A PhD is awarded on the successful completion of a long programme of supervised research that will contribute new knowledge to your field. You will disseminate your findings by means of peer reviewed output and thesis. Final assessment consists of your thesis (of up to 100,000 words) and viva voce (an oral examination). Throughout your PhD journey, you will be supported with a programme of research training enabling you to develop transferable skills for your future. This is a Doctorate qualification. Why does rubbing a child's knee after they fall over make it feel better We know the placebo effect can play a significant role in alleviating pain in adults, but what about children This PhD would investigate the placebo effect in children, exploring a range of questions, such as:  Is the placebo effect larger in children  How does cognitive development in general (for example, meta-cognition) influence the placebo effect  Are the mechanisms underlying the placebo effect different in adults and children This research will provide novel insights into the link between perceived effects of placebos and underlying cognitive processes across development.