PhD Studentship: Social-Cognitive Predictors of Peer Victimisation and Mental Health Difficulties in Children and Young People with FASD

University of Surrey

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) refers to neurodevelopmental conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, with a UK prevalence estimated at 3.2%, among the highest globally. Individuals with FASD commonly experience challenges with learning, memory, attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, adaptive functioning and social interaction. Without appropriate support, these difficulties contribute to poor educational, social and wellbeing outcomes. Despite its prevalence, FASD remains under-diagnosed in the UK, and limited public and professional awareness restricts access to necessary assessment and intervention. Recent government guidelines highlight the urgent need for improved identification, assessment and support.

This PhD project will examine: (1) experiences of mental health difficulties and bullying in young people with FASD, and (2) social-cognitive factors—such as mentalising and deception detection—that may underlie vulnerability to these challenges. The successful applicant will use a combination of questionnaire surveys, interviews, eye-tracking and behavioural observation, alongside advanced statistical and qualitative analyses. They will work closely with stakeholders and experts by experience to ensure the research is meaningful, accessible and co-produced with the communities it aims to benefit. Dissemination will include communication with families and stakeholders as well as academic publications and conference presentations.

The student will join an active research community within the University of Surrey, working across the Neurodevelopmental Research Lab (led by Dr Moss), the Cognition, Genes and Developmental Variability Lab (led by Professor Emily Farran) and the Cerebra Network (co-led by Dr Moss). They will collaborate with PhD, Clinical Doctoral, Masters and undergraduate students engaged in neurodevelopmental research.

Entry Requirements

This studentship is open to UK nationals, with an expected start date of October 2026. Applicants must meet the standard entry requirements for the Psychology PhD programme.

Essential Criteria

• At least a high 2:1 bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a related field
• High 2:1 or equivalent in an undergraduate research dissertation, or comparable research experience
• A master’s degree in Psychology
• Strong motivation and interest in research
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills
• Knowledge of statistics and willingness to learn advanced methods
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative methods
• Experience in cognitive-behavioural studies and data preparation
• English language proficiency
• Ability to work independently and seek supervision appropriately
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and/or families
• Understanding of stakeholder-engaged research

Desirable Criteria

• First-class bachelor’s degree
• Familiarity with open-science practices
• Research experience with vulnerable populations
• Experience working with stakeholder organisations
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Evidence of research dissemination (e.g., presentations, publications)

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via the Psychology PhD programme page and include:

• A two-page research proposal addressing one or more project aims, with a 250-word lay summary for people with FASD and their families
• CV
• Two references
• Academic transcript

Funding

The studentship is funded by the University of Surrey, the SABP NHS Trust FASD clinic, and the Waterloo Foundation. Funding covers UK tuition fees and a tax-free stipend aligned with UKRI rates (£20,780 for 2025–26). The award supports 3.5 years of full-time study starting 1 October 2026.

Enquiries: Contact Dr Joanna Moss