Overview

About the programme

Human Communication Sciences researchers at the University of Sheffield draw on theory, research methodology and practice from a range of perspectives: linguistic, psycholinguistic medical, psychosocial and educational.

Populations which have been a particular focus for investigation are children with:

Normally developing speech, language and literacy
Delayed, specific, persisting speech difficulties (e.g. phonological delay, apraxia of speech, and stammering)
Developmental language disorder (DLD)
Literacy problems (e.g. dyslexia; hyperlexia)
Medical conditions or syndromes (e.g. cleft lip and palate, Down syndrome)
Auditory processing problems
Disadvantaged backgrounds

In addition, adopting a developmental perspective enables the exploration of the unfolding nature of speech and language difficulties across the lifespan and what impact these have on educational achievement; social relationships and employment. Thus, projects with older children/adolescents and adults with developmental speech and language difficulties are included in this group's portfolio.

Training and intervention are also a key aspect of this group's work. Projects include detailed psycholinguistic case studies of the intervention process with children with specific speech and language difficulties and also group studies of how to promote spoken and written language skills in a classroom setting by working through education staff.

Programme Structure

Our research is grouped in three clusters:

Clinical and Interactional Linguistics
Cognitive Neuroscience of Speech and Language
Speech, Language and Literacy: Development, Difficulties and Intervention

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months
Part-time
- 96 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-09-04 00:00:00 , National

More details

Although we advise students to start in September/October, it's often possible to start postgraduate research at any point in the year.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

95

Schedule TOEFL®

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Speech Pathology View 8 other PhDs in Speech Pathology in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

95

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

We welcome applications from recent graduates in relevant disciplines (eg. linguistics, speech and language pathology, psychology, education), and from experienced practitioners, including speech and language therapists and teachers.

Proof of your previous degree(s)
Official translations into English
Academic references
English language certificates (International applicants)
A supporting statement (including a research proposal where relevant)
Curriculum vitae (CV)/resume
Examples of your work

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

30790 GBP / year

≈ 30790 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5006 GBP / year

≈ 5006 GBP / year

Living costs

Sheffield

United Kingdom

555 - 977 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Human Communication Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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