Psychology - Research

PhD candidates work under the supervision of a Faculty member and are supported by a number of other key programmes and personnel to guide them through the process and achieve their academic and professional objectives. Making a substantial and original contribution to knowledge, normally leading to peer-reviewed publications remains the core objective of doctoral studies.

A PhD typically takes 3 years full-time (9 trimesters) or 6 years part time (18 trimesters) to complete. The examination of the degree of PhD is based on a description of the candidate’s research, written up as a thesis and defended in a viva voce (oral examination).

Candidates may apply for admission to the PhD programme if they have the following:

1. Primary Degree

Candidates must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with upper second-class honours or international equivalent.

- Or a Higher Diploma in Psychology with at least upper second-class honours

We will also consider applicants with at least an upper second-class honours degree in a cognate area that provides appropriate background to their proposed research programme.

2. Graduate Degree
Direct entry to the PhD programme requires candidates to have obtained:

An upper second-class honours in a Master’s degree.

Or at least three years’ experience in a field relevant to your PhD topic.

Without a graduate degree, successful applicants will be first registered to the MLitt research degree with a view to transferring to the PhD programme after one year.

English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 7.0 (no band less than 6.5 in each element), or equivalent.

Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region: Yes

Download the application form.
Submit the application form.

The programme starts for new candidates in September, January, or May of each year. It strongly advised that you submit your final (supervisor endorsed) application about four months prior to your expected start date. The dates that applications are considered can be seen at
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qNs_ObgCFxWKlZ2nagPtDvi3L1NI4qH1/edit

Note: Before making an application to the programme interested candidates must have a proposed supervisor. If you have not identified a proposed supervisor just complete Part A of the form and submit it. Once this step is completed, the Faculty member you have selected will review your form. If the Faculty member wishes to work with you as a potential research student, they will contact you directly and you will both work together on Part B of the form.

If the Faculty member cannot take you on as a potential research student the School will notify you that you have been unsuccessful in obtaining a supervisor. You may then repeat the process choosing another Faculty member

A PhD typically takes 3 years full-time (9 trimesters) or 6 years part time (18 trimesters) to complete.