PhD studentships in Psychology and Education x 2 (Fixed Term)
Closing date: 02 December 2015
We invite applications for two fully-funded PhD studentships, supported by the LEGO Foundation and the University of Cambridge, commencing in October 2016. The three-year PhD projects will focus on learning through play and development in early childhood. The research will be carried out within the newly established Centre for Research on Play in Education, Development and Learning (PEDaL), which sits within the Psychology and Education academic group. Funds will cover University and College fees as well as an annual living stipend. In addition there is a research allowance for each project.
The Psychology and Education group within the Faculty of Education hosts a state-of-the-art Observation Lab and a database of research participants, as well as testing equipment to support the applicant’s research, including video observation hardware and software and an eye-tracking booth. The Faculty also benefits from excellent connections with local schools.
Who should apply
Applicants should have the equivalent of a very good undergraduate degree in Psychology or Education, and a Masters degree in a relevant field. The successful applicant will have some experience or understanding of conducting psychological research with children. A keen interest in working with young children, and excellent communication and organisational skills are essential. Strong competence in research methods is also essential. All applicants should meet University requirements for English.
How to make an application
All PhD applicants are required to submit a 1,500 word research proposal. If you are applying for one of the LEGO PhD studentships we ask you to submit a 1,500 word statement of your research interests instead of a full research proposal. This should include your previous experience and future aspirations, and an explanation of why you would like to undertake a PhD in the area of learning through play and development in early childhood. Please label your statement at the top “LEGO studentship research statement” so that it is clear you wish to apply for this source of funding.
All applicants for LEGO funding will need to apply to the University via the usual route (GRADSAF form as outlined on the Graduate Admissions page). If you are not a UK applicant, you must tick the box on the GRADSAF for Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust funding. If you wish to be considered for other sources of funding if your LEGO application is unsuccessful, please ensure you tick all appropriate boxes on the GRADSAF.
Fixed-term: The funds are available for 3 years.
We expect to hold interviews in early January 2016.
Informal enquiries can be addressed to Dr David Whitebread (dgw1004@cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference JR07600 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.