PhD Studentship: Biofeedback driven games for developing motor competence in early childhood

Project Title: 

Biofeedback driven games for developing motor competence in early childhood

Project contact: Dr John Henry

Funding info:

Home fees (2023/24) included plus an annual stipend paid at the UKRI rate:
(£17,668 for 2022/23). 

Mode of study: Full time

Eligibility:

Open to home and overseas students. Eligible overseas students will need to make up the difference in tuition fees. 

Key dates:

Closing date: 16 October 2023

Expected start: January 2024

Project summary

We are actively seeking applications for a PhD student at the Department of Computing and Mathematics that would undertake research project investigating how games driven by biofeedback (sensors attached to the body), or adaptive games, can promote physical competence in early childhood.

As part of the project, you will conduct an extensive literature survey into biofeedback driven games, the use of heart rate to play a game and serious games for motor skill competency in early childhood. You will also be expected to work with partnering primary schools, early childhood students and teachers to help co-design a digital game experience. You will work with a team of experts that will support you and guide you through all aspects of the project and will help you create your own personal development plan as you complete the project.

Aims and objectives

The research project will investigate the following aims:

• Can a game driven by heart rate promote physical competence in early childhood over traditional methods?
• Can a game driven by heart rate promote exertion in early childhood?

Specific requirements of the project

The successful candidate must evidence competency in games development and hold a masters or a first-class degree in games design, games development or a related computer science discipline. The candidate will be expected to produce the evidence in their application and at interview. There is no expectation that the candidate has published a game or has worked on a published game, though this would be advantageous. The candidate is also expected to have a passion for games that can be used to benefit society and evidence a strong understanding of the area.

The ideal candidate will also possess the following qualities:

• Have an ability to learn and apply new concepts quickly
• Have strong time-management skills
• Show an understanding of project management
• Be proficient in either C# or C++
• Have knowledge of the Unity or Unreal Game engine
• Be independent in their work
• Be open to constructive criticism

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr John Henry for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Computing and digital technology (or download the PGR application form), by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

You should also complete the PGR thesis proposal (supplementary information) form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Closing date 16 October 2023.

Expected start January 2024.

Please quote the reference: SciEng-JH-2023-biofeedback

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