Psychology PhD / MSc (Res)

Benefit from unparalleled research opportunities across a wide range of psychological themes, with strong partnerships connecting you to leading institutions, hospitals, schools, industry, and government both locally and globally. Expand your horizons and make an impact!

Course structure

• Innovative Research Hubs - Engage in cutting-edge research at the Centre for Human Brain Health, Centre for Developmental Science, and Institute for Mental Health.
• Global Seminars - Attend inspiring lectures by world-renowned researchers, with chances to present your own work.
• International Experience - Study abroad in exciting such as Paris, Berlin, and Copenhagen through the Turing Scheme.
• Collaborative Network - Partner with local schools, nurseries, and various university departments for interdisciplinary projects.
• Industrial Connection - Collaborate with leading industrial companies and local/national government departments to bridge theory and practice.
• Diverse studentship support - access support from range of doctoral training centres, e.g., MRC-AIM, BBSRC-MIBTP, ESRC-MGS, CENTRE-UB.

On completion of the programme, you are expected to have an in-depth knowledge of your field of research and have made a contribution in a scholarly way.

• Dynamic Research Opportunities - Engage in cutting-edge research with strong ties to local hospitals and clinics, enhancing real-world impact.
• Expert Guidance: Thrive with top-tier supervision, empowering you to grow into an independent, innovative researcher.
• Vibrant, Inclusive Community: Join a dynamic network that celebrates your unique talents and helps you shine.
• Limitless Career Opportunities: Unlock a wealth of support and opportunities to propel your career to new heights.

If you want to pursue your own research project, you can apply to our research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded although scholarships are available.

Find a supervisor

If you’d rather propose your own research, the first step is to find your supervisor. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.

When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the PhD programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.

Find an Advertised PhD

Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.

Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH)

We are a leading brain research facility with the mission of understanding the fundamental mechanisms of the human brain and advancing clinical applications. We house cutting-edge brain imaging, brain stimulation, and sleep research facilities and comprises a vibrant interdisciplinary neuroscientific community. 

Institutre for Mental Health (IMH)

We are a large, internationally recognised, interdisciplinary research institute which focuses on developing interventions, understanding causes, and prevention, in mental ill health. We have established programmes of work in youth mental health, psychosis and schizophrenia, suicide and self-harm, and mood disorders and work across a range of research methods from philosophy and ethics, social policy, and co-production to basic neuroscience and neuroimaging, clinical trials, and data science.

Centre for Developmental Science (CDS)

We combine expertise in developmentally sensitive research designs with the best available methods for studying brain, cognition, and behaviour, from infancy to elderly adulthood. We consider "neurodevelopmental conditions" such as autism, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and dyspraxia as lifespan conditions that are as relevant in adolescence and adulthood as they are in childhood. We work with stakeholders in education, neurodiversity, and mental health to translate discoveries in developmental science into advice, policy, and practice.

You should have a good Honours degree in Psychology or a related discipline appropriate to your intended studies. For MSc by Research we require at least a lower second-class Honours degree (2:2).For PhD we require at least an upper second-class Honours degree (2:1) or a Masters qualification.

Research proposal

If you are proposing your own research topic, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.

You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.

If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Careers Network

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.