DPhil (PhD) Studentships 2027 | University of Oxford, UK

Summary

The Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research (OCEMR), jointly hosted by the Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Oxford, is inviting applications for up to four fully funded DPhil (PhD) Studentships starting in October 2027. Supported by the Paul Foundation, these prestigious studentships cover UK Home tuition fees and a living stipend for three years. The research focuses on promoting mental health, wellbeing, and neurodiversity among children and young people through world-class interdisciplinary research.

Fully Funded Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research (OCEMR) DPhil (PhD) Studentships 2027 | University of Oxford, UK

Scholarship Overview

Designation

Fully Funded DPhil (PhD) Studentship – Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research (OCEMR)

Research Area

Applicants may pursue research aligned with OCEMR’s mission, including:

• Child and adolescent mental health
• Developmental psychology
• Experimental psychology
• Psychiatry
• Neurodiversity and neurodevelopment
• Mental health prevention and early intervention
• Child development and wellbeing
• Psychological mechanisms of mental health
• Interdisciplinary mental health research
• Strength-based approaches to child development

Example research themes include:

• Understanding children’s strengths, aptitudes, and interests to promote mental health and development.
• Identifying mechanisms underlying mental health in children and young people to improve prevention, early intervention, and treatment.

Location

Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research (OCEMR)
University of Oxford
Life and Mind Building
Oxford, United Kingdom

Eligibility / Qualification

Applicants should have:

• At least an Upper Second-Class Honours Degree (2:1) or equivalent.
• A Master’s degree in Psychology or a closely related discipline is desirable.
• Strong independent research experience.
• Experience as a research assistant or within a clinical setting is advantageous.
• Interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to research involving children, young people, families, and stakeholders.
• Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly those currently under-represented at the University of Oxford.

Job Description

Successful DPhil students will:

• Conduct internationally recognised research in child and adolescent mental health.
• Work collaboratively with leading researchers from Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry.
• Engage with children, young people, families, policymakers, practitioners, schools, and community organisations.
• Develop innovative research addressing prevention and early intervention for mental health difficulties.
• Contribute to improving understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.
• Produce high-quality research outputs during the three-year funded programme.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees at the UK Home fee rate.
• Annual living stipend.
• Funding for three years.
• Supervision by internationally recognised Oxford researchers.
• Access to world-class research facilities.
• Opportunity to work within an interdisciplinary research centre.
• Collaborative environment involving academic, clinical, and community partners.

How to Apply

Stage 1 – Expression of Interest

Applicants must email the following documents to:

Email: ocemr@psy.ox.ac.uk

Required documents:

• CV (maximum 2 pages)
• Supporting Statement (maximum 750 words)
• University transcripts (including qualifications in progress)

The supporting statement should include:

• Motivation for pursuing a DPhil and suitability (up to 300 words)
• Preferred research project(s) and fit (up to 300 words)
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion information (optional, up to 150 words)

The CV should include:

• Research publications (if any)
• Research experience
• Two academic referees

Selected applicants will then progress to Stage 2, where they will develop a research proposal with their supervisor before submitting the formal Oxford graduate application.

Important Timeline

Last Date to Apply

Stage 1 Expression of Interest Deadline:
📅 22 September 2026 (12:00 noon UK Time)

Application Email: ocemr@psy.ox.ac.uk

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