PhD Psychology

Course summary

• Study in a department which achieved 2 and 3* outputs in the last Research Excellence Framework.
• Undertake research with academic support across most areas of psychology.
• Harness expertise in qualitative and quantitative approaches to your study.

With around 28 PhD students and a thriving research community, this course within the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics offers specialist facilities (including EEg equipment, Eye-trackers, a large cognitive test library, retinal imaging equipment, EPrime, and transcranial stimulation equipment) to help you undertake original research into topics including cognitive neuroscience, health psychology, sports doping, vision and aesthetics and peace discourses.

How you learn

Your supervisory team will include a Director of Studies and one or more second supervisors with expertise and interest in your research area. However, much of the work for your degree will be carried out independently, and you will need the initiative, motivation and commitment to succeed.

Your supervisors help you to define your research programme, agree any associated training requirements, and provide direction while encouraging you to develop as an independent researcher. You're supported by skills training workshops, research projects, student forums integrated by your departmental postgraduate tutor lead.

Future careers

Research degrees are essential qualifications for many academic careers. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills which are applicable to many employment sectors. Our alumni have gone on to take up academic posts at other universities (including Oxford and Cambridge), undergo clinical practitioner training, become certified health psychologists, and to conduct high quality research across the broad area of psychology as postgraduate researchers.

All applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (or expectation of the same). All applicants must submit a completed postgraduate application form including a 1500 word research proposal.