ESRC DTP Strategic Joint Studentship: Longitudinal prediction of children’s health and wellbeing outcomes from early years assessments

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, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the Universities of Warwick, Birmingham, Nottingham, Aston Leicester, Loughborough, De Montfort and Nottingham Trent.

We are now inviting applications for an ESRC Strategic Joint Studentship between Aston University (where the student will be registered)and the University of Birminghamto commence in October 2026.

This project examines how advances in educational neuroscience can inform early learning and contribute to reducing inequalities in classroom contexts. Working within a multidisciplinary research team and in collaboration with sector partners, the student will investigate how children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development can be more effectively evidenced and tracked in real‑world school settings. The project provides opportunities to analyse authentic educational data, support the development of innovative classroom‑based assessment approaches, and generate insights with direct relevance for policy and practice at national and international levels. It is well suited to applicants committed to rigorous quantitative social science research with the potential to enhance well‑being and learning outcomes for young children.

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Strategic Joint 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: 31 May

Interview date: 8 June [provisional]

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP

Our ESRC studentships cover fees, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. The studentship is available to home applicants only. Applicants may apply for the PhD only or for 1+3.5 (Masters, followed by PhD). For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/.

Informal enquiries about the research can be directed to Professor Joel Talcott, j.b.talcott@aston.ac.uk.