ESRC DTP Collaborative Studentship: Benefits and Challenges of Digital Interventions for Aphasia: Are Group-Based Interventions Feasible?

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 15 such partnerships in the UK, is a collaboration between the Universities of Warwick, Birmingham, Nottingham, Aston Leicester, Loughborough, De Montfort and Nottingham Trent.

Aston University as part of Midlands Graduate School is inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partner Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust to commence in October 2026.

In the UK, the number of people experiencing a stroke will increase sharply in the next 10 years.  About 1/3 will have aphasia (language impairments following brain damage) with devasting consequences for wellbeing, education, employment and family life.  Aphasia is often chronic and people with aphasia would like more help, but NHS resources are limited.  Following NiCE recommendations, this PH.D. will explore challenges and benefits of using digital interventions to reduce clinical burden.  Many aphasia-rehabilitation software packages are available on the market, but the PhD will concentrate on the innovative possibility to use a gamified intervention where people with aphasia practise language in the context of social games.  This mode of delivery may not only be economical, but it can address both the language difficulties and the feelings of isolation and lack of confidence that so often accompany aphasia.  Our previous research has demonstrated benefits when such an intervention is delivered face-to-face, but feasibility and benefits of online delivery remain to be ascertained.  This PH.D. will gather evidence by administering our gamified therapy online to groups of people with aphasia.  At the same time, the Ph.D. will explore the challenges of digitalized interventions for aphasia more widely, questioning stakeholders from diverse communities though questionnaires and focus groups.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, empathic, hard-working, candidate who wants to make a difference to the lives of people with aphasia helping them in the difficult journey of recovery after brain-damage.  Equally, they should be inquisitive and passionate for research and the development of evidence-based interventions.   The chosen candidate will join a strongly multidisciplinary team and learn clinical skills alongside academic skills related to review of the literature, research design, data analyses, and patient and public involvement.  The skills acquired will prepare the candidate for a variety of career pathways not only in academia but also in private and third sector organizations involved in developing health innovations.

Candidates must have a strong academic background in Psychology, Neuropsychology, Neuroscience, Computer science, Speech and Language Therapy or related disciplines.  A Master’s degree (with distinction/merit) is desirable. 

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Collaborative Studentship application form available online via the 'Apply' button above. Applicants will be required to upload an anonymised CV, anonymised cover letter, and transcripts as part of the online application process.

Application deadline: Monday 2^nd of March; Interviews commencing the week starting on the 9^th of March.

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/.

Informal enquiries about the research prior to application can be directed to the principal supervisor: Cristina Romani, at C.Romani@Aston.ac.uk.  For more information see the MGS DTP website

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