Rejection and stigmatisation of children in the peer group: Experiences and solutions
Chronic exclusion by peers is harmful to children (Crowley et al., 2010).
Research Opportunities
Summary
Once children have been marginalised by their peers, they may struggle to escape this status, for various reasons including reputational bias (Hymel, 1986), the ‘contagiousness’ of low social status (Woods, 2013), and withdrawal of the excluded child (Gazelle & Ladd, 2003). This PhD would increase our understanding of this potentially life-changing phenomenon. Research questions might address how peer exclusion develops, how it is experienced by the affected child, and the efficacy of the strategies that children, parents and teachers use to address peer exclusion.
References
Crowley, M. J., Wu, J., Molfese, P. J. & Mayes, L. C. (2010). Social exclusion in middle childhood: Rejection events, slow-wave neural activity, and ostracism distress. Social Neuroscience, 5, 483-495.
Gazelle, H. & Ladd, G. W. (2003). Anxious solitude and peer exclusion: A diathesis-stress model of internalizing trajectories in childhood. Child Development, 74, 257-278.
Hymel, S. (1986). Interpretations of peer behaviour: Affective bias in childhood and adolescence. Child Development, 57, 431-445.
Woods, R. (2013). Children’s Moral Lives: An Ethnographic and Psychological Approach. Wiley Blackwell.
Supervisor
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We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
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Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
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English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £19,450 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,670 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,720 per academic year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,712 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,830 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,356 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £18,700 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,220 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,350 per academic year
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Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
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Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
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How to Apply
Applications
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Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
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