The development of young children’s understanding of multi-digit numbers (Ref: LN/JB-SF1/2026)

About the Project

Once children have become proficient in using small numbers, they are faced with new challenges as soon as numbers get bigger. One of these challenges concerns the place-value structure of multi-digit numbers. Placevalue understanding involves recognising that a digit’s meaning depends both on its face value and on its position within a multi-digit number. Placevalue understanding is essential whenever multi-digit numbers are processed and may form one fundamental building block for later mathematical achievement.

This project focuses on broadening our knowledge of how place-value understanding develops in young children - from before school entry through the first years of primary education - by developing robust measurement tools, examining developmental trajectories, and testing its causal role in the emergence of more advanced mathematical skills.

The successful applicant will join the vibrant community of the Centre for Mathematical Cognition (https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/cmc/), one of the world's leading research centres for the study of mathematics education and numerical thinking. The Centre for Mathematical Cognition brings together academics who conduct research in three different areas: basic research on mathematical cognition, the design of research-based educational resources, and the evaluation of educational interventions.

This project might be a suitable topic to form the basis of an application to the ESRC Midlands Graduate School's Open Studentship scheme (deadlines are typically in January) via the education pathway. Details are available here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mgsdtp/

For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Dr Julia Bahnmueller at j.bahnmuller@lboro.ac.uk

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Julia Bahnmueller j.bahnmuller@lboro.ac.uk
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/maths-education/staff/julia-bahnmuller/

Entry requirements:
All candidates must have (or expect to gain) a good honours degree (usually at least 2:1) in psychology, education, or a related discipline. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in cognitive, educational or developmental psychology would be an advantage. Also, experience with quantitative statistical analyses and experimental design software would be a plus. Due to the nature of the project, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a formal Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: No

Closing date of advert: 7th January 2027

Start date: October 2026, January 2027, July 2027

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years

Fee band: 2025/26 Band RA (UK £5,006, International £22,360)