University of Exeter
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PhD Studentship: The emotional basis of behaviour University of Exeter in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 8, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Exeter
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About this position
PhD Studentship at the University of Exeter: The emotional basis of behaviour
This PhD studentship explores a fundamental question in evolutionary biology and behavioural science: why might evolution favour emotion-based decision-making systems rather than purely rational, stimulus-driven responses? The project investigates the idea that emotions and mood states may function as physiological memory of past experience, helping organisms make adaptive decisions in changing environments.
You will use evolutionary modelling and artificial neural networks to test adaptive emotion-based systems in realistic scenarios such as finding food in dangerous environments or finding mates in competitive environments. The emotional decision-making system will be compared against an unemotional, Bayesian system that computes optimal decisions from current information. The goal is to identify when emotion-like internal state variables are favoured by evolutionary pressures and how they may explain seemingly irrational or maladaptive behaviour.
The project is interdisciplinary and sits at the intersection of biology, psychology, behavioural ecology, and computational modelling. It is especially relevant to students interested in animal behaviour, welfare, decision theory, and the evolution of cognition.
Funding: The studentship provides fees plus a stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/7.
Deadline: 8 December 2026.
Institution: University of Exeter, United Kingdom.
Applicants should use the official application link provided by the university funding page and ensure submission before the deadline.
Funding details
Available
How to apply
Apply via the University of Exeter funding page using the application link provided. Submit the required materials before 8 December 2026.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the provider.