glasgow university phd psychology

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Neuroscience & Psychology PhD

University of glasgow, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, university information, similar courses at this uni, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Neuroscience / Neurobiology Psychology (General)

Course type

We strive to understand the central nervous system at multiple levels of function, from cells to cognition to social interactions. Our approaches range from molecular, cellular and experimental systems to the brain imaging of human behaviour and cognition as well as social level investigations.

Discovering how the central nervous system functions normally and how it is affected by disease and injury present major challenges for biological and medical research in the 21st century. Over the last two decades there has been an explosion of interest in understanding the normal function of the brain illustrated by launching of the Human Brain Project and the Brain Initiative. In parallel the huge burden of neurological and psychiatric disorders on society and the current lack of effective treatments means there is an urgent need to develop new approaches.

The Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology (INP) has an interactive network that comprises four centres of excellence: Neuroscience, Stroke and Brain Imaging, Cognitive Neuroimaging and Social Interaction. Via their interactions, our centres aim to understand brain networks at multiple levels of function, from cells to cognition with a strong emphasis on imaging and computational analyses of each level. Our translational efforts are directed at a range of disorders including pain, stroke, spinal cord injury, neurodevelopmental disorder and schizophrenia.

Our staff and students have access to world-class imaging infrastructure and supporting high-performance computing facilities. This provides strong unifying technological and methodological links across the different centres of the INP, including a state-of-the-art platform of cognitive imaging in humans, a high field small bore animal scanner, dedicated confocal and electron microscopy facilities, as well as cutting edge equipment to measure dynamic social signals.

A PhD programme in Neuroscience and Psychology is based on individual research projects covering an exciting range of topics including:

• non-invasive multimodal brain imaging using fMRI
• dynamics of auditory and visual processing
• functions of brain oscillations
• neuroendocrine effects on social interactions
• neuromodulation via TMS
• spinal cord and brainstem circuits in pain
• molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission and plasticity
• neural control of respiration
• schizophrenia
• spinal cord injury
• rett syndrome
• imaging in acute stroke
• stroke clinical trial and design
• stem cells as treatment for stroke
• experimental stroke
• cortical circuits mediating perception and memory
• circadian rhythms.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.

The University of Glasgow is one of four ancient universities in Scotland, founded back in 1451. Alumni include seven Nobel Prize winners, Scotland’s First Minister and a Prime Minister, while Albert Einstein gave a seminal lecture on the theory of relativity there in 1933. The university consists of four colleges: College of Arts College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences College of Science and Engineering College of... more

Applied Neuropsychology MSc (MedSci)/PgDip

Full time | 1 year | 23-SEP-24

Clinical Neuropsychology MSc (MedSci)/PgDip

Full time | 12 months | 23-SEP-24

Brain Sciences MSc

Neuroscience & psychology md.

Full time | 2 years | 23-SEP-24

Clinical Neuropsychology Knowledge & Practice MSc (MedSci)

Forensic Psychology

Apply existing analytical and evaluation skills to forensic psychology. Progress to a career in the public/private and third sectors, working in the courts, law enforcement, prisons, hospitals, mental health or social work.

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Accredited by the British Psychological Society and designed for graduates with a psychology degree, the MSc Forensic Psychology degree from GCU is your next step towards chartered status and membership in the Division of Forensic Psychology.

This degree draws on expertise within academia and GCU’s strong link with active practitioners to support you through the stage one process – including gaining an understanding in psychological, forensic, criminal and legal issues that will inform and influence your future career.

You’ll learn to adopt an independent, analytical and evaluative approach to forensic psychology – and become a part of our thriving and diverse academic community. Here, you’ll be encouraged to build a future that truly serves the common good, whether you’re helping assess and treat offenders or advising on staff and services development across a wide range of fields.

Graduate prospects

GCU is known for world-class education, with a global reputation and top 5% ranking that will help you compete for a variety of positions in the field of forensic psychology.

You might choose a role in the public sector working in the courts, law enforcement and prisons, hospitals or mental health and social work, or continue your academic career.

What you will study

Course Information

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• Undergraduate study
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What can I expect in first year?

Level-1 is an introductory year taught over two courses (1A and 1B). We have designed the courses to make them suitable for those of you wishing to study psychology in depth, as well as those who simply wish to try it for a year out of interest. We use continuous assessment to some extent and have an excellent pass rate.

Courses in Level-1 currently include:

•    Introduction – scope of psychology

•    Biology – brain, learning and motivation

•    Experimental design and statistics

•    Cognitive neuroscience

•    Memory, language and thinking

•    Perception and visual cognition

•    Abnormal psychology

•    Human development

•    Individual differences

•    Social I – biology and social cognition

•    Social cognition and social interaction.

Apart from attending lectures, you will also have a tutorial each week, and there is a practical element involving a series of experiments that are mostly carried out within a suite of dedicated computer spaces in our well-equipped labs. There are always assistants on hand to help out with these projects.

What can I expect in second year?

Level-2 is also taught over two courses (2A and 2B) and is designed to add new areas of learning as well as taking the topics of Level-1 to a greater depth. It is still suitable, however, for those of you who intend to take psychology no further. There is no single text, but each lecturer will recommend appropriate reading material.

Current courses include:

•    Applying psychology

•    Cognitive psychology

•    Developmental psychology

•    Experimental design

•    Psychobiology

•    Social psychology.

Once again, there are regular tutorials and a practical course where experiments are carried out and reported on.

What happens next?

If you successfully meet our criteria for success in the courses in first and second years, you may progress to Honours (years three and four). Level-3 is the first part of a two-year Honours programme that provides a strong background to important areas within psychology and allows us to build on our research strengths. The first part of your final degree exams will be taken at the end of this year.

The current courses are:

•    Cognition

•    Concepts and historical issues in psychology

•    Professional skills (employability)

•    Social

•    Statistics

•    Physiological psychology.

In small groups you will take tutorials and complete substantial research projects. As individuals you will complete two critical reviews of research literature. Early in the session there is also a residential reading party, which provides an excellent opportunity to meet your fellow students in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere while undertaking interesting activities.

In fourth year your level of choice increases markedly. You will choose from a large list of in-depth, advanced undergraduate strands in psychology.  You will also complete a critical review of research literature in an area of your choosing, and a major piece of research. This research may be lab-based (eg using one of our eye- trackers or specialised computer software) or carried out in the ‘real world’ of organisations, schools or hospitals. The second part of your final degree exams will be taken at the end of this year.

Photo Credit: JD Howell