Psychology PhD

Why choose this course
The School of Psychology is home to over 50 staff researching across the broad spectrum of psychology. We run a thriving mix of courses and have recently hosted over 40 research grants totalling over £4 million from the Economic and Social Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Medical Research Council, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and from EU and UK government departments, among others.

We’re recognised for our original contributions to psychological science, our rigorous use of methodology, and our research’s significance for government policy and everyday life. Research within the School of Psychology addresses the main theme of ‘research across an individual’s life’, and covers a range of areas including cognition, neuroscience, child development, health, the impact of the environment, decision making, food and consumer behaviour and social psychology. Our strong track record in research-based professional training is shown in the strength of our policy-related research in areas such as health, sustainability, forensics and the workplace.

We can supervise research leading to a PhD in many areas of psychology. You’ll be trained in the most advanced and innovative research methods, and prepared to compete in the job market. We’ll give you a solid grounding in research methods, and the skills to communicate your findings.

What you will study
You’ll be assigned two supervisors, who you’ll meet with at least once a month. Your supervisors will guide you through your PhD. They’ll help you discuss your research ideas, develop a research plan, consider your theory and methods and discuss how to analyse your work. Your supervisors will also be able to read and comment on drafts of your work.

In your first year, you’ll complete four compulsory training courses covering quantitative research methods, qualitative research methods, professional academic skills, and teaching and training. The teaching and training course is specifically run for PhD students, and is a good opportunity to get to know your new PhD community. We also run a postgraduate research conference every year, where you’ll be able to present your work and learn about the work of your fellow students.

Your first year will be spent familiarising yourself with the relevant literature, develop a research plan, develop your methodological and analytic skills and complete your first study. You’ll then need to pass a confirmation review between 12 and 15 months into your programme to assess your progress.

Most of your studies will involve data collection, data analysis, completing a detailed literature review and then writing up your thesis for your PhD. Where your studies take place depends entirely on what your thesis is about: some of our students spend most of their time in hospitals or schools collecting data, others use laboratories on campus while others carry out research online.

Research support
The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.

Research themes

• Cognitive neuroscience
• Cognition and creativity
• Social and personality psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Health psychology
• Occupational psychology
• Environmental psychology.