LAURA: The Leverhulme Trust Aural Diversity Doctoral Research Hub
The Leverhulme Trust Aural Diversity Doctoral Research Hub provides inter-disciplinary PhD and Masters training in the study of hearing and listening differences. Applications are now open for September 2025 entry – closing date 28 February 2025.
For further information on The Leverhulme Doctoral Centre for Aural Diversity, then email us at:
Website:
LAURA brings together supervisors from almost every discipline involved with sound, including acoustics, anthropology, art, architecture, computer science, education, engineering, English literature, music, occupational science, psychology, sociology and speech.
You can study for a PhD, MPhil, or Masters+PhD with LAURA. We invite applications annually. Full funding is available for a limited number of talented students. LAURA researchers can use a wide range of world-class facilities, including the acoustics labs and EEG, fNIRS and TMS facilities.
Who should apply?
You should have a minimum of a First-class undergraduate degree or a 2:1 + Masters in a relevant area. If you do not meet these requirements, but feel you have relevant experience akin to Masters, please contact the team explaining these factors prior to application via see-laura@salford.ac.uk. Conditional offers can be made for students currently on such a course.
Some of the PhD topics involve studying a particular group of aurally divergent people – for example, there are several suggested projects on autistic hearing. If you have a hearing difference yourself or otherwise identify with the group you wish to study, then we particularly encourage you to apply. A range of aural diversity is represented in the supervisors and directors of LAURA.
If you are from one or more of the groups listed below then we can offer you additional support during the application process, such as a mentor who could offer advice on your draft application. Enquire about being matched with an independent mentor by emailing see-laura@salford.ac.uk.
These groups are under-represented in research:
- You are from an ethnic group that is underrepresented in research careers (Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic).
- You identify as having a disability. The term ‘disability’ is quite broad, and further definitions of what might be considered a ‘disability’ can be found under the Equality Act 2010.
- You are a first-generation student (you are the first person in your family to go to university).
- You are a mature student (you were aged 21 or over when you started your first undergraduate course).
- You are care-experienced or an estranged student.