phd psychology fully funded uk

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Tackle the biggest challenges in biology, medicine and health in a world leading research environment, and prepare for your future career.

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PhD Clinical Psychology

Year of entry: 2024

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We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Before applying you must:

• Choose a programme or find a project you want to apply for and check you’re eligible.
• Speak to the listed supervisor about your suitability for their project or programme.
• Understand how your project is funded and, if it is self-funded, consider how you plan on funding it.
• Read our ‘How to apply’ page to find out more and ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission.

Visit our Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Postgraduate Research page to find out more.

Programme options

Programme overview

• Undertake research in a field you’re passionate about and join a project addressing leading challenges in the area while working with some of Europe's leading researchers and academics.
• Choose to research at a university ranked and 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2025) and 2nd in the world for social and environmental impact (THE Impact Rankings, 2024), where 93% of research activity is ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Research Impact Framework, 2021)
• Access some of the best research facilities in the world at the University, through our industry partners, and at hospitals around Greater Manchester.
• Benefit from dedicated support throughout your PhD journey, from pre-application to graduation and everything in between, through our Doctoral Academy
• Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme and progress into a career in research, academia or industry.

Visit our Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Postgraduate Research page to find out about upcoming open days and events.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview, english language.

For applicants whose first language is not English, or if you have not studied recently in the UK, you must provide evidence of how you meet the English Language requirement.

We mainly accept IELTS or TOEFL tests. Please note IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.

We require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall or TOEFL iBT 100. For the writing component, we expect that you have achieved a minimum of 7.0 (IELTS) or 25 (iBT). 

If your IELTS or TOEFL expires before the start of your programme, you will need to take another official English test before we can issue you with a CAS for your visa application. This is a requirement of UKVI.

For more information about English language tests see  English language requirements .

Please contact us at [email protected] for further information.

English language test validity

Other international entry requirements, application and selection, how to apply, advice to applicants.

Before you start your application, you should:

• Identify the programme or find the specific research project you'd like to apply for.
• Contact the listed project supervisor and speak to them about your suitability for the project.
• Understand how your project is funded or, if you are self-funding, you should have an idea of how you are funding your project and have discussed this with your supervisor.

If you already have funding:

• Find a specific self-funded project and contact the project supervisor to talk to them about your suitability for the project; OR
• Determine your own research project and title, find a potential supervisor in this research area and contact them to discuss supervising your research.

Supporting documents

You'll also need to make sure you have the following documents before you apply:

• Personal statement
• Certificates and transcripts
• Confirmation of funding (if you are self-funded)
• English language ability
• Names and details of two referees to support your application

Visit our ‘How to apply’ page to find out more about the information required for each of these supporting documents.

Any missing information may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
• April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
• September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

Interview requirements

Candidates will be required to attend an interview with their prospective supervisor as well as an independent Postgraduate Tutor. If it is not possible for you to attend in person, we are able to interview by Zoom/video conferencing.

Disclosure and Barring Service check

Programme details, programme description.

Our PhD/MPhil Clinical Psychology programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Clinical Psychology.

Research within clinical psychology spans the spectrum of key research themes integral to improving our understanding of psychological disorders. These include:

• the integration of psychological explanation to derive understanding and intervention;
• interpersonal and family environments;

Research training within clinical psychology provides a flexible platform for career development while offering structured progression to ensure study objectives are met.

You will join a research group and quickly be immersed in the current research activity being conducted. With your supervisory team, you will follow an intense induction, including agreeing on the key objectives of the study, resources available, relevant seminars and opportunities for personal development.

Within the wider research group, you will have the opportunity to discuss your research with fellow students, post-doctoral candidates and academics. Divisional seminars and research group journal clubs will provide background to recent developments within the discipline and there will be ample opportunity to share personal research findings, contribute to publications and attend/present at prominent conferences. Most academics are clinical academics and as such have clinical posts within local NHS Trusts, helping to ensure that research ideas and findings are grounded in clinical practice. NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) is also an important funder for clinical psychology PhDs.

All research students are encouraged to attend course units from within the programme that are relevant to their research topic.

Typical units include:

• Practical Issues in Psychological Research;
• Advanced General Methods in Psychology;
• Structured Approaches to Qualitative Data in Psychology;
• Philosophical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology;
• Using Advanced Statistics in Psychology;

If you intend to pursue doctoral study in clinical psychology (i.e. a three-year programme of academic and clinical training) then please note that the entry route for this is different to that for a PhD; please click here for information on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (ClinPsyD).

Special features

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

Teaching and learning

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas.

For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the  funded programmes  and  funding opportunities  pages.

What our students say

Disability support, career opportunities.

Your postgraduate research degree will open up a range of career opportunities after you graduate. Find out more on the  Careers  page.

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Psychology PhD

Key information.

• Top 20  in the UK for our research overall   in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience   in  REF 2021   (Times Higher Education)

From crowd behaviour to perception and studies of the brain – you’ll work with experts who will guide and support you through your research project.

Sussex is one of the largest and most diverse centres for the study of psychology in the UK. You’ll work in an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment, within a community of postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers and field-leading faculty. 

Our research spans the full spectrum of psychology and has significant societal impact through our close engagement with policymakers and practitioners .” Robin Banerjee Head of the School of Psychology

Find out more about research in the School of Psychology

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Masters and P h D events

Meet us on campus or online

Book your place

Entry requirements

• UK requirements
• International requirements

Please select your country from the list.

Philippines

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

South Korea

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

My country is not listed

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

English language requirements

Ielts (academic).

Advanced level (7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests, cambridge advanced certificate in english (cae).

176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

LanguageCert Academic SELT

Advanced level (75 overall, including at least 70 in each component).

LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about LanguageCert Academic SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.

We do not accept the online version.  We also do not accept the non-SELT version.

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

Advanced level (International ESOL SELT C1 with a minimum of 33 in each component)

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson PTE Academic

Advanced level (67 overall, including at least 62 in all four skills)

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

Advanced level 95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing. 

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

As/a-level (gce).

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only:  70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English:  70% 

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt english-speaking countries.

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries: 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• The British Overseas Territories
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

• Visas and immigration

Admissions information for applicants

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

• How to apply

If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:

• browse funded projects in this subject area
• browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.

Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to work on your research full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. For details  about part-time study, contact us at  [email protected]

PhD or MPhil?

You can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil. PhD and MPhil degrees differ in duration and in the extent of your research work.

• For a PhD, your research work makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field.
• For an MPhil, your work is an independent piece of research but in less depth than for a PhD. You’ll graduate with the degree title Master of Philosophy. You might be able to change to a PhD while you study for an MPhil.

Sussex PhD student Becky Heaver talks about her experiences of research in Psychology

Our supervisors

I’m passionate about engaging the public in my work and have taken part in ‘soapbox science’ events, given many interviews on TV and radio programmes, and hosted talks at festivals.” Gilly Forrester Professor of Comparative Cognition Read Gilly’s story

Explore our research interests and find potential supervisors.

This research group has interests in:

• neurobiology of learning
• social learning and cognition
• decision-making
• effects of drugs on human cognition
• ageing and dementia
• appetite and obesity.

Dr Daniel Campbell-Meiklejohn

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Daniel Campbell-Meiklejohn

Prof Pete Clifton

Professor of Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Pete Clifton

Prof Hans Crombag

Professor of Behavioural Neuroscience

[email protected]

View profile of Hans Crombag

Prof Dora Duka

Emeritus Professor

[email protected]

View profile of Dora Duka

Prof Gillian Forrester

Professor of Comparative Cognition

[email protected]

View profile of Gillian Forrester

Prof Catherine Hall

Professor of Neurovascular Stuff

[email protected]

View profile of Catherine Hall

Dr Sarah King

Reader in Behavioural Neuroscience

[email protected]

View profile of Sarah King

Dr Eisuke Koya

Reader in Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Eisuke Koya

Dr Liat Levita

Reader in Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience

[email protected]

View profile of Liat Levita

Dr Emiliano Merlo

Lecturer in Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Emiliano Merlo

Dr Alexa Morcom

Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Neuroscience

[email protected]

View profile of Alexa Morcom

Dr Charlotte Rae

[email protected]

View profile of Charlotte Rae

Dr Bryan Singer

[email protected]

View profile of Bryan Singer

Prof Martin Yeomans

Professor of Experimental Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Martin Yeomans

This research group has interests in: 

• attention, visual perception and cognition
• synesthesia
• language and communication 
• learning, memory, and consciousness 
• mammal vocal communication and cognition
• multimodal perception
• decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, insight and expertise .

Dr Sam Berens

[email protected]

View profile of Sam Berens

Prof Chris Bird

Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience

[email protected]

View profile of Chris Bird

Dr Jenny Bosten

[email protected]

View profile of Jenny Bosten

Prof Zoltan Dienes

Professor in Experimental Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Zoltan Dienes

Dr Sophie Forster

Reader in Psychology and Cognitive Neuro

[email protected]

View profile of Sophie Forster

Prof Anna Franklin

Professor of Visual Perception and Cognition

[email protected]

View profile of Anna Franklin

Prof Alan Garnham

[email protected]

View profile of Alan Garnham

Dr Graham Hole

Honorary Senior Lecturer

[email protected]

View profile of Graham Hole

Dr Theodoros Karapanagiotidis

[email protected]

View profile of Theodoros Karapanagiotidis

Dr John Maule

[email protected]

View profile of John Maule

Prof Karen Mccomb

Emeritus Professor (Animal Behaviour & Cognition)

[email protected]

View profile of Karen Mccomb

Prof Jane Oakhill

[email protected]

View profile of Jane Oakhill

Prof Thomas Ormerod

[email protected]

View profile of Thomas Ormerod

Dr Giulia Poerio

[email protected]

View profile of Giulia Poerio

Dr Ryan Scott

[email protected]

View profile of Ryan Scott

Prof Julia Simner

[email protected]

View profile of Julia Simner

Dr Ediz Sohoglu

[email protected]

View profile of Ediz Sohoglu

Prof Jamie Ward

[email protected]

View profile of Jamie Ward

• social, cognitive and emotional development
• mental health through the lifespan
• cognition during psychosis
• mental health interventions
• social and emotional development
• behavioural genetics

Prof Robin Banerjee

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global and Civic Eng

[email protected]

View profile of Robin Banerjee

Prof Samantha Cartwright-Hatton

Professor of Clinical Child Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Samantha Cartwright-Hatton

Prof Kate Cavanagh

Professor of Clinical Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Kate Cavanagh

Prof Andy Field

Professor of Quantitative Methods

[email protected]

View profile of Andy Field

Dr Elian Fink

[email protected]

View profile of Elian Fink

Prof David Fowler

[email protected]

View profile of David Fowler

Dr Darya Gaysina

Reader in Mental Health Science

[email protected]

View profile of Darya Gaysina

Prof Kathryn Greenwood

[email protected]

View profile of Kathryn Greenwood

Prof Mark Hayward

[email protected]

View profile of Mark Hayward

Prof Jessica Horst

Professor of Developmental Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Jessica Horst

Dr Emma Howarth

Reader in Child and Family Mental Health

[email protected]

View profile of Emma Howarth

Dr David Leavens

Reader in Comparative Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of David Leavens

Dr Kathryn Lester

[email protected]

View profile of Kathryn Lester

Dr Faith Matcham

[email protected]

View profile of Faith Matcham

Dr Frances Meeten

Visiting Clinical Senior Lecturer

[email protected]

View profile of Frances Meeten

Dr Raquel Nogueira Arjona

[email protected]

View profile of Raquel Nogueira Arjona

Dr Faith Orchard

Visiting Lecturer in Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Faith Orchard

Prof Alison Pike

Interim Head of School Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Alison Pike

Dr Adhip Rawal

[email protected]

View profile of Adhip Rawal

Dr Pablo Romero Sanchiz

[email protected]

View profile of Pablo Romero Sanchiz

Prof Clara Strauss

[email protected]

View profile of Clara Strauss

Miss Heather Taylor

Lecturer in Psychology (Teaching Focused)

[email protected]

View profile of Heather Taylor

Dr Ellen Thompson

[email protected]

View profile of Ellen Thompson

Prof Nicola Yuill

[email protected]

View profile of Nicola Yuill

Our work is concerned with theory development, testing and application in four main areas: 

• health psychology and behaviour change 
• identity, culture and well-being 
• intergroup relations, group processes and collective behaviour 
• pro-social and moral engagement. 

Prof Richard De Visser

Professor of Health Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Richard De Visser

Prof John Drury

Professor of Social Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of John Drury

Dr Matthew Easterbrook

Reader in Social Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Matthew Easterbrook

Dr Tom Farsides

Lecturer in Social Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Tom Farsides

Dr Sean Figgins

[email protected]

View profile of Sean Figgins

Dr Matthias Gobel

[email protected]

View profile of Matthias Gobel

Dr Donna Jessop

Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Donna Jessop

Dr Karen Long

[email protected]

View profile of Karen Long

Dr Eleanor Miles

[email protected]

View profile of Eleanor Miles

Dr Anna Rabinovich

Reader in Social Psychology and Sustainability

[email protected]

View profile of Anna Rabinovich

Dr Rim Saab

[email protected]

View profile of Rim Saab

Dr Ozden Melis Ulug

[email protected]

View profile of Ozden Melis Ulug

Prof Ayse Uskul

Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Ayse Uskul

Prof Vivian Vignoles

[email protected]

View profile of Vivian Vignoles

Dr Mariko Visserman

[email protected]

View profile of Mariko Visserman

Funding and fees

How can i fund my course, funded projects and scholarships.

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26.

Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?

If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid .

Part-time work

We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.

Find out more about careers and employability

How much does it cost?

Fees for self-funding students.

Fees are not yet set for the academic year 2025/26 – check back from September 2024. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.

• Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Explore our campus

Experience Sussex life in our virtual tour.

Start your virtual tour

PhD Information Sessions

Visit campus and chat to staff and students. Book your place

Online PhD Sessions

Join a live webchat. Book your place

International

Meet us in your country

Course enquiries

+44 (0)1273 876787

Send us a message

Admissions enquiries

If you haven’t applied yet:

+44 (0)1273 876638 psychologyphd-enquiries@​sussex.ac.uk

Find out about the School of Psychology

After you’ve applied:

+44 (0)1273 877773 [email protected]

Find out how to apply

Quick links

• Guide to PhD study
• PhD support
• Academic facilities
• Open Days and events
• Accommodation
• International students
• Student life
• Order a printed prospectus

What do you want to do next?

• Courses Browse our courses by subject area
• Sussex Life Find out about life at Sussex
• Visit Come to a PhD Open Evening
• Apply Find out how to apply

• Schools & departments

Psychology PhD

Awards: PhD

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Psychology

Discovery Day

Join us online on 21st August to learn more about postgraduate study at Edinburgh.

Find out more and register

Research profile

Staff within the Department of Psychology carries out and supervises world-class research in a range of areas. We host five major research groups:

Developmental Science

Human cognitive neuroscience, language, cognition and communication.

• Differential Psychology

Social Psychology

Psychology is rated 3rd in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

Research in the Developmental Science group examines how different developmental factors interact across the lifespan, from before birth into adolescence and old age. The group comprises a diverse but well-integrated set of researchers, with expertise in:

• cognitive, social and linguistic development
• differential psychology and genetics
• statistical and computational modelling

They use a range of methods from behavioural experiments and brain imaging, to large cohort studies.

This research group comprises academics with a diverse set of research interests spanning cognitive neuroscience.

Areas of research include:

• visual processing
• control of action
• executive functions
• social cognition
• higher-level cognition and reasoning

The group uses traditional experimental psychology and neuropsychology, neuroimaging techniques such as:

• brain stimulation
• eye-tracking
• motion tracking
• computational modelling
• clinical assessment

Staff work with both normally functioning children and adults, and people with neurological disorders.

The Language, Cognition and Communication group is internationally recognised for its work on the psychology of language.

We have wide expertise in such areas as:

• spoken and written comprehension
• bilingualism
• language development
• the cognitive neuroscience of language

Researchers use a range of methods, including behavioural experiments, brain imaging and eye-tracking.

Differential Psychology (individual differences)

Individual differences researchers ask how and why people or other primates differ from one another psychologically and how these differences matter in their lives.

The University of Edinburgh is uniquely positioned to offer PhD training in the area because of its long history of world-class individual differences research and teaching. Our researchers focus on a broad range of topics, including the assessment, causes and consequences of personality traits and intelligence, positive psychology, primate behaviour, paranormal beliefs, development, ageing and psychopathology.

For example, the researchers study the roles of genetics and life experiences and developmental trends in personality traits and intelligence, and how these traits are linked with real-life outcomes in the domains of achievement and health.

The Social Psychology group examines how we think about the self, others, and groups. The research group covers qualitative and quantitative methodologies, spanning processes like identity, relationships, crowds, and inter-group relations. We employ a range of methods such as:

• questionnaires
• social cognitive techniques
• observation
• physiological measures

Training and support

Currently, there are no mandatory courses for PhD students, but we expect students to take part in an informal year-long seminar series on key topics of academic work and research seminars of their research area. Also, many students audit various courses and take part in workshops and other modes of training, within the department and beyond.

We will assign you at least two supervisors who provide expert academic guidance on their research. We expect that at least some of your research will get published in peer-reviewed journals.

Many PhD students gain undergraduate teaching experience, for which we provide training and mentoring and you can gain formal recognition (a teaching certificate).

Psychology houses extensive facilities including:

• several eye-trackers
• EEG recording equipment
• fNIRS recorder
• TMS, celspot recording equipment
• a suite of dedicated computers running experimental software

We work with the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for MRI scanning facilities.

• Find out more about our community

The School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences is home to a large, supportive and active student community, hosting events and activities throughout the year which you can join. As a postgraduate student you will have access to a range of research resources, state of the art facilities, research seminars and reading groups.

Career opportunities

While many of our PhD graduates choose to remain in academia as lecturers and researchers, going onto post-doctoral opportunities or progressing into faculty positions, some pursue employment and careers in other sectors.

Important application information

Find a research opportunity and contact potential supervisors prior to making an application.

We strongly encourage you to get in touch with a potential supervisor, and to include their name in your application. When contacting a potential supervisor, please include a draft proposal and CV as this will provide the starting point for discussion. You can introduce yourself by explaining why their work interests you.

• View our main research interests and staff profiles

Write a research proposal

We will use your research proposal to consider whether the proposed research is feasible and can be supervised by our staff members, so it is important that your theoretical and methodological preparedness for it are clear.

We understand that it can be difficult to formulate research plans well in advance of carrying out the work, but we encourage you to articulate your ideas as clearly as possible. You should draft your proposal several times, and, ideally, seek comments on it from other people (perhaps from your referees or former lecturers) before submitting it.

We recommend that you contact your planned supervisor(s) well in advance of the deadline to identify a suitable topic for your research proposal. You should draft the research proposal independently and then discuss it with your planned supervisor(s), revising it based on their comments and suggestions.

Each PhD thesis contains several theoretical and empirical chapters. Your proposal should focus on the empirical work, laying out plans for at least two empirical studies (further plans can be worked out as you progress). Ideally, each of the studies will be a publishable journal article; students are strongly encouraged to publish their work in collaboration with their supervisors.

Your proposal must not exceed 1000 words; the panel may not read the part of your proposal exceeding the limit. This does not include references.

Your proposal should include:

• A title for the project
• A brief background for the planned research question(s)
• A compelling, brief rationale for the studies, including the specific research questions/hypotheses
• A description of the methodology for addressing these questions/hypotheses, which generally includes:
• Sufficiently large sample(s) of participants (allowing for appropriate statistical power) and measurement/experimental procedures
• If using existing data (for example, data from large cohort studies or biobanks, imaging data sets, etc.), describe the data sets
• Your data analytical approach (for example, suitable statistical models)
• If using qualitative data such as interviews, describe your methods and analytical approach
• Note that the methodology should be realistic, within the resources and time-scales available to you and your supervisor(s), and also allowing for necessary time for writing the thesis
• An indication of how your proposed work fits with and contributes to the research programme of your planned supervisor(s). A PhD thesis typically means teamwork, involving the student and one or two supervisors, and often also other members of the research group(s) of the supervisor(s); a student receives training and help from the team, but can also contribute to the team with their research. Applicants who can show a good fit with supervising team have an advantage.

We may ask for a brief (Zoom or MS Teams) interview with you if we have further questions.

If your application is successful, we expect that your research will develop. It is likely that your supervisor(s) or those reviewing the work will suggest changes or developments to your research as your studies progress. Therefore, you will not be held to the ideas that you explain in your proposal during the course of your research.

• How to write a good PG research proposal

Get ready to apply

In order to ensure full consideration of your application we ask that you submit your complete application including all supporting documentation.

We will ask you to add contact details for your referees. We will email them with information on how to upload their reference directly to your online application. Please allow plenty of time as we can only consider your application once we have received your full application, including your references.

• Find out more about the application process

Consider your funding options

There are a number of funding opportunities both within the University and externally. Funding is highly competitive at PhD level.

• More information on funding

Pre-application Checklist

To receive a pre-arrival checklist to help you with your application, please email the PPLS Postgraduate Office at

• [email protected]

Please complete this checklist to keep track of your application preparations. Please submit the completed checklist as an additional document to your application.

Psychology at Edinburgh

Entry requirements.

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in Psychology or a related subject.

Your application will also be considered if you have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in another subject and a postgraduate masters level degree in Psychology.

Your academic achievements will be assessed by a panel of academics along with the research proposal submitted as part of your application.

(Revised 19 February 2024 to clarify entry requirements and assessment methods.)

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 62 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Tuition fees, scholarships and funding.

Only applications received by the Round 1 deadline will be considered for University of Edinburgh based funding.

You may be able to secure external funding outside of this deadline.

Featured funding

• Scottish Graduate School of Social Science Funding
• [College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Awards] ( https://www.ed.ac.uk/ppls/psychology/prospective/postgraduate/psychology-phd-programme/funding-research-students/arts-humanities-soc-sci-research-awards )
• [Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships] ( https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/postgraduate/international/other-funding/doctoral-college )

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• PPLS Postgraduate Office
• Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5002
• Contact: [email protected]
• Dugald Stewart Building
• 3 Charles Street
• Central Campus
• Programme: Psychology
• School: Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This programme is not currently accepting applications. Applications for the next intake usually open in October.

Start date: September

Application deadlines

Only applications received by the Round 1 deadline will be considered for University of Edinburgh based funding. You may be able to secure external funding outside of this deadline.

We operate a gathered field approach to PhD applications.

This means that all complete applications which satisfy our minimum entry requirements will be held until the nearest deadline. The admissions panel will meet to consider all applications received together after that date.

Applications are held for processing over two deadlines:

(Revised 12 October 2023 to amend the application deadlines)

• How to apply

Please read through the ‘Important application information’ section on this page before applying.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

• Accessibility Tools
• Current Students
• Postgraduate
• Postgraduate Research Programmes
• School of Psychology Postgraduate Research Courses

Psychology, Ph.D. / MSc by Research / M.Phil.

• Scholarships and Bursaries
• Research projects
• Postgraduate Research Programmes coming soon
• How to apply for your Postgraduate Research programme
• Postgraduate Taught Courses
• School of Aerospace, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Research Courses
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• Health Psychology, PhD/MPhil
• Psychology, PhD/MPhil/MSc by Research
• School of Social Sciences Postgraduate Research Courses
• Fees and Funding

Are you a UK or International Student?

An internationally excellent research reputation (ref2021).

Research Excellence Framework 2014

Key Course Details

Course Overview

Start dates: 1st October, 1st January, 1st April, 1st July.

Understanding the complexities of the human mind and how we relate to the world around us remains one of science’s greatest challenges.

Our School of Psychology has an outstanding reputation from take the Science behind their Psychology research and taking a translational approach to have real-world impact for the benefit of patients and society. Studying your Psychology PhD with us you will become part of our 3*-4* research environment (REF2021). This means you will be joining a research environment of sufficient quality reflective of a profile conducive to producing research of world-leading and internationally excellent quality.

Our areas of research expertise in Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical and Health Psychology support four broad research groups:

• Clinical and Health Behaviour, addressing how behaviours develop and influence people’s decisions relating to their health and well-being, and the impact of health interventions. Recent student research projects have explored the role of social marketing in preventing child obesity, and trauma following acute illness.
• Cognition and Perception, covering areas such as perception, identification, and processing of objects and events, and the cognitive and neural basis for language development. Current research topics include the representation of colour and shape in memory, and word recognition and production.
• Brain and Behaviour, exploring the integration of neuroscience and behaviour, including brain chemistry, neuropsychology, and brain injury. Student research currently underway includes substance abuse factors affecting attention, and learning, memory and reading in individuals with autistic spectrum disorders.
• Forensic Psychology, exploring the interface between psychology and the law, and includes many aspects, such as legal process, the assessment, supervision and treatment of those who have offended, working with victims of crime, and addressing risk and re-offending.

Offering flexibility through a wholly research-based mode of study; the MSc by Research in Psychology course is perfect for those looking to balance work, life and study commitments.

As a student at our School of Health and Social Care, you will benefit from a dynamic and supportive research environment with many opportunities to make connections across disciplines and develop links with organisations and policymakers both in the UK and abroad.

Our state-of-the-art research facilities include a high-density electroencephalography (EEG) suite, a fully fitted sleep laboratory, a social observation suite, eye-tracking, psychophysiological, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and conditioning labs, a lifespan lab and baby room, plus more than 20 all-purpose research rooms.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications MPhil:  Applicants for MPhil must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University). See -  Country-specific Information for European Applicants 2019  and  Country-specific Information for International Applicants 2019 .

PhD : Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a master’s degree. Alternatively, applicants with a UK first class honours degree (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) not holding a master’s degree, will be considered on an individual basis. See -  Country-specific Information for European Applicants 2019  and  Country-specific Information for International Applicants 2019 . 

English Language IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.  Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

As well as academic qualifications, Admissions decisions may be based on other factors, including (but not limited to): the standard of the research synopsis/proposal, performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places, and relevant professional experience.

Reference Requirement

As standard, two references are required before we can progress applications to the College/School research programme Admissions Tutor for consideration.

Applications received without two references attached are placed on hold, pending receipt of the outstanding reference(s). Please note that any protracted delay in receiving the outstanding reference(s) may result in the need to defer your application to a later potential start point/entry month, than what you initially listed as your preferred start option.

You may wish to consider contacting your referee(s) to assist in the process of obtaining the outstanding reference(s) or alternatively, hold submission of application until references are sourced. Please note that it is not the responsibility of the University Admissions Office to obtain missing reference(s) after our initial email is sent to your nominated referee(s), requesting a reference(s) on your behalf.

The reference can take the form of a letter on official headed paper, or via the University’s standard reference form. Click this link to download the university reference form .

Alternatively, referees can email a reference from their employment email account, please note that references received via private email accounts, (i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail) cannot be accepted.

References can be submitted to [email protected] .

How you are Supervised

Find out more about some of the academic staff supervising theses in these areas:

Professor Mark Blagrove

Dr Simon Dymond

Dr Irene Reppa

Dr Kim Drake

Welsh Provision

Tuition fees, ph.d. 3 year full time.

Ph.D. 6 Year Part Time

MSc by Research 1 Year Full Time

Msc by research 2 year part time.

M.Phil. 2 Year Full Time

M.phil. 4 year part time.

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page .

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

Government funding is now available for Welsh, English and EU students starting eligible postgraduate research programmes at Swansea University. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Swansea University Research Excellence Scholarships (SURES): PhD in Psychology:

Swansea University is pleased to offer fully-funded Swansea University Research Excellence Scholarships (SURES) for full-time doctoral students to its fifth cohort, commencing in October 2024.

For more information on the Scholarship and details on eligibility, please visit our webpage  SURES: Fully Funded PhD: The importance of trust and social norms for public health decision making (RS572)

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up .

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

How to Apply

Details of the application process for research degrees are available  here , and you can apply online and track your application status at  www.swansea.ac.uk/applyonline .  As part of your application you should include a research proposal outlining your proposed topic of study.  Guidance on writing a research proposal is also  available .

You can expect to be interviewed following your application to discuss your topic of research and to demonstrate the necessary level of commitment to your studies and training.

It is advisable that you contact us at [email protected]   before submitting your application. This will ensure we can identify appropriate supervisors, and work with you to refine your proposal.

If you're an international student, find out more about applying for this course at our  international student web pages 

Suggested Application Timings

In order to allow sufficient time for consideration of your application by an academic, for potential offer conditions to be met and travel / relocation, we recommend that applications are made before the dates outlined below. Please note that applications can still be submitted outside of the suggested dates below but there is the potential that your application/potential offer may need to be moved to the next appropriate intake window.

October Enrolment

UK Applicants – 15th August

EU/International applicants – 15th July

January Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th November

EU/International applicants – 15th October

April Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th February

EU/International applicants – 15th January

July Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th May

EU/International applicants – 15th April

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

PhD Programme Specification

This Programme Specification refers to the current academic year and provides indicative content for information. The University will seek to deliver each course in accordance with the descriptions set out in the relevant course web pages at the time of application. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision , either before or after enrolment.

Programme Summary 

This PhD in Psychology at Swansea will enable you to undertake a substantial project led by your own interests. It is a highly respected qualification which can present a career in academia or a wider scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. A thesis of 100,000 words will be submitted for assessment demonstrating original research with a substantive contribution to the subject area. The PhD is examined following an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination or viva voce). You will acquire research skills for high-level work and skills and training programmes are available on campus for further support. There will be an opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars and conferences. There may also be opportunities to develop your teaching skills through undergraduate tutorials, demonstrations and seminars.

Programme Aims

This PhD programme will provide doctoral researchers with:

• The opportunity to conduct high quality postgraduate research in a world leading research environment.
• Key skills needed to undertake advanced academic and non-academic research including qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• Advanced critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and independent judgement.

Programme Structure

The programme comprises three key elements:

• Entry and confirmation of candidature
• Main body of research
• Thesis and viva voce

The programme comprises of the undertaking of an original research project of 3 years duration full time (6 years duration part time). Doctoral researchers may pursue the programme either full time or part time by pursuing research at the University at an external place of employment or with/at a University approved partner.

Doctoral researchers for the PhD in Psychology are examined in two parts.

The first part is a thesis which is an original body of work representing the methods and results of the research project. The maximum word limit is 100,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

The second part is an oral examination (viva voce).

Doctoral Researcher Supervision and Support

Doctoral researchers will be supervised by a supervisory team. Where appropriate, staff from Colleges/Schools other than the ‘home’ College/School (other Colleges/Schools) within the University will contribute to cognate research areas. There may also be supervisors from an industrial partner.

The Primary/First Supervisor will normally be the main contact throughout the doctoral research journey and will have overall responsibility for academic supervision. The academic input of the Secondary Supervisor will vary from case to case. The principal role of the Secondary Supervisor is often as a first port of call if the Primary/First Supervisor becomes unavailable. The supervisory team may also include a supervisor from industry or a specific area of professional practice to support the research. External supervisors may also be drawn from other Universities.

The primary supervisor will provide pastoral support. If necessary the primary supervisor will refer the  doctoral researcher to other sources of support (e.g. Wellbeing, Disability, Money Advice, IT, Library, Students’ Union, Academic Services, Student Support Services, Careers Centre). 

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme,  doctoral researchers should be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding

• Demonstrate the systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of research through the development of a written thesis.
• Create, interpret, analyse and develop new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship. 
• Disseminate new knowledge gained through original research or other advanced scholarship via high quality peer reviewed publications within the discipline.
• Apply research skills and subject theory to the practice of research.
• Apply process and standards of a range of the methodologies through which research is conducted and knowledge acquired and revised. 

Attitudes and values

• Conceptualise, design and implement a project aimed at the generation of new knowledge or applications within Psychology.
• Make informed judgements on complex issues in the field of Psychology, often in the absence of complete data and defend those judgements to an appropriate audience.
• Apply sound ethical principles to research, with due regard for the integrity of persons and in accordance with professional codes of conduct.
• Demonstrate self-awareness of individual and cultural diversity, and the reciprocal impact in social interaction between self and others when conducting research involving people.

Research Skills

• Respond appropriately to unforeseen problems in project design by making suitable amendments.
• Communicate complex research findings clearly, effectively and in an engaging manner to both specialist (including the academic community), and non-specialist audiences using a variety of appropriate media and events, including conference presentations, seminars and workshops.
• Correctly select, interpret and apply relevant techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
• Develop the networks and foundations for on-going research and development within the discipline.
• Implement  advanced research skills to a substantial degree of independence.
• Locate information and apply it to research practice.

Skills and Competencies

• Display the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, including the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments.

Progression Monitoring

Progress will be monitored in accordance with Swansea University regulations. During the course of the programme, the Doctoral researcher is expected to meet regularly with their supervisors, and at most meetings it is likely that the doctoral researcher’s progress will be monitored in an informal manner in addition to attendance checks. Details of the meetings should ideally be recorded on the on-line system. A minimum of four formal supervision meetings is required each year, two of which will be reported to the Postgraduate Progression and Awards Board. During these supervisory meetings the doctoral researcher’s progress is discussed and formally recorded on the on-line system.  

Learning Development  

The University offers training and development for Doctoral Researchers and supervisors ( https://www.swansea.ac.uk/research/research-with-us/postgraduate-research/pgrdevelopment/ ).

Swansea University’s Postgraduate Research Training Framework is structured into sections, to enable doctoral researchers to navigate and determine appropriate courses aligned to both their interest and their candidature stage. 

There is a training framework including for example areas of Managing Information and Data, Presentation and Public Engagement, Leadership and working with others, Safety Integrity and Ethics, Impact and Commercialisation and Teaching and Demonstrating. There is also range of support in areas such as training needs, literature searching, conducting research, writing up research, teaching, applying for grants and awards, communicating research and future careers.

A range of research seminars and skills development sessions are provided within the School of Health and Social Care and across the University. These are scheduled to keep the doctoral researcher in touch with a broader range of material than their own research topic, to stimulate ideas in discussion with others, and to give them opportunities to such as defending their own thesis orally, and to identify potential criticisms. Additionally, the School of Health and Social Care is developing a research culture that aligns with the University vision and will link with key initiatives delivered under the auspices of the University’s Academies, for example embedding the HEA fellowship for postgraduate research students.

Research Environment

Swansea University’s research environment combines innovation and excellent facilities to provide a home for multidisciplinary research to flourish. Our research environment encompasses all aspects of the research lifecycle, with internal grants and support for external funding and enabling impact/effect that research has beyond academia. 

Swansea University is very proud of our reputation for excellent research, and for the calibre, dedication, professionalism, collaboration and engagement of our research community. We understand that integrity must be an essential characteristic of all aspects of research, and that as a University entrusted with undertaking research we must clearly and consistently demonstrate that the confidence placed in our research community is rightly deserved. The University therefore ensures that everyone engaged in research is trained to the very highest standards of research integrity and conducts themselves and their research in a way that respects the dignity, rights, and welfare of participants, and minimises risks to participants, researchers, third parties, and the University itself. 

In the School of Health and Social Care we are strongly focused on the translation of our research into real-life benefits for users, carers and professionals across the range of health and social care services. In doing so our staffs has long established links with a range of international networks and similar university departments in Europe and around the world, and are committed to building productive relationships with front-line policymakers and practitioners. Some senior researchers have also been embedded within the NHS to ensure healthcare and service provision is developed and informed by high quality robust research.                                                                                                               

Alongside this we play an integral role in the Welsh Government’s research infrastructure, through the Centre for Ageing & Dementia Research, Wales School for Social Care Research and the Welsh Health Economic Support Service, increasing the volume of research taking place within Wales. While some of our PhD programmes form part of the ESRC Doctoral Training Centre for Wales, a pan-Wales collaboration to train top-level social scientists. Our funding also comes from a wide range of prestigious funders such as the Research Councils, European research programmes, Government, Ministry of Defence, professional bodies, private sector and charitable organisations, with the school securing £7.37m of funding across the last three years.

Supporting our staff and students in their research is a range of facilities including  our Health and Wellbeing Academy, which provides healthcare services to the local community, a range of clinical and audiology suites and state-of-the-art research facilities. These include a high density EEG suite, a fully-fitted sleep laboratory, a social observation suite, eye-tracking, psychophysiological, tDCS and conditioning labs, a lifespan lab and baby room, and over 20 all-purpose research rooms.

Career Opportunities

Having a PhD demonstrates that graduates can work effectively in a team, formulate, explore and communicate complex ideas and manage advanced tasks. Jobs in academia (eg postdoctoral research, lecturing), education, government, management, the public or private sector are possible. Examples include administrators, counsellors, marketing specialists, and researchers.

The Postgraduate Research Office Skills Development Team offer support and a training framework for example in creating a researcher profile based upon publications and setting up your own business. The Swansea Employability Academy assists students in future career opportunities, improving CVs, job applications and interview skills.

MPhil Programme Specification

Programme Summary

This MPhil in Psychology at Swansea will enable you to undertake a substantial project led by your own interests. It is a highly respected qualification which can present a career in academia or a wider scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. A thesis of 60,000 words will be submitted for assessment demonstrating original research with a substantive contribution to the subject area. The Masters is examined following an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination or viva). You will acquire research skills for high-level work and skills and training programmes are available on campus for further support. There will be an opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars and conferences. 

This Masters programme will provide students with:

• Thesis and viva voce examination

The programme comprises of the undertaking of an original research project of 2 years duration full time (4 years duration part time). Students may pursue the programme either full time or part time by pursuing research at the University at an external place of employment or with/at a University approved partner.

Students for the Masters in Psychology are examined in two parts.

The first part is a thesis which is an original body of work representing the methods and results of the research project. The maximum word limit is 60,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

The second part is an oral examination ( viva voce ).

Supervision and Support 

Students will be supervised by a supervisory team. Where appropriate, staff from Colleges/Schools other than the ‘home’ College/School (other Colleges/Schools) within the University will contribute to cognate research areas. There may also be supervisors from an industrial partner.

The Primary/First Supervisor will normally be the main contact throughout the student journey and will have overall responsibility for academic supervision. The academic input of the Secondary Supervisor will vary from case to case. The principal role of the Secondary Supervisor is often as a first port of call if the Primary/First Supervisor becomes unavailable. The supervisory team may also include a supervisor from industry or a specific area of professional practice to support the research. External supervisors may also be drawn from other Universities.

The primary supervisor will provide pastoral support. If necessary the primary supervisor will refer the student to other sources of support (e.g. Wellbeing, Disability, Money Advice, IT, Library, Students’ Union, Academic Services, Student Support Services, Careers Centre).

Upon successful completion of this programme, doctoral researchers should be able to:

• Demonstrate the systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge through the development of a written thesis.
• Create, interpret, analyse and develop new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship.  
• Apply process and standards of a range of the methodologies through which research is conducted and knowledge acquired and revised.
• Make informed judgements on complex issues in the field of Psychology often in the absence of complete data and defend those judgements to an appropriate audience. 
• Communicate complex research findings clearly, effectively and in an engaging manner to both specialist (including the academic community), and non-specialist audiences using a variety of appropriate media.
• Correctly select, interpret and apply relevant techniques for research and academic enquiry.
• Develop the foundations for on-going research and development within the discipline.
• Implement independent research skills.
• Display the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, including the exercise of personal responsibility and initiative in complex situations.

Progress will be monitored in accordance with Swansea University regulations. During the course of the programme, the student is expected to meet regularly with their supervisors, and at most meetings it is likely that the student’s progress will be monitored in an informal manner in addition to attendance checks. Details of the meetings should ideally be recorded on the on-line system. A minimum of four formal supervision meetings is required each year, two of which will be reported to the Postgraduate Progression and Awards Board. During these supervisory meetings the student’s progress is discussed and formally recorded on the on-line system. 

The University offers training and development for Doctoral Researchers and supervisors ( https://www.swansea.ac.uk/research/undertake-research-with-us/postgraduate-research/training-and-skills-development-programme/ ).

Swansea University’s Postgraduate Research Training Framework is structured into sections, to enable students to navigate and determine appropriate courses aligned to both their interest and their candidature stage. 

A range of research seminars and skills development sessions are provided within the School of Health and Social Care and across the University. These are scheduled to keep the student in touch with a broader range of material than their own research topic, to stimulate ideas in discussion with others, and to give them opportunities to such as defending their own thesis orally, and to identify potential criticisms. Additionally, the School of Health and Social Care is developing a research culture that will align with the University vision and will link with key initiatives delivered under the auspices of the University’s Academies, for example embedding the HEA fellowship for postgraduate research students

Research Environment  

Swansea University’s Research Environment combines innovation and excellent facilities to provide a home for multidisciplinary research to flourish. Our research environment encompasses all aspects of the research lifecycle, with internal grants and support for external funding and enabling impact/effect that research has beyond academia. 

Swansea University is very proud of our reputation for excellent research, and for the calibre, dedication, professionalism, collaboration and engagement of our research community. We understand that integrity must be an essential characteristic of all aspects of research, and that as a University entrusted with undertaking research we must clearly and consistently demonstrate that the confidence placed in our research community is rightly deserved. The University therefore ensures that everyone engaged in research is trained to the very highest standards of research integrity and conducts themselves and their research in a way that respects the dignity, rights, and welfare of participants, and minimises risks to participants, researchers, third parties, and the University itself.

School of Health and Social Care 

In the School of Health and Social Care we are strongly focused on the translation of our research into real-life benefits for users, carers and professionals across the range of health and social care services. In doing so our staff have long established links with a range of international networks and similar university departments in Europe and around the world, and are committed to building productive relationships with front-line policymakers and practitioners. Some senior researchers have also been embedded within the NHS to ensure healthcare and service provision is developed and informed by high quality robust research.                                                                                                         

Having a Master of Philosophy degree shows that you can communicate your ideas and manage tasks. Jobs in academia, education, government, management, the public or private sector are possible. 

MSc by Research Programme Specification

This MSc by Research in Psychology at Swansea will enable you to undertake a research project led by your own interests. It is a highly respected qualification which can enable a future career in academia or a wider scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. A thesis of 40,000 words will be submitted for assessment demonstrating original research with a substantive contribution to the subject area. The Masters is examined following an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination or viva). You will acquire research skills for high-level work and skills and training programmes are available on campus for further support. 

• Key skills needed to undertake advanced academic and non-academic research including qualitative and quantitative data analysis

The programme comprises of the undertaking of an original research project of 1 year duration full time (2 years duration part time). 

Students for the Masters by Research in Psychology are examined in two parts.

The first part is a thesis which is an original body of work representing the methods and results of the research project. The word limit is 40,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

• Critically reflect on the existing knowledge base, current problems and/or new insights, in the field of Psychology.
• Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.
• Apply research skills, methodologies and subject theory to the practice of research.
• Create, interpret and analyse knowledge in the specific field of study through original research.  
• Undertake research tasks and make informed judgements with minimum guidance. 
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
• Approach and resolve complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Evaluate and apply relevant techniques for research in Psychology.
• Apply research methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, propose new hypotheses.
• Work in groups, presenting conclusions and reflecting difference of opinion.
• Design and implement a research project.
• The exercise of initiative and personal responsibility.
• Decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations.
• The independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

A range of research seminars and skills development sessions are provided within the school and across the University. These are scheduled to keep the student in touch with a broader range of material than their own research topic, to stimulate ideas in discussion with others, and to give them opportunities to such as defending their own thesis orally, and to identify potential criticisms. Additionally, the school is developing a research culture that will align with the University vision and will link with key initiatives delivered under the auspices of the University’s Academies.

In the School of Health and Social Care we are strongly focused on the translation of our research into real-life benefits for users, carers and professionals across the range of health and social care services. In doing so our staff have long established links with a range of international networks and similar university departments in Europe and around the world, and are committed to building productive relationships with front-line policymakers and practitioners. Some senior researchers have also been embedded within the NHS to ensure healthcare and service provision is developed and informed by high quality robust research.                                                                                                                 

Alongside this we play an integral role in the Welsh Government’s research infrastructure, through the Centre for Ageing & Dementia Research, Wales School for Social Care Research and the Welsh Health Economic Support Service, increasing the volume of research taking place within Wales. While some of our PhD programmes form part of the ESRC Doctoral Training Centre for Wales, a pan-Wales collaboration to train top-level social scientists. Our funding also comes from a wide range of prestigious funders such as the Research Councils, European research programmes, Government, Ministry of Defence, professional bodies, private sector and charitable organisations, with the school securing £7.37m of funding across the last three years.

Supporting our staff and students in their research is a range of facilities including our Health and Wellbeing Academy, which provides healthcare services to the local community, a range of clinical and audiology suites and state-of-the-art research facilities. These include a high density EEG suite, a fully-fitted sleep laboratory, a social observation suite, eye-tracking, psychophysiological, tDCS and conditioning labs, a lifespan lab and baby room, and over 20 all-purpose research rooms.

Having a Master’s by research degree shows that you can communicate your ideas and manage tasks. Jobs in academia, education, government, management, the public or private sector are possible. 

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Psychology MPhil, PhD

Our MPhil and PhD Psychology specialises in many research areas of psychology. We accept both funded and self-funded students.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

• September 2024
• January 2025

Newcastle University has a world-class reputation and leading researchers and clinicians working in the field of psychology. With our new facilities we are well placed to offer psychology research opportunities of the highest standard. We accept both funded and self-funded students.

Our Psychology MPhil and PhD are based within the Faculty of Medical Sciences. The programme is delivered in the School of Psychology and the relevant Research Institutes for:

• Biosciences
• Population Health Sciences
• Translational and Clinical Research

Our Psychology MPhil and PhD cover many areas of specialism in psychology, including:

• animal behaviour
• clinical psychology
• evolutionary psychology
• forensic psychology
• applied health psychology and behavioural science
• perception, cognition, and neuroscience
• sport, exercise, and coaching psychology

We use a wide range of methodologies and cutting-edge tools to support psychological inquiry and clinical research. Our teams develop and evaluate psychological interventions and co-produce resources with partners from across the region. We work with voluntary and community groups, the NHS, local Government and have partnerships across the globe.

Research projects align to the Newcastle University Centres for Research Excellence including the Centre for Healthier Lives, Centre for Ageing and Inequalities, and Centre for Transformative Neuroscience.

We conduct research on topics including:

• addiction studies
• advertising and consumer behaviour
• cancer survivorship
• cognitive skills development
• developmental disorders
• health and wellbeing
• human cognition
• learning and memory
• mental health including anxiety disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• offending behaviour
• visual perception

We carry out studies of animal and human behaviour including:

• evolutionary psychology of mate choice
• attractiveness and co-operation
• evolutionary approaches to personality

Our research includes:

• perception of natural scenes
• psychophysics and attention
• visual social cognition and face processing

You'll focus on how different cognitive skills develop in children. You'll explore memory systems to learning in school. We have strengths in developmental disorders like Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

• investigative interviewing of victims
• witnesses and suspected offenders of crime, including eye-witness testimony
• sexual offending, including historical allegations of sexual abuse
• communication in legal contexts

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

Qualifications explained.

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

How you'll learn

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

Your development

Faculty of medical sciences (fms) researcher development programme .

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact
• Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements
• Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Find out more about the FMS researcher development programme

Doctoral training and partnerships

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:

• Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
• Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:

• they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
• you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
• they’re often interdisciplinary
• your PhD may be funded

If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.

The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:

Newcastle Liverpool Durham BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership

Your future

Our careers service.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

You’ll spend most of your time within the School of Psychology where you’ll find scholars, clinicians and researchers working together to understand the mind, brain, and behaviour. We are located in the Dame Margaret Barbour Building, a new bespoke facility offering an excellent environment for learning, teaching, and research. Our psychology facilities include:

• psychological testing cubicles
• medical consultation rooms
• media and behaviour lab
• forensic interviewing suite

Housed within the School is the Psychological Therapies Training and Research Clinic which offers one to one Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for students at Newcastle University.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year).

We are unable to give an exact fee, this is why the fee is shown as a range. This fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.

Your research topic is unique so it will have unique resource requirements. Resources could include specialist equipment, such as laboratory/workshop access, or technical staff.

If your research involves accessing specialist resources then you're likely to pay a higher fee. You'll discuss the exact nature of your research project with your supervisor(s). You'll find out the fee in your offer letter.

Home fees for research degree students

For 2024-25 entry, we have aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee was confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

• How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

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Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

• Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Dr Kate Swainston School Postgraduate Research Student Coordinator School of Psychology Telephone: +44 (0) 191 2087562 Email: [email protected]

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Receive regular updates by email

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• How You'll Learn
• Your Development
• Your Future
• Quality and Ranking
• Fees and Funding
• Entry Requirements
• Open days & events

Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

We are a world-leading department of clinical and applied psychological science. Our research focuses on issues of local and global importance and has real-world impact on the wellbeing of society. Our staff has extraordinarily diverse expertise across the full range of applied psychology disciplines, and a deep commitment to passing on this knowledge and expertise to new generations of psychological scientists.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications closed

• Entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a high upper second-class first degree in a relevant subject, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants should also have a demonstrated commitment to, and ability in, research. All applicants are expected to have met with and discussed their project proposals with a prospective supervisor before applying to the programme.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Students will join ongoing programmes of research led by leading scholars and develop their own original lines of research to complement the department’s strengths.

Following completion of the PhD, students will have the necessary skills and experience to independently design and lead their own research. In addition, students may undertake training courses appropriate to their projects, as well as developing adjacent skills.

There is an extensive range of training courses offered through UCL’s Doctoral School, for example, in statistics, coding and public engagement skills (e.g. media training), allowing students to gain multidisciplinary skills that are highly sought-after in post-doctoral employment.

Who this course is for

If you meet the entry requirements, it is important to check whether we can supervise research in your chosen area. We only take MPhil/PhD students to whom we can offer expert research supervision from one of our academic staff. Therefore, your research question needs to engage with the research interests of one of our staff.

You can learn more about our research themes and the projects within these themes in our Research section .

What this course will give you

In studying within the Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology (CEHP), you will have the opportunity to work directly with leading researchers in mental health, developmental psychopathology, psychometrics, psychopharmacology, educational psychology, clinical psychology and health psychology, amongst other topics.

Our PhD students have excellent networking opportunities across UCL, nationally and internationally. On graduating, they progress to postdoctoral positions at home and abroad, work in industry or as clinical, health and educational professionals.

The foundation of your career

UCL’s Psychology department is an internationally leading research environment and a graduate research degree from the department allows entry into a number of academic and non-academic career roles.

Recent doctoral graduates have typically been offered employment in the UK and internationally in academic posts, postdoctoral research, health services, industry (e.g. Med-tech or consulting) and third sector (voluntary) organisations.

Employability

The majority of PhD students go on to postdoctoral positions and academic careers at institutions in the UK, EU and USA.

The department has research collaborations with many institutions both nationally and internationally.

There are regular seminars within the research department and across Psychology and Language Sciences, including the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience.

We regularly invite leading researchers from other institutions and professionals working for health and private sector services to give talks to our students about active research and career opportunities.

Within your research group, you are likely to have regular lab meetings and there is a student-led CEHP graduate research group who organise regular social and discussion meetings for CEHP students.

Teaching and learning

Students will complete taught modules via examination or audit within their first year, particularly for training in research methods and statistics. The requirement for examination is determined by prior qualifications and individual training needs. All students will complete training in research ethics.

Students undergo an ‘upgrade’ assessment between 12 and 18 months after initial registration for full-time students and between 15 and 30 months for part-time students. The upgrade involves an oral presentation and a report outlining a substantial piece of work conducted since initial registration. This interim assessment is intended to ensure that students are on track to complete their PhD within a reasonable timeframe. At the end of their PhD, each student submits a thesis of 100,000 words or less. This is examined in a viva voce examination with one internal examiner (usually a member of UCL staff who has had no involvement in the submitted work) and one external examiner (from another university).

A typical full-time PhD student is expected to spend an average of approximately 36.5 hours per week working on their PhD, although this will vary, with some periods of more intensive research.

The contact time that a student spends with their supervisory team, thesis committee members and training courses will vary from student to student depending on need throughout their PhD.

Initially we recommend that supervisors meet with students on a weekly basis, but this frequency is likely to reduce subsequently. There are four required meetings of your thesis committee, one of which coincides with your upgrade-to-PhD viva. Part-time student hours are pro-rata.

Research areas and structure

• Business Psychology
• Clinical Psychopharmacology
• Developmental Psychopathology
• Developmental Risk and Resilience
• Eating Disorders
• Behaviour change
• Personality and Psychometrics
• Psychology of Risk
• Psychological treatments

Research environment

The research department is a vibrant environment for both taught courses and research, with extensive connections to other departments and institutions at UCL.

The department’s strengths lie in autism, business psychology, dementia, developmental psychopathology, developmental risk and resilience, eating disorders, personality and psychometrics, psychopharmacology, psychology of risk and psychological treatments.

We have close links with schools and clinical services throughout London, ensuring that our research is closely tied to national priorities on well-being.

The department has access to exceptional resources, including state-of-the-art fMRI, fNIRS, EEG, TMS and eye-tracking facilities.

The full-time PhD is typically three years, including the time registered as an MPhil student, and if the thesis is not submitted within this time then students may register as Completing Research Students for one additional year.

Part-time students are normally required to be registered for five years, with two additional years in Continuing Research Status if needed.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

To be considered for competitive funding awarded by UCL, applications must arrive by 3 January. Applications must be complete with references, so please allow time for references to be submitted. Before applying, it is essential that applicants discuss their PhD project ideas with a member of staff and ensure that the member of staff is able to supervise the project. Applications are rated by academic staff members; suitable candidates present their research proposal at an interview. Offers are normally made within one month of the interview. If other sources of funding are being considered, it is still in your interest to apply by the early January deadline. 

Part-time PhD applications are considered in a single annual round: applications complete with references must be submitted by 30 June, for a September start date. Interviews for places not funded by UCL may take place at any time until late summer.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Got questions? Get in touch

Division of Psychology and Language Sciences

[email protected]

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PhD/MPhil Psychology

Postgraduate research degree

The Psychology PhD/MPhil offers you the chance to develop a substantial and original body of new research involving the discovery of new facts or through the reformulation of existing frameworks.

Research centres and groups

• Clinical, Social and Cognitive Neuroscience
• The ASsuRED Project

Key information

Psychology Postgraduate research degrees PhD/MPhil course Overview

You will join an established department with a history of pioneering research. We have a commitment to the traditions of the discipline and a clear vision of good research practice in Psychology .

We support a vibrant community of researchers and provide expert supervision on a range of specialist subjects. Current strengths include cognitive neuroscience, decision making and behavioural economics. Formal modules in advanced research methods are available if needed to provide you with understanding needed to advance your research.

Our purpose-built facilities include:

• Two state-of-the-art electroencephalography laboratories
• A transcranial magnetic stimulation laboratories
• A baby laboratory
• Behavioural laboratories with access to eye-trackers
• Psychophysiological recording suites
• A psychometrics test library.

You and your research will become an integral part of our dynamic research culture.

About the programme

The PhD programme in Psychology is designed to develop your skills as an independent scholar and give you transferable skills for the years after you finish.

What follows is general indication of a student trajectory. It must be borne in mind that because this is a research degree, each student’s programme will be specific to them and the topic they are researching.

Depending on their existing qualifications and in discussion with their supervisor, in year one students may take one or more MSc level modules to furnish their core research methodological skills (see our Research Methods MSc) and subject-specific knowledge (see our MScs in Organisational Psychology, Behavioural Economics, Health Psychology and Clinical, Social and Cognitive Neuroscience).

The majority of time in Year 1 is spent formulating a research question and writing a literature review. Some students may also have begun data collection.

In year two students will finalise their literature review, finalise the overall shape of their thesis and carry out the bulk of their empirical and analytic work. Some may need to take one of several advanced level training courses that are available to build expertise in subject-specific research methodologies.

In year three students will conclude their empirical work and focus on writing up their thesis. They will also seek to disseminate their work in the form of peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations and identify opportunities for the next stage of their career.

We expect the majority of students to complete their write-up within a three-year period. However, a fourth year may be used for the final preparation and submission of the thesis and the completion of any amendments that may be requested.

MPhil award

It is important to note that all students on graduate research programmes are initially registered for an MPhil award. Promotion to registration to PhD is not automatic, but contingent on the satisfactory outcome of a formal review process some time in the second year of study.

• For the award of a psychology PHD candidates are required to demonstrate the following:
• a full understanding of previous research literature and current academic and professional thinking
• the ability to undertake sustained, high level research and master the theoretical (and where appropriate, practical) aspects of the subject areas relevant to the research field
• the ability to communicate the subject matter of the research field, and the conclusions of the particular research project, in the accepted academic form of a research thesis

For full details about the City psychology PhD programme structure, please see the Guide for Research Students .

Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate the following:.

• A track record of high academic achievement, demonstrated by a good undergraduate degree with at least a second class (upper division) pass or equivalent
• Good research methodological skills as demonstrated through relevant research experience and/or a good Masters level degree with at least a pass with merit (or equivalent)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral (see also the section on English language Requirements)
• Excellent planning and time-management skills.

English requirements

For students whose first language is not English, the following qualifications will meet the English language requirement for entry to a postgraduate course of study:

• A first degree from a UK university or from the CNAA.
• A first degree from an overseas institution recognised by City as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language, for example, from institutions in Australia, Canada or the USA.
• GCE O-level/GCSE English language or English literature, grade C minimum.
• Cambridge ESOL CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) at grade C or above.
• An overall score of 7 in the English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum of 7.0 in writing.
• Satisfactory standard in the verbal section of the Princeton Test (GMAT).
• US SAT with 500 in verbal performance.
• Warwick English Language Test (WELT) with pass grades of BBC minimum.
• Other evidence of proficiency in the English language which satisfies the Board of Studies concerned.

For more information see our main entry requirements page.

Visa requirements

If you are not from the European Economic Area / Switzerland and you are coming to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study.

The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

• Students on courses of more than six months
• Students on courses of less than six months
• Students on a pre-sessional English language course.

For more information see our main Visa page .

Fees and funding

Full-time Home/UK: £5,500 per year

Part-time Home/UK: £2,750 per year

Full-time International: £14,500 per year

Part-time International: £6,750 per year

Fees for doctoral candidates are charged annually and cover registration, supervision and examination.

Fees are subject to review each year and may vary during your period of registration. Where applicable, fees for City's programmes will be subject to inflationary increases in each academic year of study commencing in September . Our policy for these increases is set out in our terms and conditions of study .

Where eligible, PhD applicants to the department of Psychology may apply for the following fee-waiver studentship:

Who we are looking for:

Applications are invited from exceptional UK, EU, and international graduates wishing to pursue cutting-edge research that will accelerate our understanding of a group of autistic individuals who are currently underrepresented in research. We are keen to receive applications from candidates who have experience with autistic individuals.

How to apply

For more information on how to apply please see the project overview please contact Prof Emmanuel Pothos .

Support for PhD study

Prospective students are encouraged to explore doctoral Grants and funding opportunities such as:

• Research Council studentship awards , if available.

Our bursaries are non-repayable sums of money granted by the University, usually based on need.

Our loans are repayable sums of money granted by the University or other body.

Our scholarships are when the University pays towards your Study fees. You may also be eligible for further funding.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loans

The Government has introduced a new Postgraduate Doctoral Loans scheme which can provide a loan of up to £25,000.

This will be over three years to support study for a doctoral degree.

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study. It can be used alongside any other forms of support you may be able to receive.

For more information, please see our Postgraduate Doctoral Loans page .

Additional expenses

Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees.  Find out more about additional expenses .

Academic support

City has a well-established structure and processes to support your research .

Supervision

All research students will have a supervisory team of at least two members of academic staff. At least one of them will have experience in seeing research students through to successful completion and both will be actively engaged in an area of research relevant to the student’s field of inquiry.

See here for details about our academic staff and their areas of expertise .

Besides our MSc level courses the department also offers a number of advanced level training workshops for specific research methodological skills. Moreover, wider transferable skills are developed through provisions within the department and through the City Doctoral College .

Transferable Skills

To foster our students’ broader academic and communication skills, they are required to attend a fortnightly research student seminar at which they are expected to present on their work at least once a year.

The seminar takes the format of an oral conference session in which two students typically present for 20 minutes, with 10 minutes allowed for questions and discussion.

Depending on their level of experience, they may help run small-group seminars or contribute to lectures on our undergraduate programme, or they may host stats clinics and run laboratory sessions on statistical analyses. All teaching activities are supervised by a senior member of academic staff.

Applications are now open.

To apply, you should submit the following documents:

• One copy of the Online Research Degree Application Form (full-time) or Online Research Degree Application Form (part-time)
• Your research proposal
• Testimonials from at least two academic referees sent by email from an official work (not private) email account
• Copies of your degree transcripts and certificates (originals or certified copies). If your application is successful we will need to verify the original hard copies before a final offer is made
• Proof of your English language proficiency (if English is not your first language)
• A non-technical summary of the proposed research of no more than 400 words.

See guidance on writing your research proposal .

Please note that we will not consider incomplete applications.

Instructions to referees

Thank you for your contribution to our admissions process, reports from academic referees are a vital part of our information gathering about applicants for Research Degrees. In your testimonial, please focus your report on the following issues:

• Give evidence of the applicant's capacity to undertake high quality research in psychology
• Explain any particular features of the applicant's prior training that you consider to be of particular importance
• Comment on the applicant's determination and motivation for studying for a research degree
• Indicate whether or not the applicant has discussed their research interests with you prior to applying to City
• Comment on the applicant's honesty and integrity.

Select one of the available starting dates to start your application.

• 1 st Oct 2024
• 1 st Feb 2025

For further application enquiries please contact our PGR enquiries team .

Find a supervisor

See our full list of academic staff and potential supervisors in Department of Psychology.

Professor Emmanuel Pothos

Professor of Psychology

• Department of Psychology

Professor Beatriz Calvo Merino

Professor in Cognitive Neuroscience

Professor Dermot Bowler

Dr andreas jarvstad.

Senior Lecturer

Useful links

• Doctoral College
• School of Health & Psychological Sciences
• Student wellbeing
• Terms and conditions

Contact details

Shps doctoral enquiries.

+44 (0) 20 7040 5972

[email protected]

City Doctoral College

[email protected]

Department of Psychology

University | A to Z | Departments

• Prospective students
• Postgraduate study
• Research degrees
• PhD funding

Last updated February 11, 2022

Next in my series on  How To Fully Fund Your PhD , I provide a list of universities that offer full funding to all students admitted to their doctoral programs in Psychology. A PhD in Psychology provides you the credentials to join or start your own practice in clinical psychology, or pursue academic or practitioner careers in school psychology, health psychology, social psychology and organizational psychology. Jobs in these fields include social work, counseling, teaching, research, human resources, marketing, public health and behavioral science.

It’s important to note that when seeking funding for the duration of your doctoral studies, it is ideal to be accepted to programs offering full funding to all admitted students. When a university indicates that they provide full funding to their PhD students, in most cases this means they provide each admitted doctoral student full tuition and a stipend for living expenses for the four to six-year duration of the student’s doctoral studies. Not all universities provide full funding to their doctoral students, so be sure to research the financial aid offerings of all the potential PhD programs in your academic field, including small and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad. A great place to look for external funding is our  fellowships database , which lists several competitive fellowships for graduate and doctoral study.

Would you like to receive the full list of more than 1000+ fully funded programs in 60 disciplines? Download the FREE Directory of Fully Funded Graduate Programs and Full Funding Awards !

Columbia University, PhD in Psychology (New York, NY): All students accepted to the five-year program receive a fellowship, which supports tuition, health and insurance fees, and an annual stipend through the fifth year, provided that they maintain good academic standing.

Harvard University, PhD in Psychology (Cambridge, MA): All admitted PhD students are provided with fellowship packages with up to 6 years of tuition, 3 years of 10-month support, 4 summers of research fellowships, and the guarantee of a Teaching Fellowship for the 3rd and 4th years. Depending on their advisor’s funds, students may also be supported as a Research Assistant in addition to, or as an alternative to, a Teaching Fellowship.

University of Liverpool, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Liverpool, UK): Available to EU citizens only, the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is a 3-year full-time programme fully funded by the National Health Service (NHS). Trainees are registered postgraduate students in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and employed within Mersey Care NHS Trust.

University of Maryland, PhD in Psychology (College Park, MD): All admitted PhD students are given assistance in the form of a fellowship or graduate assistantship for the first 5 years, which includes tuition remission of up to 10 credits per semester.

New York University (NYU), PhD in Psychology (New York, NY): All admitted PhD students are guaranteed 5 years of funding (4 years for those with a Master’s degree). The award package typically includes a full tuition scholarship, comprehensive health insurance and a stipend.

Northwestern University, PhD in Psychology (Evanston, IL): All admitted PhD students receive full funding, including tuition and a stipend, for 5 academic years and 4 summers.

Rutgers University, PhD in Psychology (Piscataway, NJ): All admitted PhD students are guaranteed 5 years of funding (4 years for those with a Master’s degree), provided they remain in good standing. Financial aid covers tuition and includes a 10-month stipend or salary. Additional summer funding is available through teaching or grant funding.

University of Vermont, PhD in Psychology (Burlington, VT): The Department of Psychological Science attempts to fund all of its eligible full-time graduate students for at least 5 years, and has successfully since the inception of the PhD program in 1965.

Fordham University, PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology (New York, NY): Virtually all students in their doctoral program receive financial support throughout their graduate school career. Financial aid typically includes a full-tuition waiver and a work-related stipend. Assistantships can be research, teaching, administrative support, or some combination of these.

For application tips on applying to a PhD program, see  How To Get Into a Fully Funded PhD Program: Contacting Potential PhD Advisors .

To learn about other opportunities to fund graduate, doctoral and postdoctoral studies, sign up to view our fellowships database , which lists more than 1300 funded fellowship programs.

© Victoria Johnson 2020, all rights reserved.

Related Posts:

• Fully Funded PhD Programs in School Psychology
• Fully Funded Master's Programs in Psychology
• Fully Funded Master's Programs in School Psychology
• Fully Funded PhD Programs in the United Kingdom
• Fully Funded PhD Programs in Clinical Psychology

Doctoral Fellowships , Fully Funded PhD Programs , PhD Funding , PhD in Psychology

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PhD fees and funding

Tuition fees

Alumni discounts

Phd funding.

The University allocates around 150 entry awards each year in PhD studentships and bursaries, so there are many ways to access PhD funding. A studentship is usually a package that provides full funding for tuition fees and living costs. Information about studentships relevant for those wishing to study in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences can be found below.

Magdalen Vernon PhD studentship

The School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences offers a fully funded PhD studentship in a research project aligned with our research. The studentship is named in honour of Professor Magdalen Vernon (1901–1991), who was the first female Head of the then Department of Psychology at Reading. This four-year graduate teaching assistantship covers fees at the Home or International rate, and a maintenance stipend towards living expenses.  Please note, that although two studentships are available, due to the nature of funding available only one will cover fees at the International rate. For more information, please email [email protected] Find out more about the Magdalen Vernon PhD studentship.

South East Doctoral Training Arc

Other available studentships for phd study.

The University's Doctoral and Researcher College School holds further information about studentships and other funding available for both UK and International PhD applicants. We suggest that international students also consider funding sources in their own country to increase their chances of securing finance.

Doctoral loans

Alternative funding sources

Supplement your income

Take the next step.

• How to apply
• Get a prospectus
• Ask us a question
• Learn about the Doctoral and Researcher College

School of Psychological Science

Scholarships for phd and msc by research applicants, further information.

• Postgraduate master's loan
• Postgraduate Master's Loans - A Complete Guide
• Funding for postgraduate study

General application process

• Make contact with a  potential supervisor or supervisors  to gain their support in the application.
• If you do not have funding, you can be considered for scholarship opportunities
• Self-funded students currently receive £600 pa for research costs, and the School Research Committee will contribute towards the costs of presenting your research at conferences.
• Your nominated supervisor(s) and Director of Postgraduate Research Studies assess your online application. The assessment process is likely to include an interview.
• If successful, you will receive an offer letter from the Faculty of Life Sciences. This is not an offer of a scholarship.
• If you applied for a scholarship - and are eligible - you will be included in the selection process along with other candidates. We will notify you of the outcome.

Previous scholarship opportunities

Looking for 'not' where there isn't one: development of counterfactual language in young children

Application Deadline: 28 th April 2022

Primary Supervisor: Dr Nina Kazanina

About the Project

Understanding how children develop understanding of complex language is important for the study of both typical and atypical development. We focus on a class of linguistic expressions such as "I wish John came yesterday" for which the surface form is misleading: whereas the sentence states "John came yesterday", the real meaning is "John did not come yesterday, which I regret”. One could describe such expressions as having a hidden negation in them, or counterfactual. The project explores when and how children learn which expressions have a hidden negation component and whether this process is influenced by their cognitive control and theory-of-mind development.

Please use the link provided on this page to apply online:  PhD Psychology | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol

When making your application, please indicate the supervisor name and the project title on the form. Ensure you provide all supporting documents as per the programme admissions statement.

An upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in psychology or a related discipline is required for entry to this programme. English language requirements: please refer to the entry requirements as detailed on the postgraduate prospectus.

Funding Notes

This studentship is funded by the University of Bristol Studentship scheme

To be eligible to apply, you must be an international (non-UK) student

The studentship is for 4 years

Tuition and bench fees are included

The studentship includes a stipend of £15,609 per year to support living costs

Kazanina, N., Baker, S., & Seddon, H. (2020). Actuality bias in verb learning: The case of sublexically modal transfer verbs. Linguistics, 58(5), 1413-1446.

Rouvoli, L., Tsakali, V., & Kazanina, N. (2019). If they had been more transparent, the child would have discovered them more easily: How counterfactuals develop. In Proceedings of the 43rd Boston University Conference on Language Development, ed. Megan M. Brown and Brady Dailey (Vol. 549, p. 560).

Be still, my churning stomach: Exploring supplement interventions on the gut-brain axis to help NHS workers overcome daily disgust

Supervisor: Dr Edwin Dalmaijer

Disgust is a potent emotion that cleaners, nurses, and many others face every day. While disgust typically does not habituate (or only very limitedly), recent work suggests it can be overcome by a combination of disgust exposure and a drug that normalises gastric rhythm. This project will investigate the physiological response of stomach and brain using electrogastrography and electroencephalography while participants experience disgust on and off this drug. It will then test whether brief courses of domperidone (dopamine antagonist), tryptophan (serotonin precursor), or ginger (serotonin agonist) can inspire long-term disgust reductions for NHS staff.

This project offers hands-on experience with eye tracking, physiological recordings of the brain and the gut, psychopharmacology, and translation of basic science into a societally relevant application. The ideal candidate has an affinity for cognitive and affective science, interoception, and gut-brain interactions. Experience with programming (particularly in Python) is a plus, but not a requirement.

An upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in psychology or a related discipline is required for entry to this programme. For English language requirements, please refer to the entry requirements as detailed on the postgraduate prospectus.

'- Dalmaijer, E.S., Lee, A., Leiter, R., Brown, Z., & Armstrong, T. (2021). Forever yuck: Oculomotor avoidance of disgusting stimuli resists habituation. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 150(8), p. 1598–1611. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0001006

- Nord*, C.L., Dalmaijer*, E.S., Armstrong, T., Baker, K., & Dalgleish, T. (2021). A causal role for gastric rhythm in human disgust avoidance. Current Biology, 31(3), p. 629-634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.087

Developing a smartphone-based tool to assess and provide personalised normative feedback on portion size – the key to successful clinical intervention for the treatment of obesity?

Application Deadline: 28th April 2022

Primary Supervisor: Dr Dani Ferriday

A longstanding technical problem in human dietary research has been assessing amount of food consumed. Laboratory measured portion size is highly accurate but cannot be applied on a population basis and lacks ecological validity. By contrast, self-report diet diaries can be applied across a population but it is difficult to extract precise portion size estimates. This PhD project will validate a smartphone-based portion size assessment tool with a novel 'live feedback' feature (participants will be informed how their portion compares with population norms). This project will be supervised by Dr Dani Ferriday with co-supervision from Dr Laura Johnson, Professor Julian Hamilton-Shield (second supervisor), and Professor Jeff Brunstrom. Dr Laura Johnson (Director of Research at NatCen Social Research) will host a three-month placement to analyse population normative data in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey dataset. Professor Julian Hamilton Shield (second supervisor) will provide access to the Care of Childhood Obesity Clinic in Bristol to trial the tool in a clinical context. Professor Jeff Brunstrom has technical expertise in programming and the development of online psychophysical tools.

Goal maintenance and inhibition in atypical development

Primary Supervisor: Prof Christopher Jarrold

Controlled behaviour requires us to maintain our goals in mind while inhibiting inappropriate actions prompted by the environment. These ‘executive functions’ are widely studied in human psychology and child development, and may develop atypically in a number of conditions such as autism and Down syndrome. However, few studies manipulate goal maintenance and inhibitory demands within a single task, raising concerns about the reliability of previous work in this area . In this project you will develop novel ways of measuring executive function that systematically combine maintenance and inhibitory demands and that can be applied to a range of developmental conditions.

Keywords: Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology

Please use the link provided on this page to apply online:   PhD Psychology | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol

Jarrold, C., Wang, T., & Li, K. (2021). A novel approach to measuring the developmental interactions between working memory and inhibitory control in young cChildren. PsychArchives. https://doi.org/10.23668/psycharchives.4588

Smith, E., Hedge, C., & Jarrold, C. (2019). A novel framework to measure executive function in Down Syndrome with applications for early clinical diagnosis of dementia. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 124, 354-373. doi:10.1352/1944-7558-124.4.354

How does becoming a new parent affect our wellbeing?

Primary Supervisor: Prof Claire Haworth

Little is understood about how parenthood impacts positive aspects of our wellbeing, such as life satisfaction and meaning in life. This project will explore 1) how parenting perturbs our basic psychological needs of competence, relatedness and autonomy; 2) how parenting may have different impacts on hedonic versus eudaimonic aspects of our wellbeing; and 3) how genetic and environmental predictors can be used to explore resilience to the transition to parenthood. The project will use data on 1000s of young adults available in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, with the opportunity for further data collection in other samples.

Keywords: Health Psychology, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Nelson, S. K., Kushlev, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). The pains and pleasures of parenting: When, why, and how is parenthood associated with more or less well-being? Psychological Bulletin, 140, 846-895.

Technology, Democracy, and Cognition

Primary Supervisor: Prof Stephan Lewandowsky

Democracy is at risk around the world. The reasons for this decline are complex, but the role of misinformation, spread via social media, cannot be ignored. Social media has been linked to increasing polarization and other outcomes that are detrimental to democracy, but it has also been heralded as “liberation technology”. This paradox—that the internet is both saviour and executioner of democracy—can be understood by through the lens of cognitive science and analyzing the pressure points between human cognition and online technology. This project involves a systematic exploration of those pressure points.

Kozyreva, A.; Lewandowsky, S. & Hertwig, R.

Citizens Versus the Internet: Confronting Digital Challenges With Cognitive Tools

Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 2020, 21, 103-156

Lewandowsky, S. & Pomerantsev, P.

Technology and democracy: a paradox wrapped in a contradiction inside an irony

Memory, Mind & Media, 2022, 1

The company one keeps: Understanding social context effects in 'other-race' face recognition

Primary Supervisor: Dr Susanne Quadflieg

The so-called ‘other-race’ effect in face perception is one of the best replicated phenomena in psychology. Though well known to generalize across populations and research paradigms, little is known about the effect’s real-world prevalence and context-dependency. It remains particularly unclear how getting to know strangers in social situations (e.g., accompanied by same-race or cross-race friends) modulates our ability to remember their faces. Drawing on contemporary models of motivated perception and relational impression formation, the current project therefore aims to scrutinize how recognizing others depends on the social circumstances of our first encounter with them. The project will rely on experimental techniques from behavioural science in order to clarify how social context can benefit (or hinder) facial recognition. It may, for example, involve quantitative studies that expose adult perceivers to different types of relationship photographs as commonly found on social media platforms (e.g., on Instagram) in order to investigate how viewers’ memories for other people’s faces depends on the photographs’ racial diversity. The project is ideal for a person who is interested in receiving advanced training in experimental and social psychology. The successful applicant will be based at the School of Psychological Science at the University of Bristol and train under the primary supervision of Dr. Susanne Quadflieg.

Keywords: Social Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology

The neural substrates of executive function development during the first 2.5 years of life

Primary Supervisor: Dr Karla Holmboe

Executive functions are a set of core cognitive skills that allow us to control our behaviour and make adaptive decisions in everyday life. Given the importance of such skills, it is perhaps not surprising that executive functions in early childhood are key predictors of children’s academic success and socio-emotional wellbeing. In the past, executive functions were considered too complex to be meaningful and measurable in infancy and toddlerhood. However, recent work from my lab has demonstrated that with appropriate tasks we can in fact measure executive functions much earlier than previously thought. In this fully funded PhD, you will use a neuroimaging method called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate the neural substrates of executive functions as they emerge during infancy and toddlerhood. You will have the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Holmboe and her team on a new longitudinal study of 200 infants who will be assessed across four time points using a full battery of executive function tasks alongside eye-tracking and neuroimaging measures. Full training in running fNIRS test sessions with infants and in analysing fNIRS data will be provided. If you are interested in applying for this studentship, please contact Dr. Karla Holmboe at [email protected]

Impact of maternal and paternal mental health on infant executive function development

Maternal depression has a major negative influence on children’s cognitive and emotional development. However, due to limited research in infancy, it is still unclear how and when such impacts emerge and whether they are specific to maternal mental health. Furthermore, previous research has looked extensively at associations with child temperament and later socio-emotional and cognitive outcomes (Fiske et al., 2021; Rigato et al., 2020; Kingston & Tough, 2014), however, relatively little is known about how parental mental health impacts cognitive development during the first 2 years of life. This collaborative project will investigate the impact of parental mental health (anxiety and depression) on infant executive functions, a set of key regulatory skills which include inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility. The early development of these skills is key because executive functions have been shown to be predictive of later academic, social and health outcomes. The project will be jointly supervised by Dr. Karla Holmboe at the University of Bristol and Prof. Ron Rapee at Macquarie University in Sydney, and the student will spend 2 years at each university. Dr. Holmboe specialises in early executive function development and Prof. Rapee specialises in childhood mental health. If you are interested in applying for this position, please in the first instance contact Dr. Holmboe at [email protected].

UoB supervisor: Dr Karla Holmboe ( [email protected] )

MQU supervisor: Professor Ron Rapee ( [email protected] )

Please note that this PhD studentship is fully funded for home fees and stipend at UKRI rate

When making your application, please use the programme title Psychology (PhD) (Macquarie), indicate the supervisor name and the project title on the form. Ensure you provide all supporting documents as per the programme admissions statement.

Application deadline 29th April 2022.

When spelling goes wrong, what does the way we fix it tell us: Exploring the architecture of spelling through interventions

In English words, relationships between letters and sounds are not always regular (e.g., yacht). Even so, knowledge of regular relationships between letters and sounds can influence how successfully people learn to spell “irregular words” – in other words, sub-lexical knowledge can influence orthographic (written) and phonological (spoken) lexical knowledge. The precision and quality of lexical knowledge is also influenced by the way it is taught (for example, writing a word or sounding it out to create a ‘spelling pronunciation’ can lead to better orthographic learning than just seeing and hearing a word). We are interested in exploring what happens to lexical knowledge when people are exposed to competing orthographic and phonological lexical representations and/or competing phoneme-to-grapheme conversions (e.g., when there are two possible spellings for a sound in English, or when bilingual speakers learn competing phoneme-to-grapheme conversions), and what this might tell us about the architecture of our reading and spelling system. This project will investigate interventions with typical and atypical children (and adults) to examine how we acquire and integrate lexical and non-lexical orthographic representations and processes. The funding will enable the student to spend the first two years of the project at the University of Bristol and years 3 and 4 at Macquarie University. If you are interested in applying for this position, please in the first instance contact Dr Polly Barr ([email protected]).

UoB supervisors: Dr Polly Barr ( [email protected] ) & Professor Markus Damian ( [email protected] )

MQ supervisors: Dr Saskia Kohnen ( [email protected] ) & Dr Danielle Colenbrander ( [email protected] )

Application deadline 29th April 2022

Cognitive control of behaviour in neurodivergent populations

This project will apply new experimental methods to the study of cognitive control of behaviour among children with one or more neurodevelopmental conditions. A better understanding of the profile of strengths and weaknesses in this area will inform ways of supporting individuals’ ability to inhibit inappropriate actions and to act in line with their internal goals. Both Prof. Jarrold (University of Bristol) and Assoc. Prof. Porter (Macquarie University, Sydney) have experience of working with neurodivergent populations including autism, Down syndrome, and Williams syndrome. In this project you will benefit from their collective experience but also shape the precise research questions being asked. The funding will enable the student to spend the first two years of the project at the University of Bristol and years 3 and 4 at Macquarie University.

UoB supervisor: Professor Chris Jarrold ( [email protected] )

MQ supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Melanie Porter ( [email protected] )

Decolonising the Psychology Research Methods Curriculum: Cotutelle PhD Studentship (University of Bristol, UK, and Macquarie University, Australia)

This PhD studentship will explore, develop, and test strategies for approaching decolonisation in the psychology research methods curriculum. It will provide four years’ funding (tuition fees plus stipend) for a home (UK), EU or international student to design, undertake and disseminate a programme of research that will have impact on psychology research methods pedagogy in the UK and internationally. Members of historically under-represented, ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse populations are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will spend the first half of their studentship at the University of Bristol (UK), and the second half at Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia). 

The successful candidate will have:

- A first or strong upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in psychology or a related discipline.

- A demonstrated interest in at least one of the following: (a) decolonisation in higher education; (b) psychology research methods pedagogy; (c) programming web applications.

- Extensive knowledge of psychological research methods.

- Strong computational skills, ideally with some experience of programming.

This studentship presents an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful positive contribution to the future of psychology education, whilst simultaneously developing a broad range of research skills. Given the subject matter of the studentship, it is also anticipated that the successful candidate will become involved in a range of teaching and learning activities at both institutions and have a strong commitment to building international collaborations and networks.

In your one-page personal statement, in addition to demonstrating how you are ready to study at a doctoral level, please ensure that you clearly describe and illustrate the knowledge, skills, experiences and personal characteristics that make you a good fit for this specific studentship. In your 250-word research statement please sketch out a programme of research that would address the aims of this project, as outlined above. However, please understand that the actual nature of the project will be shaped in consultation with the project supervisors and other stakeholders during the early months of the studentship.

The deadline for applications is 20 May 2022. Shortlisting will take place in the final week of May, followed shortly thereafter by interviews (which will be conducted online). It is anticipated that the successful candidate will begin their studentship in Bristol in September 2022.

Apply online at: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2022/life-sciences/phd-psychology-/

When making your application, use the programme title Psychology (PhD) (Macquarie), indicate Dr Peter Allen as supervisor and include the project title on the form. Please ensure you supply all supporting documents to your application as specified in the admissions statement.

For any queries, please contact Dr Peter Allen at [email protected]

Supervisors :

Primary: Prof Stephan Lewandowsky

Secondary: Prof Adam Finn, Dr Emma Anderson, Dr Harriet Fisher

You have the opportunity to

• complete a PhD at an internationally renowned research university
• take part in a contemporary project with high practical relevance
• work in a large collaborative team dedicated to top-tier research and fostering a positive atmosphere
• partake in career development, including mentoring, feedback, and (international) conferences
• develop broad skills through professional engagement and teaching experience

Full Project Detail:

The project is called JITSUVAX. It is funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme and addresses vaccine hesitancy—the delay or refusal of vaccination without medical indication. Hesitancy has been cited as a serious threat to global health by the World Health Organization (WHO), identifying misinformation on the internet as a contributing factor. JITSUVAX leverages those insights to turn toxic misinformation into a potential asset based on two premises: 1. The best way to acquire knowledge and to combat misperceptions is by employing misinformation as a teaching tool, 2. HCPs (health care professionals) form the critical link between vaccination policies and vaccine uptake.

The principal objective of JITSUVAX is to leverage misinformation about vaccinations into an opportunity by training HCPs to neutralize misinformation among HCPs and enabling them to communicate more effectively with patients. The findings from JITSUVAX will be disseminated with the aid of collaborators within WHO and UNICEF to leverage new knowledge for global impact.

The PhD student will be based in Bristol and will conduct laboratory research locally or online. The research will involve a mix of quantitative and qualitative behavioural methods. The project involves additional nodes in Cambridge, France, Finland, Germany, and Portugal with the PhD student potentially spending time at other nodes as the project requires.

Find out more:  https://sks.to/c19vax  &  h ttps://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2021/february/vaccine-hesitancy.html

Entry requirements:  Applicants need a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology or related discipline (e.g., cognitive science).

Funding information: The studentship provides a stipend at the standard rate (approximately £15,000 per annum) for the duration of the studentship (3 years) plus tuition fees at the UK rate.

Contact details for informal enquiries:  [email protected]

How to apply:   http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/ .

About the Project:  A 3 x year fully funded (stipend and fees) EPSRC PhD studentship for UK/EU students (Conditions may apply to non-UK students) in the area of Relationship Science.

In contemporary societies such as the UK, young adults increasingly report feelings of social isolation, with feelings particularly high in ardent social media users. The current project therefore aims to adopt an experimental approach to scrutinize the psychological impact of social media use. Drawing on contemporary models of social impression formation and attachment theory, in particular, it aims to investigate how high (vs. low) exposure to overly positive relationship displays as common on social media affects young adults’ own relationship ideals, satisfaction, and investment.

The project will use behavioural science experimental techniques to clarify how social media can benefit (or hinder) close relationship formation and maintenance. For more details, please discuss with the project lead.

Background:  The studentship is based in the lab of Dr Susanne Quadflieg, in collaboration with Dr Angela Rowe, based at the School of Psychological Science at the University of Bristol, UK. In the 2014 REF, it was one of the UK's top ten universities for its research in psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience. The supervisory team has an international reputation for their work in social psychology.

The person:  The project is ideal for a person who is interested in receiving advanced training in experimental and social psychology. The person would ideally have an undergraduate or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (Psychology or Computer Science). Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this work, applicants with a different scientific background but a strong interest in the topic will also be considered. Prior experience with statistical computing software (e.g., SPSS, R), behavioural presentation software (e.g., PsychoPy), and/or image processing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop) would be desirable.

Further details and contact:  Standard EPSRC eligibility rules apply. The post will ideally start in July 2021, but is flexible. This advert will remain open until a suitable candidate is recruited with shortlisting at the end of each month. For informal enquires about this post email:  [email protected]

Funding Notes:  Please make an online application for this project at  http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply . Please select < PhD Experimental Psychology>  on the Programme Choice page. You will be prompted to enter details of this EPSRC-studentship in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form. Please ensure that in this section you write “I would like to be considered for the EPSRC funding award in the School of Psychological Science” and specify the name of the supervisor: Susanne Quadflieg.

Microsoft Funded PhD: Using AI to develop joint attention in blind children

Application information : We are seeking a person with an interest in employing human-computer interaction methodologies to evaluate new AI technologies and their impact on children over time. The ideal person would have an undergraduate or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Computer Science, Psychology or Social Science and would be interested in both quantitative and qualitative methods. Strong background in design and evaluation, experience working with children, disability, or minority population as well as demonstrated capability for research (e.g. through publication) are particularly desirable.

Funding : The post must start by September/October 2020 and will be funded over 4 years. The award covers an enhanced EPSRC stipend, home-based student fees and a substantial budget for consumables, travel and subsistence. The person will also have an opportunity to intern at Microsoft Research.

Eligibility:  Standard EPSRC eligibility rules apply: Normally, to be eligible for a full award a student must have no restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the studentship (with some further constraint regarding residence for education). There is limited flexibility of universities to include EU students and international.  

Applicants are encouraged to contact us as soon as possible. For further details or to discuss this contact  Dr Oussama Metatla  including a full CV and any relevant details.

  The Chinese Scholarship Council-University of Bristol Joint Scholarship Scheme

Forty (40) fully-funded PhD scholarships for up to 48 months of research at the University of Bristol.

Eligibility: Chinese students already studying in the UK (or other countries). Chinese students attending their home universities.

Candidates  apply directly to Bristol  

Deadline : Midday (UK time) on 25 January 2021.

University of Bristol Alumni Scholarship Scheme

A  10% discount on postgraduate tuition fees  for University of Bristol graduates.

Students must start the programme within 10 years of graduation and be progressing from the final year of an undergraduate programme or taught masters programme. Eligible programmes include PhD and MSc by Research.

A University of Bristol-Macquarie University Cotutelle PhD Scholarship Programme

Funded PhD opportunity at the University of Bristol

Area: Optimised acquisition and coding for future immersive formats Funder: EPSRC/BBC R&D iCASE award: Supervisor: Professor David Bull, Professor Iain Gilchrist Funding: EPSRC iCASE award with BBC Research and Development

For further information about this studentship, please contact:

[email protected]

Trust, identity, privacy and security in large-scale infrastructures (TIPS-at-scale)

Computational Statistics and Data Science – COMPASS

Fully funded PhD studentships in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Fully funded PhD studentship in Digital Health and Social Care

• School of Psychology
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Scholarships

Find out about funding opportunities for students starting a PhD in psychology.

Research council studentships

Each year, we expect to be able to fund PhD students with funding from one or more of the research councils listed below:

• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
• Economic and Social Research Council
• Medical Research Council

Tuition fees are paid at the standard UK rate, and a stipend to cover living expenses is provided over three or four years at the research council's standard rate.

Students from outside the UK may also apply for a research council studentship, but they will need to demonstrate that they have funding to cover the difference in tuition fees.

White Rose ESRC DTP Open Competition Scolarship

The White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP), accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), is a collaboration across the social sciences at the Universities of Sheffield, Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Manchester Metropolitan, Sheffield Hallam and York.

Subject to confirmation of ESRC funding, the following scholarships will be available for doctoral research students commencing their studies in October 2024.

WRDTP Pathway Awards (including the Interdisciplinary Research Awards and the WRDTP/Stuart Hall Foundation Awards for Black British students) WRDTP Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) Awards WRDTP Advanced Data Analytics (ADA) Awards

These awards are available on a +3.5, +3.75 or 1+3.5 basis, and can be held full-time or part-time. Further information about each of these award schemes can be found on the  WRDTP website , including assessment criteria which should be carefully consulted. Please direct queries to:  [email protected]

The deadline for PhD applications in the School of Psychology is  Tuesday 9 January 2024 .  The final deadline for the scholarship application is 24 January 2024 at 17:00 (GMT) but please note that a PhD offer must be secured in advance of your scholarship submission.

University of Sheffield Research Scholarship

Applications are now open for the University of Sheffield scholarships. 

All faculties are accepting applications for the  University of Sheffield University of Sheffield Research Scholarships for Black or Black British (of African or Caribbean heritage), Asian or Asian British (of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian heritage) or multiple ethnic backgrounds including one of the ethnicity groups listed above. 

The University of Sheffield is committed to increasing opportunities in doctoral research for particular minoritised students who are currently under-represented in our postgraduate research student population.

For 2024 entry, the Faculty of Science are delighted to offer four   fully-funded University of Sheffield Research Scholarships for students who are UK National, classified as ‘Home’ for tuition fee purposes and identify as Black or Black British (of African or Caribbean heritage), Asian or Asian British (of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian heritage) or are of multiple ethnic backgrounds including one of the ethnicity groups listed above.

Candidates will be required to complete a  declaration form  and upload it to their application.

Candidates will be required to demonstrate that they meet the same eligibility criteria as for any other applicant to their chosen department.

Applicants to the Faculty of Science must ensure that they complete the additional 'Scholarship Application' section of the Postgraduate Online Application Form. The deadline is 5pm GMT on 24 January 2024 . Please note that a PhD place must be secured in advance of your scholarship submission.

Other scholarships from the University of Sheffield and external sources are available for new PhD students to help cover tuition fees and sometimes living expenses.

Find out more

Related information

PhD opportunites

Search for PhD opportunities at Sheffield and be part of our world-leading research.

We have 14 Clinical Psychology (funded) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

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Clinical Psychology (funded) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

Self- funded phd- early executive function development, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Early Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis Using Deep Learning Retinal Image Analysis PhD

Understanding eating disorders in autistic people, people with adhd, and gender diverse people in wales, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Psychosocial and cognitive predictors of long-term outcome of stroke survivors and their carers

Exploring the multifaceted impact of technology on eating disorders (ref: sf24/hls/psy/branleybell), carer and family involvement in decision making around medicines use within virtual ward settings, shared decision making and psychosis – whose voice counts in the conversations about stopping or reducing antipsychotic medication, ethical leadership as a protective factor for doping, the dance culture and its impact on the dancer, understanding the factors that influence psychosocial functioning in older people with bipolar disorder, virtual reality (or mobile app) as a tool for loneliness and wellbeing, consumer dependency on chatgpt and its impact on their wellbeing, understanding how therapy works for the eating disorders, body image treatment: the role of mirror exposure in reducing eating pathology.

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Available funded PhD studentships

Details of currently funded PhD scholarships open for applications.

Project:  Understanding eating disorders in autistic people, people with ADHD, and gender diverse people in Wales at Cardiff University on FindAPhD.com Supervisor(s):  Kai Thomas and Catherine Jones Start date:  1 October 2024 Closing date for applications:  22 August 2024 Funders:  School Funded

How to apply

To apply for any of the funded PhD studentships, please visit our main PhD page.

School of Psychology

We provide outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate teaching informed by our leading research in psychology and neuroscience.

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Funded research opportunities

Applications are invited for a range of funded research studentships and awards. Studentships cover tuition fees and an annual stipend. They will be advertised here as and when they become available. Please check back regularly.

Available funding

Sleep health after sustaining serious physical combat injuries and the impact on mental/physical health: An analysis on the ADVANCE study cohort

We are looking for a PhD candidate who is interested in investigating the relationship between physical health, mental health and sleep by analysing complex, cross-sectional and longitudinal data in the context of serious physical injuries sustained by UK Armed Forces personnel in combat. Learn more about this ADVANCE study funding opportunity.

We regularly advertise details of available studentships here and on  findaphd.com.  Keep an eye on this page to find out what's new. You may also want to take a look at the Centre for Doctoral Studies Funding Database .

Application process for studentships

Applying for a studentship follows a different process than applying for a PhD or MD(Res) course. Therefore please read the advert carefully to ensure you apply to the correct department and with correct funding code.

It is likely that you will have to make an online application but the project approval form may have already been completed by the supervisors. If this is the case, then if successful, all you will need to do is to sign the project approval form, to confirm you are happy with the project. Otherwise, you will work with the supervisors to complete the project form.

A project approval form has to be completed in all cases as the project has to be approved as suitable for a PhD and feasible in the time allowed. 

Should you have any queries about the PhD studentship application process, please contact the Postgraduate Research Administrator by emailing [email protected] .

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7 fully funded PhD (3-year) posts available in the School of Psychology

The Projects:

We are currently recruiting 7 PhD candidates to join the the School of Psychology at the University of Nottingham. The successful candidates will work on one of the following projects:

• Understanding the relationship between working memory and associative learning . Project supervisor - Mark Haselgrove , [email protected]
• International determinants of gambling related harm . Project supervisor - Richard James , [email protected]
• Improving the reproducibility of brain stimulation and brain connectivity through collaboration . Project supervisor - Nicholas Holmes , [email protected]
• An uncontroversial cancel culture: Cancelling aware and unaware errors . Project supervisor - Jan Derrfuss , [email protected]
• The role of brain oscillations in bilingual language processing: insights from tACS and EEG . Project supervisor - Walter van Heuven , [email protected]
• Understanding social connections between autistic and non-autistic people . Project supervisor - Lauren Marsh , [email protected]
• The world is an unjust place: The impact of personal adversity on belief in conspiracy theories . Project supervisor - Daniel Jolley, [email protected]
• A shared representation for action and perception . Project supervisor - Debbie Serrien , [email protected]
• A brain-based approach to identifying and treating cerebral visual impairment in children . Project supervisor - Denis Schluppeck , [email protected]
• Rejection sensitivity as a mechanism for social disability in autism . Project supervisor - Lizzy Sheppard , [email protected]

The Environment:

Nottingham is ideally situated in the middle of England and has excellent transport links, being served by a major train station and with multiple airports close by. It has a large and diverse student population and a vibrant social scene, with plenty of fine drinking and eating establishments to suit every taste. The East Midlands is one of the most affordable areas to live in the UK and Nottingham University is situated on a beautiful, leafy campus with easy access to the city (15 minute tram ride).

The School of Psychology is one of the largest and most active research communities in the UK. Staff have a broad range of expertise and access to excellent research facilities and infrastructure. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework exercise (REF 2021) we were ranked 8 th in the UK for research power. Our University is a supportive, inclusive caring community. We warmly welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on our campus.

The Details:

The studentships are funded by the Faculty of Science and will provide a stipend to cover living costs (approximately £15,875) and cover Home University fees (estimated at £4,496) for the duration of the project and thesis writing (36 months). Please note the level of support will not cover international fees (around £25,000 a year). Candidates are encouraged to contact the lead supervisor of the project they are interested in before making an application.

The anticipated start date is from 1st October 2022 at the earliest.

Requirements:

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) and either hold, or have a pending award, of a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Physiology, Mathematics or a related discipline.

Informal enquiries can be directed to the appropriate project supervisors listed above.

How to apply:

All applications are to be made directly to the University, selecting PhD Psychology (36 months duration) as the course. Please apply at:

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx .

In the research proposal section please only include “7 fully funded PhD posts in Psychology” in the title. You are required to upload the following documents to your application:

• Personal statement (maximum 1 page) about why you are interested in pursuing a PhD in psychology, any relevant research experience and brief details on what project(s) you are interested in and why.
• Either two references (in a non-editable format such as pdf, on headed paper and signed by the referee) or the details (email addresses) of two referees that we can contact. One of the references must be academic.

If you have any questions about the application process through MyNottingham, please contact  [email protected]  for further advice.

Deadline:  15 th July 2022

School of Psychology

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For all enquires please visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/enquire

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