Psychology Pathway: Full Funded ESRC Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) Studentship in the Psychology Pathway (RS818)

Funding providers: ESRC WGSSS 50%; Swansea University 50% 

Subject area: WGSSS ESRC Studentship Psychology Pathway 

Project start date: October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September) 

Supervisors: Dr Hayley Young (h.a.young@swansea.ac.uk) 

Aligned programme of study: Psychology

Mode of study: Full or Part-time study is possible. Please note that full-time ESRC studentship award holders cannot hold either a full-time job, permanent part-time job or temporary role for an extended period of time, during the period of their award. Part-time ESRC studentship award holders cannot hold a full-time job. 

Place of Study: Swansea University 

Project Description: 

Reducing Peak Energy Demand with Behaviourally Informed Cooking Innovations 

The UK government aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with Clean Power by 2030. A critical challenge in this transition is the increasing strain on electricity grids, particularly during peak demand hours (6-8 PM) when household cooking, heating, and commercial kitchen operations coincide.   

This interdisciplinary project will explore how a combination of behavioural science and smart cooking technologies can encourage meal preparation outside of peak hours, reducing pressure on the grid while supporting public health and sustainability goals. By identifying behavioural barriers, testing technological solutions, and integrating policy recommendations, this research will bridge the gap between energy policies and public health priorities.  

Aim: To investigate how behavioural and technological interventions can shift cooking activities off-peak, aligning with energy saving goals while maintaining nutrition and convenience. 

Partner: Mayals Energy Ltd.  

To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equivalent to an UK honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.    

The duration of study varies from 3.5 to 4.5 years full time (or part time equivalent).      

The duration study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs of the student which will be assessed by completing a Development Needs Analysis. We welcome applications for both full and part-time study.    

All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.      

WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.     

Assessment:    

Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview. As part of the interview process, applicants will be asked to give a short presentation and answer a series of panel questions  

English Language: IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.  

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend of in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant.     

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.

Applications should be received no later than 9th May 2025 including all required documents. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered.     

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select as per preferred mode of study, either:
   (Full Time) Psychology/ PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October

   (Part Time) Psychology/ PhD / Part-time / 6 Years / October

   In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS818'

Please include the following documents with your application:    

• WGSSS Application Form  

• Academic CV (two pages maximum)  

• 2 academic or professional references (candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths).  

• Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable)    

• If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry)   

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Dr Hayley Young (h.a.young@swansea.ac.uk) 

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.