Psychology Doctoral Research Scholarship - Exploring the role of socio-cognitive understanding in peer interactions during early childhood

Outside of the family, children’s most important social influence are their peers, and poor peer relationships in childhood have been shown to have a long-term negative impact on later social, emotional and academic performance. Children’s socio-cognitive understanding (e.g., their theory of mind, empathy and emotion understanding) has received considerable attention as a correlate of successful peer relationships. However, less research has focused on the processes by which children employ their socio-cognitive understanding during unfolding social play interactions with peers, which will likely have implications for how to support those children struggling to make and maintain peer relationships. This PhD project will explore how children use their socio-cognitive understanding during interactions with peers, and how this may be influenced by their play partner’s own social cognition. 

To discuss the details of your research interests further, please contact Dr Elian Fink.

Eligibility

This award will only pay fees at the Home rate. 

Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a First or a high Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, and/or a Merit (an average of 60% overall) in a Master's degree, in Psychology or a related discipline. It would also be desirable for candidates to have experience working with clinical populations and/or with young people.

International students may apply but must provide funding for the difference between Home fees and Overseas fees (approximately £18,500 in 20/21) themselves.

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.

How to apply

Please read our Psychology PhD FAQS before you start your application.

Please submit your application online for 'PhD in Psychology' for entry September 2021 following these instructions on How to Apply.

Funding Notes

- Stipend of £15,285 p.a. for 3 years (rising in line with UKRI studentship rates). Home PhD fees and research and training costs are also covered.

- Doctoral Research Scholars will be separately employed as Doctoral Tutors, to teach a minimum of 165 hours per year (Grade 5.1 - currently £25,482 p.a.), covering contact time, preparation, and marking. You will begin in the first term of your studies and will be encouraged to study for a formal teaching accreditation (Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy), including enrolling on a ‘starting to teach’ module during the first term.