How does diagnosis of dyslexia impact on identity, self-belief and reading progress in children and adults?

Despite many years of research, diagnosis of dyslexia (specific literacy difficulties) is patchy and inconsistent, with some individuals only being identified in adolescence and adulthood. There also continues to be debate as to whether the label dyslexia is a useful one (Elliot & Nicolson, 2016). This project will explore the impact of receiving a diagnosis of dyslexia in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Do individuals who receive a diagnosis view it as a positive step or as a limitation? Do children identified as dyslexic show better progress over time than those with similar skills who were not identified as dyslexic?

We anticipate the PhD will include a wide variety of research approaches, including secondary data analysis of the Millennium Cohort Study, surveys and interviews. Further details are available from Professor Julia Carroll on request.

About the host Centre:
The literacy research theme within the Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour and Achievement is one of the foremost groups focusing on literacy development in the world. We currently have 8 full time post-doctoral researchers and 6 PhD students in addition to working closely with colleagues in the school of psychology. Our research focuses on the cognitive and motivational predictors of literacy development and how to best translate this research into high quality reading intervention.

Candidate Specification:
• Entry criteria for applicants to PHD (standard)
A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the Project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.

In the event of a first degree classification of less than 2:1, a Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent. The Masters must have been attained with overall marks at minimum merit level (60%). In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a mark at minimum merit level (60%).
or
• a taught Masters degree in a relevant discipline, involving a dissertation of standard length written in English in the relevant subject area with a minimum of a merit profile: 60% overall module average and a minimum of a 60% dissertation mark
PLUS
• the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a three-year period of study
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)
In all cases the most recent and highest qualification attained will be that utilised for assessment purposes

Additional Items for candidate specification:
• knowledge and/or experience in the subject of dyslexia and literacy difficulties
• experience of carrying out their own research
• a good knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research methods
• an understanding of the issues involved in carrying out interviews with adolescents and adults on sensitive topics
• experience of (or a willingness to quickly learn) about secondary data analysis of large datasets

How to Apply:
Application form, full supporting documentation, and covering letter, plus a 2000-word proposal addressing the research theme

Start Date: September 2017

Duration of Study:
Full-Time – three-3 years 6 months (maximum study period to completion is 4 years)
or
Part-Time – 5- 6 years (maximum study period to completion is 6 years)

Application deadline:
May 2nd 2017 at 5pm