Project BELONG: Social robots for educational inclusion

This is one of several fully-funded PhD studentships available within the College of Arts, Technology and Environment (CATE) at UWE Bristol.

Although many doctoral projects are being advertised across the College, CATE will only fund up to eight studentships in total. Projects selected for funding will be determined based on applicant merit through the selection process outlined below.

This PhD investigates how co‑designed social robots can help foster belonging and inclusion for autistic children aged 7–11 in mainstream primary schools. Despite increased attendance, many autistic pupils continue to face exclusion and reduced participation. Existing educational technologies, including social robots, often lack sustained engagement, alignment with classroom practices, or meaningful involvement of autistic children in their design.

The project adopts a participatory co‑design methodology grounded in inclusive education, neurodiversity, and human–robot interaction. Autistic pupils, teachers, and support staff will play an active role in shaping robot behaviours, interaction modes, and design features. An open‑source compliant social robot will be iteratively adapted to ensure safety, usability, and everyday educational relevance. Empirical work will include co‑design workshops, prototype development, and a classroom‑based pilot study to explore how the robot supports participation, social interaction, and children’s sense of belonging.

The research will develop an evidence‑based framework for inclusive, classroom-ready robotic technologies, identifying pedagogical, technical, and ethical enablers for sustainable implementation. This project aligns with UWE Bristol’s Strategy 2030 priorities around inclusion and social justice and strengthens BRL’s leadership in ethical, human‑centred robotics with real‑world educational impact.

For more information about this studentship please contact Professor Lars Kunze at Lars.Kunze@uwe.ac.uk.

The studentship is available from 1 October 2026 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which is currently £20,780 (2025/26) per annum.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years.

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2627-OCT-CATE10. 

Application deadline

The closing date for applications is 12 June 2026.

Apply now

Applicants shortlisted for this project will be invited to interview with a panel comprising members of the supervisory team and the School’s Postgraduate Research (PGR) Lead and/or a senior researcher from the School or College. Successful candidates will be offered a studentship following interview.

Supporting documentation

You will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and a recognised English language qualification is required.

You will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application.

Interview dates

It is expected that interviews will take place in early June. If you have not heard from us by July, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.

Candidates who meet the entry requirements for doctoral study at UWE Bristol but are not awarded one of the funded studentships may be offered the opportunity to take-up a self funded PhD place.