Magdalen Vernon PhD Studentship in Psychology, Neuroscience, Psycholinguistics, or Clinical Language Science
Overview
The School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading is offering one fully funded PhD studentship, the Magdalen Vernon PhD Studentship, in psychology, neuroscience, psycholinguistics or clinical language science. It is named in honour of Professor Magdalen Vernon (1901-1991), the first female head of what was then the Department of Psychology at Reading. The school has particular strengths in psychopathology and emotional disorders, affective and cognitive neuroscience, personalised nutrition, motivation and behaviour change, perception and action, cognitive control, psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics, bilingualism and clinical language science.
The school was ranked 23rd in the UK in its unit of assessment in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, with 99 percent of research rated as of international standing. Students join a postgraduate community of more than 70 PhD students with support from the university's Doctoral and Research College. The studentship lasts three years and starts in September 2027. Supervisors are to be confirmed.
Who can apply
Applicants should have a good first degree (1st or 2.1) in psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, language therapy or a related subject, and a relevant Master's degree would also be beneficial. Because of the nature of the funding, the studentship is open only to candidates who qualify for Home fee status.
What you get
The award provides a stipend at the UKRI minimum, £21,805 for 2026/27, a Research Training Support Grant of £1,000 per year, and Home/UK/Republic of Ireland tuition fees, for three years.
How to apply
Applicants must complete two steps. First, submit an online application for PhD study at the University of Reading, including a CV, academic transcripts and certificates, and a research proposal of 500 to 700 words excluding references, quoting reference DRC27-001 in the scholarships box. Second, complete the Magdalen Vernon PhD Studentship Application Form. Both are needed for consideration. Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their proposal with a member of academic staff before applying. Funding is confirmed through a formal studentship award letter, separate from any offer of admission.
Key dates
The deadline is Friday 4 December 2026.
Links in this posting
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences
- Doctoral and Research College
- Due to the nature of the funding this studentship is open to candidates who qualify for Home fee status only. For further information on fee status, please see UKCISA guidance. or contact pgadmisions@reading.ac.uk
- Due to the nature of the funding this studentship is open to candidates who qualify for Home fee status only. For further information on fee status, please see UKCISA guidance. or contact pgadmisions@reading.ac.uk
- (1) Submit an online application for PhD study at the University of Reading. Please ensure to include a CV, academic transcripts and certificates, and a research proposal of 500-700 words (excluding references) in your application. Quote reference DRC27-001 in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.
- (2) Complete the Magdalen Vernon PhD Studentship Application Form.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their research proposal with an appropriate member of Academic Staff in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences before submitting their online application.
- For further details please contact pclsphdadmissions@reading.ac.uk.