and enhance protein-based insecticides
University of York