PhD Studentship: Examining the cognitive, emotional, and social consequences of encephalitis occurring in childhood and how these consequences compare to those associated with other acquired brain injuries

University of Exeter Psychology Department is inviting applications for a PhD co-funded by the Eden Dora Trust (EDT) & co-supervised by EDT & a NHS Paediatric Neuropsychology service to start September 2026.

The PhD will characterise the consequences of childhood encephalitis relative to acquired brain injuries & develop training to support understanding. Encephalitis is inflammation or swelling of the brain, caused by a virus, an infection, or an autoimmune response. Following encephalitis, children and young people can experience physical/neurological consequences (e.g., headaches, seizures, sleep difficulties), and neuropsychological sequalae such as cognitive difficulties (memory and new learning, executive function, attention, processing speed, cognitive fatigue etc.), and difficulties with regulating their emotions and behaviour. Despite this clinical description of outcomes, the long-term consequences of encephalitis in childhood are under-researched, and children and young people can receive very little evidenced-based support in school or via clinical services, which can further affect vocational outcomes, mental health, and quality of life. 

The aims of this funded PhD are twofold: first to characterise the consequences of encephalitis occurring in childhood (for the child and young person, and their parents and siblings) and to investigate whether these consequences are similar or different to those that result from other acquired brain injuries (e.g., traumatic brain injury, brain tumour, stroke) – this work package will include quantitative and qualitative studies; second, to develop a training programme for professionals to support their understanding of encephalitis and evaluate whether the training leads to a change in practice and improvements in outcomes for children and young people who have had encephalitis. 

The PhD has a direct pathway to dissemination and impact due to the collaboration with, and co-supervision from, the Eden Dora Trust charity and a NHS Paediatric Neuropsychology service. The candidate will have experience of working with children and young people, preferably those with neurological conditions, and will have experience and knowledge of using quantitative and qualitative research methods. The candidate will also have an interest in neuropsychology and clinical psychology, preferably with a specific interest in childhood encephalitis and acquired brain injury.

The PhD studentship (co-funded by the Eden Dora Trust) will cover Home fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 for 3 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. Recruitment for this studentship will be open on a rolling basis and will close when a suitable candidate is found.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee (~£25k) and no stipend. International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD. The collaboration involves a project partner who is providing funding [and other material support to the project], this means there are special terms that apply to the project, these will be discussed with Candidates at Interview and fully set out in the offer letter. Full details will be confirmed at offer stage.

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