Neuroinclusion in themed entertainment attractions

The Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding Behaviour (Centre-UB) is inviting applications for a Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partners, Katapult and Drayton Manor, to start in October 2025. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centre-ub/centre-ub

Neurodivergent people are often excluded from public spaces and leisure activities, due to the sensory environment, communication barriers, and misunderstanding from others. Some businesses are aiming to become more inclusive for neurodivergent people (‘neuroinclusive’). For example, some supermarkets have quiet hours, with dimmed lights and no music, and some theatres and cinemas have ‘relaxed performances’, with lower volumes and no flashing lights. In these examples, the sensory input is toned down. This may be accompanied by steps to make the environment more predictable (e.g., ‘sensory maps’ and photos provided in advance). However, this approach might not be readily portable to theme parks, where the sensory input (e.g., bright colours, lights, music) and unpredictability (e.g., unexpected noises) are likely integral to the enjoyment and appeal. Understanding how to make theme parks more neuroinclusive therefore presents a unique challenge.

This PhD will use methods from psychology and human geography to address this challenge, with academic supervisors Professor Peter Kraftl (Geography) and Dr Cathy Manning (Psychology). We will be working with companies which design (Katapult) and provide (Drayton Manor Resort) themed attractions. Together, we will address the following research questions:

How do neurodivergent people experience theme parks and how does this affect their behaviour?

What are the barriers and facilitators for neurodivergent people visiting theme parks?

What are the barriers and facilitators for theme park operators and designers to implement changes to become more neuroinclusive?

Can resources produced in the PhD change attitudes and behaviour towards neuroinclusion among theme park professionals?

We plan to address these questions using surveys, guided walks, interviews, and physiological sensors (e.g., heart rate monitors), and for the PhD to culminate in a resource for theme park professionals. However, there will be flexibility for the PhD student to tailor the project to their interests.

We are looking for a highly talented and dedicated PhD student with a 1st class or 2:1 degree in the field of social sciences (including but not limited to psychology, human geography, sociology, anthropology) or interdisciplinary studies. An MSc degree in a relevant area is desirable though not necessary. Previous experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, engagement with non-academic stakeholders, experience and passion for theme parks and visitor attractions, and knowledge or experience of neurodivergence, is desirable.

To be considered for this PhD, please follow the instructions here. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centre-ub/centre-ub-phd-studentships

Application deadline: 5 March 2025

Informal enquiries about the project prior to application can be directed to Dr Cathy Manning c.manning@bham.ac.uk or Prof Peter Kraftl p.kraftl@bham.ac.uk.

Funding notes:

Centre-UB studentships cover tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Due to funding stipulations set by UKRI, we are able to recruit up to 30% of international applicants to the cohort each year. You can find further details https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centre-ub/centre-ub-phd-studentships