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We currently inviting applications to this specific project. Please note that no funding is available for these projects. By applying you are indicating that you are able to support yourself during the period of the PhD.
You may be eligible to apply for a UK government loan to support your doctoral studies or if you are an international student, for other government based support.
For more information about the psychology MPhil / PhD programme please see the University programme pages.
The closing date for applications is Monday 2nd March 2026 with a planned start date of September 2026
How Early Childhood Education and Care Shapes Children’s Development
Early childhood is a critical period for motor, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development. A substantial body of research shows that nursery attendance is generally associated with positive developmental outcomes, particularly in cognitive and language domains, with the strongest effects observed for children from disadvantaged backgrounds (Burger, 2010; Davies et al., 2021, 2024; Goldfeld et al., 2016; Rao et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2024). However, evidence also highlights important variability in outcomes depending on program quality, type of nursery, timing and duration of attendance, and family context (Lassassi, 2021; Rao et al., 2021; Akabayashi et al., 2023; Freitas-Costa et al., 2025). Moreover, while short-term benefits are robust, some effects—especially in behavioural and social domains—may diminish over time, raising important questions about long-term impact and mechanisms of change (Burger, 2010; Liu, 2025; Goodman & Sianesi, 2005).
This PhD project will investigate how nursery attendance influences children’s development across cognitive, language, social-emotional, and behavioural domains, and might focus on understanding when, for whom, and under what conditions nursery attendance is most beneficial. The project might also examine the role of program quality, socioeconomic background, and home learning environments as key moderators of developmental outcomes.
The project is well-suited to candidates with an interest in developmental psychology, early childhood education, or social inequality. The findings could have direct implications for early years policy and practice, particularly in relation to improving access to high-quality nursery provision and reducing early socioeconomic disparities in development.
Director of Studies: Dr. Nayeli Gonzalez-Gomez
Second supervisor: Professor Kate Wilmut
Contact: Dr. Nayeli Gonzalez Gomez (ngonzalez-gomez@brookes.ac.uk)
Entry requirements:
Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree from a Higher Education Institution in the UK or acceptable equivalent qualification (or be about to complete this).
English language requirements:
International / EU applicants must have a valid IELTS academic test certificate (or equivalent) with an overall score of 6.5-7.0 and with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking). An IELTS certificate must be current and they are only valid for 2 years.
For alternatives IELTS please see the University's English Language requirements webpage.
Visas and associated costs:
For information on visas and associated costs please visit the University webpages on visas.
Application process:
Apply directly via the university portal using the 'apply now' button. Please include the following in your application (you may wish to collate your documents into a single document, it is also possible to email documents to hls-applications@brookes.ac.uk if you are unable to upload them)
A cover letter
A CV
Details of two referees, at least one from an academic background
A research proposal (max 1000 words) including the background, aims and an outline methodology, we strongly advise applicants to liaise with the contact person for the project when developing their proposal
Copies of your previous degree certificates and transcripts
A scan of your passport
Evidence of a valid IELTS (or equivalent) qualification (where appropriate)
Please make sure you include the name of the project you are applying for within your application form
As this is a self-funded position please check the fees information and note that Oxford Brookes Alumni may be entitled to a discount on course fees. You will need to demonstrate that you can fund yourself during the course and we will discuss this with you during the application process.
Please direct any questions regarding the application process to hls-applications@brookes.ac.uk
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