Postgraduate Degrees

We can supervise PhD and Msc Degrees by research in many areas of psychology. We also offer a Masters in Research Methods (MRes), which is described below. From October 2013 we plan to offer an MSc in Health Psychology that will be Stage 1 accredited by the BPS for the purposes of becoming a Chartered Health Psychologist. We also offer a professional doctorate (PsyD) for Chartered Psychologists without a doctorial qualification. For inquiries about postgraduate degrees please email our administrator Anna Muncaster (Phone +44 148 466154).

The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is taught in the Department of Clinical Psychology, where you can find more information.

Scholarships

A limited number of Scholarships are available to students from outside the UK and EU to study the taught MRes degree. If you are interested in applying, please download and fill out an application form.

From April 2012, a number of PhD studentships on specific topics will be advertised over the coming months. If you are interested in such an opportunity, please look out for the advertisments.

Research Degrees (PhD, MSc, MRes)

Supervision is available in most areas of psychology leading to MSc or PhD by research. Initial inquiries should be made to the member of staff whom you would like to supervise your research. We always welcome students who can fund themselves, and sometimes whole or partial studentships are available. We also offer a MRes with more taught modules and a shorter dissertation.

Research degrees involve conducting an independent programme of research under supervision that contributes to psychological knowledge, and undergoing appropriate research training, which for the PhD and MSc includes taking a 20-credit module in Research Methods and additional modules. Students must pass the research training assessments and submit a dissertation reporting their research, which is examined by two examiners, an external and an internal. The PhD dissertation is up to 100,000 words and the MSc dissertation is shorter at up to 50,000 words. Admission requires at least an upper second degree in psychology or an allied discipline, or equivalent from an overseas institution.

The MRes involves a 30,000 word dissertation and three 20-credit modules in Research Methods, Critical Appraisal Skills and Philosophical Foundations of Psychology, and Career Development and Communication Skills. The degree lasts one year full time, and provides an excellent grounding in the skills required to conduct scientific psychology research. The MRes is open to Psychology graduates with at least a lower second degree; applicants from allied disciplines will also be considered. The MRes can lead to a variety of careers in research and the applied psychologies.

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

This is for Chartered Psychologists and its purpose is to strengthen the academic base of practitioners. Of the same standard as a PhD, it is shorter (two years part-time).

MSc Health Psychology

Planning for this degree is at an early stage, but we intend to make it available for academic year 2013-14. The BPS website gives useful information about careers in Health Psychology.