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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
Identity, Wellbeing and Neurodivergence
Identity, Wellbeing and Neurodivergence
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD, also known as dyspraxia) carries a prevalence as high as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) but is far less well understood by teachers, clinicians and wider society. Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with DCD, often experience poorer wellbeing than neurotypical individuals. This can include higher levels of anxiety and depression, with a multitude of consequences. Since wellbeing is closely tied to how people see themselves, it is important to understand how identity is shaped in neurodivergent individuals and how it relates to wellbeing. This PhD project could build on earlier work by Rathbone & Wilmut (2025) which examined the links between identity, autobiographical memory and wellbeing in DCD. We found that participants with DCD often generated negatively valenced self-concepts. These negative self-concepts were typically associated with negative autobiographical memories from childhood and were correlated with lower wellbeing scores. The precise nature of the PhD project can be shaped by the applicant, but it should focus on understanding and promoting wellbeing in neurodevelopmental conditions.
Director of Studies: Dr. Clare Rathbone
Second supervisor: Professor Kate Wilmut
Contact: Dr. Clare Rathbone (crathbone@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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