Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship - Think Equal: Promoting social and emotional learning in early childhood

Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship - Think Equal: Promoting social and emotional learning in early childhood

PhD project

Think Equal is a charity that has developed a social and emotional learning programme aimed at young children aged 3 to 6 years. Centred around original picture books and accompanying lesson plans and resources, the Think Equal curriculum is intended to be a scalable approach that promotes a wide range of social and emotional competencies (including self-awareness, relationships skills, communication, gender and racial equality, environmental stewardship, and empathy), and has already been delivered in numerous countries around the world.

This PhD project will provide a unique opportunity to investigate the implementation and outcomes of using Think Equal in a large number of Nursery and Reception classrooms in England and Wales (current work taking place in Greater Manchester and South-West Wales). The doctoral researcher will work closely with the Think Equal team and participating schools and nurseries in order to generate novel insights into the ways in which social and emotional learning can be nurtured in early childhood. The researcher will be expected to develop an effective research design that will illuminate the mechanisms and moderators of impacts of the Think Equal programme on children’s social and emotional skills, and on their relationships, wellbeing, and learning more broadly.

Psychology at Sussex

The School of Psychology is one of the largest centres for the study of psychology in the UK. We have over 85 academic faculty, approximately 90 research students and more than 200 postgraduate students taking taught courses. Our undergraduate intake is over 500 a year, which gives us an academic community of around 2000 people working in a rich and supportive learning environment. Research lies at the heart of the School of Psychology. Our cutting-edge research aims to enhance understanding and provide innovative approaches to key psychological challenges and issues. We are engaged in research across the broad range of the discipline.

Doctoral Tutor role

• You will also be expected to take up Doctoral Tutoring during your 3 years of funding.

Eligibility

• This award will pay fees at the Home or International rate (as required by the applicant's fee status). International students must move to Sussex for the duration of the PhD and will not be permitted to register as Distance Learners. The studentship does not include additional funding towards the costs of visas or travel to the UK for international students.
• 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 other relevant discipline.
• 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

• To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.
• Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Elian Fink before applying to discuss the project and the details of your research interests.

Deadline – Sunday 30 April 2023 (23:59)

Interviews – week of 15 May 2023

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