Immersive Applications to aid Cognitive Development in Autistic Children

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Immersive Applications to aid Cognitive Development in Autistic Children

• Immersive Applications to aid Cognitive Development in Autistic Children: School of Arts, English and Languages | PHD Applications are now CLOSED
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Overview

The objective of this project is to investigate the suitability of games technology as a means of intervention/ regulative therapy for autistic children.

Compared to neurotypical people, children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have distinct cognitive and intelligence profiles. Some of these children require cognitive rehabilitation. Through the use of cutting-edge therapy and cognitive empowerment methods, some cognitive skills in autistic children can be strengthened by digital game-based tools. (Rezayi et al., 2025). Games also offer children the opportunity to engage in shared attention and joint action with other social agents, as players will imitate other partners' play behaviours to facilitate joint engagement. (Atherton & Cross, 2021) Due to in-built rewards systems that track advancement, games may be especially motivating over and above other types of educational interventions (Filsecker & Hickey, 2014). Autistic children are frequently skilled at perceiving visual information and interact well with technology (Soltiyeva et al., 2023), with many nonverbal children becoming proficient in the use of Adaptive and Augmented Communication (AAC) devices. Despite the numerous benefits of game-based education for children in general, and autistic children in particular, there has been little research carried out in the suitability of games for cognitive development for children with complex needs, such as nonverbal autistic children. The research that will be carried out for this project will be in 3 steps: Determine useful configurations and activities that can be incorporated into a game-based application to aid autistic children in their cognitive development. This will be done through desk-based research and interviews with practitioners in education for autistic children. Develop a low-cost, mobile based application that implements these techniques and environments. Due to the flexibility of games technologies, this can be developed for mobile based applications and virtual reality devices simultaneously. Explore and evaluate the potential benefit of the solution to determine its added value in comparison to traditional educational methods. The research will be carried out in collaboration between two centres based in QUB: Medialab, and the Centre for Technological Innovation in Mental Health and Education (TIME Centre). Rounding out the consortium is St Gerards, a special education school that works with autistic children ranging in age from 4- 17 in West Belfast. The student will have a 3-month placement in St Gerards. As part of their placement with St Gerards, the student will receive in-house training focusing on understanding disabilities, autism awareness and managing challenging behaviours. This training includes workshops, mentoring sessions with experienced staff and hands-on experience. The student will work directly with children, gaining practical skills in behaviour management, communication and support strategies. Regular assessments and feedback ensure continuous learning, preparing them for future roles in disability support and research.

Funding Information

Applicants must hold a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. While a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) is not essential, it is desirable and applicants without this qualification will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should submit an application on the Queen’s University Direct Applicant Portal. As part of this they should also submit a 300 word supporting statement, clearly indicating this as part of their research proposal – e.g. what is their proposed research, and why are they the right person to do the research. An interview process will follow shortlisting. Interested candidates can contact Dr Darragh Lydon – d.lydon@qub.ac.uk about the project. The following skills and traits are also required:- a) A willingness/demonstrable ability to explore theoretical frameworks, such as in the fields of games technologies, infrastructure monitoring and data analysis, and apply them in a practical context. b) A demonstratable ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of researchers, industry partners, and stakeholders. c) An interest in / demonstrable ability in games technologies. d) Some foundational knowledge of data and working with data is required. e) Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively disseminate research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. Tuition fees will be covered by the award, together with a yearly stipend of £21,000. Please quote reference AEL2026/02 when applying via the Application Portal

Darragh Lydon

More Information

d.lydon@qub.ac.uk

Research Profile

Full-time: 3 Years

Games Technologies overview

The PhD in Games Technologies is a research-intensive programme that combines independent doctoral research with structured training in advanced research methods and professional development. While the core of the programme is the student’s original research project, the following components support the programme: 1. Doctoral Research Project Students will undertake a substantial, original research project in a chosen area of games technologies, supervised by academic experts from the Medialab and relevant faculties. Research topics may include, but are not limited to: • Immersive Technologies: Development and application of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) in areas such as simulation, training, and entertainment. • Artificial Intelligence in Games: Machine learning for adaptive gameplay, intelligent agents, procedural content generation, and player modelling. • Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): UX/UI design, accessibility in games, and inclusive game design for diverse audiences. • Serious Games and Gamification: Game-based learning, health and therapeutic games, and gamification strategies for behavioural change. • Digital Twins and Simulation: Use of game engines and real-time rendering for urban planning, engineering simulations, and digital twin environments. • Virtual Production and Creative Media: Integration of game technologies in film, animation, and virtual production pipelines. • Ludomusicology and Game Aesthetics: Exploration of sound, music, narrative, and visual design in interactive media. • Socio-Cultural and Ethical Dimensions: Games and identity, representation, ethics in AI-driven games, and the politics of play. • Emerging Technologies: Internet of Things (IoT), haptic feedback systems, motion capture, and cloud gaming infrastructures. 2. Research Training Modules All students will complete a suite of research training modules provided by the Graduate School, including: • Quantitative and qualitative research methods • Research ethics and integrity • Academic writing and publishing • Data analysis and visualisation • Project management and research planning 3. Professional and Academic Development Students will have access to workshops and seminars on: • Innovation and entrepreneurship • Public engagement and science communication • Career planning for academia and industry • Interdisciplinary collaboration and networking 4. Optional Specialist Workshops Depending on research focus, students may also participate in technical workshops on: • Game engine development (e.g. Unity, Unreal) • Virtual production pipelines • AI programming and simulation • Motion capture and 3D scanning • Sound design and interactive storytelling

• Research students are encouraged to play a full and active role in relation to the wide range of research activities undertaken within the School and there are many resources available including:
• • A wide range of personal development and specialist training courses offered through the Personal Development programme.
• • Access to the Queen's University Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme.
• • Office accommodation with access to computing facilities and support to attend conferences for full-time PhD students.

Course content

Introduction For further information on career opportunities at PhD level please contact the Careers, Employability and Skills team on acareers@qub.ac.uk / +44 (0) 28 9024 5133. Our advisors - in consultation with the School - will be happy to provide further information on your research area, possible career prospects and your research application.

Darragh Lydon SAEL D.Lydon@qub.ac.uk

Dr Jia-Rey Chang SAEL j.chang@qub.ac.uk

Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present write up their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually. This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year. The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

Supervisors will offer feedback on the research work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Entrance requirements

Applicants must hold a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. While a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) is not essential, it is desirable and applicants without this qualification will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicant's are required to submit a 300 word supporting statement, clearly indicating this as part of their research proposal – e.g. what is their proposed research, and why are they the right person to do the research. An interview process will follow shortlisting. Interested candidates can contact Dr Darragh Lydon – d.lydon@qub.ac.uk about the project. The following skills and traits are also required:- a. A willingness/demonstrable ability to explore theoretical frameworks, such as in the fields of games technologies, infrastructure monitoring and data analysis, and apply them in a practical context. b. A demonstratable ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of researchers, industry partners, and stakeholders. c. An interest in / demonstrable ability in games technologies. d. Some foundational knowledge of data and working with data is required. e. Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively disseminate research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country .

Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. Taken within the last 2 years. International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs .

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC

Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC

England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC

EU Other 3 | £23,600

International | £23,600

1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees .

Additional course costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.

Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.

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