Applications are invited for a full time PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the School of Psychology. The studentship is tenable for up to 3 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. The award will provide fees at the Home/EU rate of £4,440* and a maintenance grant of £15,009* per annum for three years (*rates for the 2020/2021 academic year). International students are welcome to apply, but tuition fees will only be covered to Home/EU rate.
The PhD research programme will be carried out at UCLan School of Psychology and Computer Science under the supervision of Professor Simon Liversedge and Dr Federica Degno. The successful applicant will join a friendly, supportive and vibrant international research team of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and academic staff working in the experimental laboratories in the School of Psychology (Lancashire Research Centre for Brain and Behaviour) at the University of Central Lancashire.
Project Title:
Reading with and without visual impairment
Project Description:
This project will investigate how various different forms of disruption to visual processing affect eye movements and (potentially) corresponding (co-registered) EEG data during reading. At a general level, the aim of the project is to develop current understanding of the nature of visual processing in relation to linguistic processing during reading, and to investigate neural correlates associated with such processes. Difficulty with reading is one of the most commonly reported negative consequences of vision loss, and one which severely affects those living with this condition. We will undertake several experiments in which we simulate various visual encoding conditions (e.g., visual disruption consistent with macular disease) to gain insight into the nature of processing in reading under these circumstances. We are particularly interested in the better understanding of the interface between the visual and linguistic processing systems.
Although the project description above specifies a broad general area of research, it is expected that alongside the supervisors on the project, the successful candidate will significantly shape and contribute to the nature of the experimental work. Experience working with eye movement and EEG methodologies, alongside programming experience (R, Matlab, etc.) would be an advantage, though not an expectation. During the PhD, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop skills in multiple experimental methodologies, including eye movements and EEG, to learn programming and experimental software skills and learn advanced statistical analytical techniques. The successful applicant will also be expected to write up research findings to be submitted for peer-reviewed publication and present experimental results at leading international conferences.
Further information
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Professor Simon Liversedge (SPLiversedge@uclan.ac.uk) or Dr Federica Degno (fdegno@uclan.ac.uk) to discuss this opportunity and the project before applying.
To find out more please visit
How to apply
The application form can be found at https://www.uclan.ac.uk/research/study/phd-studentship-in-psychology-rs2002.php
Completed application forms should be returned to the Research Student Registry email researchadmissions@uclan.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number RS/20/02
Applicants are required to provide supporting information as part of their application form that specifies the following: (i) how you meet the Research Student Specification; (ii) your reasons and motivation for applying to study at the University of Central Lancashire; and (iii) your academic interests generally, and particularly how these relate to the description of the project supplied.
Closing Date: 2 August 2020
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