Designing Personalised XR Environments for Wellbeing

About the Project

This PhD project explores how personalised, multisensory extended reality (XR) environments can be designed to support wellbeing and stress reduction. While immersive XR technologies have shown promise in wellbeing and mental‑health contexts, much existing work relies on static environments and pays limited attention to user agency, interactivity, and spatial audio. This project investigates whether allowing users to actively construct their own immersive environments can lead to improved wellbeing outcomes.

The research will develop an interactive XR system in which users select and configure curated audio and visual assets using movement, gesture, and haptic interaction. The project will examine how user control, asset choice, and spatial organisation influence immersion, emotional response, and wellbeing. Evaluation will combine subjective measures with physiological indicators such as heart rate and electrodermal activity, with EEG considered as a potential extension.

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: A taught MSc with Distinction, an MSc by Research, or a BSc with First‑Class Honours in a relevant discipline such as computer science, game engineering, visual computing, or audio engineering.
• Skills: Experience with XR or interactive media development (preferably using game engines such as Unreal Engine), familiarity with digital audio tools, and competence in data analysis using Python or R.
• Experience & Knowledge: Prior experience developing interactive XR content or supporting research projects is advantageous. A solid foundation in 3D visual computing, game programming, or audio engineering is expected.

Application Details

• A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for.
• Full CV
• Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
• Provide references from two individuals – please contact your referees and ask them to send your reference directly to gs.pgradmissions@hud.ac.ukfrom their email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by 17th May 2026)
• Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page
• International applicants must be able to provide an IELTS 6.5 (with no element below 6) *or equivalent English Language certificate or proof of study in the UK within the past 2 years, for their application to be considered for shortlisting.

Please email gs.pgradmissions@hud.ac.uk with queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.

Funding Notes

3 years full-time research covering tuition fees and a tax-free bursary (stipend) starting at £21,805 for 2026/27.