health psychology phd uk

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Health Psychology PhD

Key information, full-time - 4 years, part-time - 8 years.

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Why choose this programme

• Contribute to a rapidly evolving area of practice and research that is becoming increasingly relevant to modern society.
• Benefit from our expertise in qualitative and quantitative methodologies (using subjective measures, objective measures and biological assessments of health).
• Conduct research in our multimillion-pound facilities.
• Upon successful completion of this PhD, gain the Stage 2 requirements needed to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to work with patients as a practitioner psychologist (health psychologist).

A week in the life of a postgraduate research psychology student

What you will study

During your Stage 2 training you will work independently to evidence the five core competencies, including:

• Generic professional
• Psychological interventions
• Consultancy
• Teaching and training.

You will gather evidence of competency in these five core areas for your portfolio.

In your first year you will focus on the design of your PhD and complete four compulsory training courses covering quantitative and qualitative research methods, professional academic skills, and teaching and training. You will also familiarise yourself with relevant literature, create a research plan, develop your methodological and analytic skills, and complete your first study.

You will develop research methods and improve your communication skills to effectively convey your findings. You will collect and analyse data, complete a detailed literature review and then write up your PhD thesis. Depending on your research area, data collection can take place in schools, hospitals, laboratories or online. 

Throughout your registration you will also work on your Stage 2 competencies by applying the knowledge you covered at Stage 1 (your MSc in Health Psychology) alongside working on your PhD. Your PhD will partly fulfil the research competency and may also fulfil some of the other competencies, depending on the research studies. The other competencies will need to be completed with additional studies or the placement.

Examples of research topics

Our current students are researching topics including:

• Factors associate with prostate cancer screening
• Cognitive, emotional and physiological factors implicated in the recovery-from-work process
• Symptom perception and the cross over between physical and mental symptoms
• The role of illness-related rumination in psychological and physical health outcomes in those living with cancer
• Weight bias and weight management.

As part of your training, you’ll complete a work placement, giving you the opportunity to develop your consultancy skills.

You will have a confirmation assessment to formally review your project. If you're a full-time student, this will take place around 12-15 months into your studies or 24-30 months if you’re studying part-time. You’ll be required to submit a written report and successfully complete an oral examination.

Your final assessment for your PhD will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

You will also submit your Stage 2 Health Psychology portfolio to reflect the work completed for the required competencies. This will be completed with the support of  Dr Bridget Dibb  and will be evaluated by an external examiner.

Professional recognition

PhD - British Psychological Society (BPS) Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

PhD - Health and Care Professions Council, the (HCPC) Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as an operating department practitioner.

Teaching methods

You will be taught through a combination of:

• A work placement
• Individual study.

Conferences

Each year we run a postgraduate research conference where you’ll be able to present your work and network with fellow researchers. You can also attend external conferences that are relevant to your area of research.

Careers and graduate prospects

On successful completion of this PhD, you’ll have the Stage 2 requirements needed to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to work as a Health Psychologist. You’ll also have the requirements needed for the Graduate Basis of Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

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.

Progress reviews

In addition to the confirmation process, you’ll have six-monthly progress reviews with your supervisors. These meetings are an opportunity to reflect on your progress, discuss successes and challenges and set targets for the next six months. These reviews will be monitored by postgraduate research directors and recorded on your student record.

You’ll also have one formal meeting with your supervisors every month and can expect to have more frequent meetings between these. The regularity of these will depend on the nature and stage of your project.

Studentships

Quantitative genetics of neurodevelopment.

Research themes

Our  Health Psychology research group  has four broad research areas:

• Chronic conditions including obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease and brain injury
• Health behaviours and behaviours change including eating, exercise and sleep
• Risk appreciation, governance and policy processes including food contaminants and toxicants, smoking, genetic conditions and sexually transmitted diseases
• Health, stress and fatigue including strategies for managing work-life balance and stress as experienced by members of the emergency services.

Our academic staff

For the research component of your PhD, you’ll have two supervisors from the School of Psychology.

For the Stage 2 elements, you’ll be supervised and supported by registered Health Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist,  Dr Bridget Dibb . All your supervisors will give you academic guidance and tuition, help you develop your research ideas and plans, consider your theory and methods, and analyse your work. They will read and comment on your draft work, giving you honest and constructive feedback. They will also provide you with pastoral support and advice, referring you to more specialist services where necessary.

Research group

Research facilities.

Our  psychology facilities  will give you access to the latest equipment, including a six-room virtual reality suite to simulate real-life scenarios, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, where you can perform neuroimaging and observe the brain in action, and two observation laboratories.

With our equipment you can conduct experiments using electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). You'll also be able to monitor eye tracking and physiological measures such as earlobe temperature, heart rate and galvanic skin response, in our laboratories and remotely, using mobile data loggers.

Sophia Quirke-McFarlane

From speaking with graduates, I knew Surrey had great facilities, support systems, and a super friendly and welcoming School of Psychology.

Sarah-Jane Stewart

My research project uses quantitative and qualitative research methods to investigate the construct of weight bias, exploring whether national obesity prevalence rates, personal exposure to obesity and weight normalisation, can predict weight bias, and much more.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an upper second-class (2:1) UK degree (65 per cent or above) in psychology (or a related discipline).

Students must also:

• Be a graduate member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) or hold the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC)
• Hold the BPS Stage 1 Qualification in Health Psychology (e.g. MSc Health Psychology).

International entry requirements by country

English language requirements.

IELTS Academic:  6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6 in each individual category.

These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept. 

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses , designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Application requirements

Applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors before they submit an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our  application guidance .

After registration

Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.

Selection process

Selection is based on applicants:

• Meeting the expected entry requirements
• Being shortlisted through the application screening process
• Completing a successful interview
• Providing suitable references.

Student life

At Surrey we offer the best of both worlds – a friendly campus university, set in beautiful countryside with the convenience and social life of Guildford on your doorstep.

Start date: October 2024

Start date: January 2025

Start date: April 2025

Start date: July 2025

• Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100 (subject to legal requirements).
• Any start date other than September will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).

View the list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.

Additional costs

There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Apply online

If you are applying for a studentship to work on a particular project, please provide details of the project instead of a research proposal.

Read our application guidance for further information on applying.

To apply online first select the course you'd like to apply for then log in.

1. Select your course

Select the course you wish to apply for.

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Code of practice for research degrees

Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.

Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF) .

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures , student regulations , and terms and conditions .

We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:

• First when we make an offer.
• Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).

View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.

This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.

Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.

It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer .

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

University of Surrey Admissions

University of Surrey Guildford Surrey GU2 7XH

Professional Doctorate Health Psychology

Our experienced health psychologists and placement learning will prepare you to become an independent scientist-practitioner in Health Psychology.

• Award DPsych
• Start date January 2025
• Application deadline $value
• Duration Full-time: 36 months; part-time: 72 months
• Mode of study full time, part time
• Delivery on campus

Accreditations

Health and Care Professions Council, British Psychological Society

Health Psychology can help to address health challenges affecting people’s day to day lives, prevent illness and foster health and well-being.

This course will train you to develop scientific and practitioner skills in Health Psychology, and to be eligible to become a health psychologist. It is based on real-world placement learning, and includes regular teaching and workshops. 

You'll acquire specific competencies as defined by the British Psychological Society. You'll also gain competence in carrying out a piece of high quality empirical research to a standard publishable in peer review journals.

Supervision is provided by the experienced and enthusiastic health team in Psychology. We have an excellent international reputation in the field of Health Psychology with a record of high quality research into health and health behaviour.

International candidates are expected to commence and undertake most of their training in the UK.

Top-up Research Doctorate in Health Psychology

The Professional Doctorate award is also available for study via a two year part-time top-up research doctorate route. Applicants who already hold a doctoral level (practitioner) qualification in Health Psychology via the British Psychological Society (QHP), and are eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a ‘Health Psychologist’ will be eligible to complete the research module for award of the Professional Doctorate degree.

Students following this route will be required to complete the ‘Applied Research in Health Psychology’ module, via one-to-one supervision.

Top reasons to study with us

Course objectives.

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• show an advanced knowledge of Health Psychology theory, research and methods;
• develop, deliver and evaluate evidence-based health interventions;
• maintain high ethical and professional standards in Health Psychology practice and research;
• provide consultancy for individuals, teams or organisations;
• design, deliver and evaluate training courses in Health Psychology.

Professional accreditation

On successful completion of this 'Stage 2' training, you'll be eligible for registration with the  Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) under the protected title of ‘Health Psychologist’. 

You will also be eligible to apply for full membership of the Division of Health Psychology and can become a BPS Chartered Health Psychologist .

This Professional Doctorate Health Psychology degree is fully accredited and commended by the British Psychological Society.

Work placements

Placements are an integral part of this course and you can work in a wide range of settings, including the NHS, local government, health and social care, third sector (charities) or other organisations. In most cases you'll identify your own main placement, and this will need to be organised and approved as part of the application and admissions process. Placements can be paid or unpaid, in your own workplace or elsewhere, or can be carried out on a voluntary basis.

Placements must cover at least two broad areas of work. This could be one main placement supplemented by shorter pieces of work elsewhere, or by time split more or less equally between two placements, or they can be sequential over time.

International candidates are expected to start and undertake most of their training in the UK.

Examples of placements with our current trainees include:

• working with a mental health charity, providing health behaviour interventions for clients and training staff who provide support for people with complex behavioural problems in GP practices;
• providing training for hospital staff in motivational approaches and behaviour change, and contributing to staff well-being support;
• working with people with learning disabilities;
• working in primary care to deliver health psychology interventions.

Study abroad

Plans to undertake part of the qualification abroad should be discussed well in advance with the coordinating supervisor or course team.  For placements abroad, supervision requirements will be as for the existing course.

Flexible learning

If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements.

Applicants must:

• hold a good (2:1 or above) honours degree in psychology;
• be a graduate member of the BPS or hold the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC);
• have successfully completed a BPS Accredited (Stage 1) MSc Health Psychology within the past 5 years to a minimum of merit grade or equivalent.

The University of Stirling has been operating a very successful MSc in Health Psychology since 2003. You can apply for a place on this MSc if you do not currently meet this entry requirement.

International entry requirements

View the entry requirements for your country.

Application procedure

Apply for Professional Doctorate

The online application process requires personal information and evidence of academic ability. It also gives you the opportunity to upload the following supporting documents:

• University postgraduate taught application form (includes personal statement for all, and expression of interest for 'top-up' only)
• Academic transcripts (undergraduate degree, BPS Approved MSc Health Psychology),
• Evidence of graduate membership of British Psychological Society
• Names of two referees (one of whom must be academic)
• Placement and Training Plans
• (if applying for Recognition of Prior Learning) RPL evidence including written statement, certificate/award and transcript of results detailing prior learning

As part of the admissions process, you are asked to complete a Placement and Training Plan . This is to show us that there are realistic opportunities and plans for undertaking supervised practice as expected of a trainee health psychologist.

The closing date for applications is mid October  (contact the programme administrator for more information - [email protected] ).

If your application is acceptable, you will be invited for interview in early November. Those offered a  conditional place on the programme following interview will work with the course team to ensure their  placement is acceptable. The placement will be visited by a member of the team who will carry out the required checks. A series of other checks, including your Fitness to Practise, will be completed before your offer is finally confirmed.

Apply for top-up doctorate

Applicants for the Top-up Doctorate should apply by submitting an expression of interest and selecting a research supervisor from the Health and Well-being Research area in the Psychology Division of the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Your submission should include an outline research proposal, which will be discussed with your potential supervisor before taking forward your application.

Depending on the context and topic area of research, you may be asked to complete some of the placement documents and checks described above as part of your application. 

You will also be required to submit certificated evidence of:

• successful completion of the British Psychological Society Qualification in Health Psychology (QHP);
• eligibility for entry to the HCPC Register (Health Psychologist).

Apply for top-up doctorate .

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 67 overall with a minimum of 62 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 94 overall with 19 in reading, 24 in writing, 20 in listening and 22 in speaking.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Pre-sessional English language courses

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.

Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses .

Course details

The course focuses on developing high quality practice and research skills and your capacity to work as an independent scientist-practitioner. It emphasises person-centred and collaborative ways of working, which are characteristic of Health Psychology approaches.

This course will aim to prepare you for working in multidisciplinary contexts, in the context of the Scottish and UK Government targets for improvement of the nation’s health. This acknowledges the interplay of biological, psychological, socio-economic and cultural factors.

Psychology at the University of Stirling has a long history of collaboration with local and national health care providers, and community groups. Course team members have been involved in many collaborative research projects, teaching and professional consultancy. Existing links to the local, national and international health and healthcare community will be fostered and developed in the Professional Doctorate. Stirling is also committed to increasing patient and public involvement (PPI) from the local community. We have PPI representatives on our Course Steering Group and will involve patient and carer groups as far as possible in different aspects of the course.

The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the academic year that starts in -->September 2024 -->. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.

Course Details

This course primarily focuses on placement learning, to enable you to develop as an independent scientist-practitioner in Health Psychology. You will usually be working (either full-time or part-time) in a health-related setting(s) for the duration of the course. You will need to complete a minimum of two years full-time (or equivalent) professional practice.

Although most learning takes place in the placement, the course supports this with regular short blocks of teaching: around 20 core days (with additional sessions if required) in total over the first two years of the course. Each year will have three teaching blocks: in January, May and September.

Induction week at the start of the course and two further blocks of teaching following an interactive format or skills-based learning, including sessions from HCPC-registered practitioner health psychologists or other guest lecturers (with professional registration). Teaching blocks include content relevant to the key competences of teaching and training, professional practice, psychological interventions, consultancy and research.

The second year also includes three teaching blocks.

Year 3 will primarily include one-to-one research and supervision sessions. You will be able to revisit teaching sessions from years 1 and 2 if required, and keep up your involvement with the course via regular research, training and peer support meetings.

Over the course you will have a BPS Registered Co-ordinating Supervisor who will be a member of the Health Psychology team at the University of Stirling. Throughout the course, you will be supported by individual supervision. Face-to-face meetings will be tailored to meet the needs of the individual, but will tend to be more frequent in the earlier stages of the qualification. You will also have workplace supervisors for the supervised practice element of the training.

You will study four modules in the course, described below. All modules are compulsory.

Assessment is by coursework and by research thesis which will be externally assessed and examined by viva voce. Formative feedback will be provided by the course team for all coursework before final submission. All coursework will be double-marked by a member of the course team. You will complete a portfolio of  coursework and practice for each of the taught modules. Research projects will be externally examined and subject to a viva. You must pass all modules and the viva voce to obtain the qualification. You are required to pass all taught credits before progressing to the submission of the research element of the award.

Feedback on assessment

You will normally receive feedback on coursework within three weeks of completion of the assessment. Feedback is usually provided electronically on formal coursework. Feedback and Guidance sessions with teaching staff are available on all modules. These provide regular opportunities to discuss feedback further. 

If you would like to know more about the way in which assessment works at the University of Stirling, please see the full version of the assessment regulations at:

Postgraduate – Taught

Postgraduate - Research

Classroom hours

There are approximately 20-33 core days of formal teaching delivered over years 1 and 2 of the full-time course. Additional optional sessions will be arranged over the course where opportunities arise. Formal taught materials will be available via SharePoint.

Course director

Dr Lesley McGregor, Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology

Professor Vivien Swanson, Professor in Health Psychology

Course Administrator: Mrs Nicola Hunt

[email protected]

+44 (0) 1786 466258

Fees and funding

Fees and costs.

If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.

This fee is charged as an annual course fee. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our  tuition fees policy .

Doctoral loans

If you're domiciled in England or Wales you may be eligible to apply for a doctoral loan from your regional body:

• English students can apply for a loan of up to £28,673 from  Student Finance England .
• Welsh students can apply for a loan of up to £28,395 from  Student Finance Wales .

Additional costs

There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees .

Scholarships and funding

Funding .

Eligible international students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000.  See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students .

University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship .

Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our  Postgraduate Merit Scholarship .

If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.

Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.

Cost of living

If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.

International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.

Find out about the cost of living for students at Stirling

Payment options

We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay

After you graduate

Careers in health psychology.

Health Psychology is a flexible and broad field of study and this is reflected in the wide variety of work that health psychologists can do.  For example, within policy bodies, public health or clinical health services such as the UK NHS, and also in health and social care, in communities, workplaces and in the third sector (charitable organisations).

Examples of possible roles for qualified health psychologists are:

• delivering health assessments and management strategies for chronically ill patients, for example, those with cancer or chronic pain;
• providing rehabilitation or prehabilitation courses, e.g. for patients with coronary heart disease;
• working to support patients and carers in patient support organisations;
• behaviour change consultancy with primary health care teams in the community;
• health education and health promotion in educational or industrial settings;
• conducting evaluative research in order to provide a research evidence base for health policy decisions;
• influencing health behaviours, for example in smoking cessation courses, weight reduction groups, or with sexual health care providers;
• carrying out teaching and research for health care students in academic settings;
• teaching and training NHS health and social care professionals such as pharmacists, dentists, social workers.

Employability skills

As a qualified health psychologist you'll make high level contributions to the health and well-being of individuals, groups and communities. You'll make informed and specialist judgments on complex issues and communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

You'll undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an advanced level, contributing substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas, or approaches. 

You will show qualities and transferable skills, to enable you to exercise personal responsibility and work as an autonomous scientist-practitioner in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments.

Companies we work with

This course works collaboratively with a range of health and social care providers.

What our students said

The combination of teaching blocks and placement-based learning allowed me to develop as an independent practitioner in the workplace whilst still benefitting from competency-based training at university.

Related courses

• MSc / MA Human-Animal Interaction
• MSc Autism Research
• MSc Health Psychology
• MSc Psychological Research Methods
• MSc Psychological Therapy in Primary Care
• MSc Psychology (accredited conversion course)
• MSc Psychology of Sport (Accredited)

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Are you a UK or International Student?

An internationally excellent research reputation (ref2021).

Research Excellence Framework 2014

Key Course Details

Course overview.

Start dates: 1st October, 1st January, 1st April, 1st July.

The importance of psychological factors in promoting good health and managing illness and health risks is an increasingly important field of study.

With a keen focus on understanding how behaviours develop and influence people’s decisions concerning their health and well-being, our School of Health and Social Care is an ideal base for you to pursue your PhD studies in Health Psychology.  

Our School of Psychology has an outstanding reputation from take the Science behind their Psychology research and taking a translational approach to have a real-world impact for the benefit of patients and improving healthcare practise. Studying your Psychology PhD with us you will become part of our 3*-4* research environment (REF2021). This means you will be joining a research environment of sufficient quality reflective of a profile conducive to producing research of world-leading and internationally excellent quality.

Research students are currently exploring interventions to address the psychosocial needs of people living with chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease and developing methods to encourage children and young people to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviours.

As a student at the School of Health and Social Care, you will benefit from a dynamic and supportive research environment with many opportunities to make connections across disciplines and develop links with organisations and policymakers both in the UK and abroad. As such, you can be confident that your research will inform and be informed by the wider health and social care environment.

According to the most recent Research Excellence Framework in 2014-2021, over 75% of the research carried out at the college was of international or world-leading quality.

Our state-of-the-art research facilities include a high-density electroencephalography (EEG) suite, a fully fitted sleep laboratory, a social observation suite, eye-tracking, psychophysiological, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and conditioning labs, a lifespan lab and baby room, plus more than 20 all-purpose research rooms.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications MPhil:  Applicants for MPhil must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University). See -  Country-specific Information for European Applicants 2019  and  Country-specific Information for International Applicants 2019 .

PhD : Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a master’s degree. Alternatively, applicants with a UK first class honours degree (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) not holding a master’s degree, will be considered on an individual basis.  See -  Country-specific Information for European Applicants 2019  and  Country-specific Information for International Applicants 2019 . 

English Language IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.  Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

As well as academic qualifications, Admissions decisions may be based on other factors, including (but not limited to): the standard of the research synopsis/proposal, performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places, and relevant professional experience.

Reference Requirement

As standard, two references are required before we can progress applications to the College/School research programme Admissions Tutor for consideration.

Applications received without two references attached are placed on hold, pending receipt of the outstanding reference(s). Please note that any protracted delay in receiving the outstanding reference(s) may result in the need to defer your application to a later potential start point/entry month, than what you initially listed as your preferred start option.

You may wish to consider contacting your referee(s) to assist in the process of obtaining the outstanding reference(s) or alternatively, hold submission of application until references are sourced. Please note that it is not the responsibility of the University Admissions Office to obtain missing reference(s) after our initial email is sent to your nominated referee(s), requesting a reference(s) on your behalf.

The reference can take the form of a letter on official headed paper, or via the University’s standard reference form. Click this link to download the university reference form .

Alternatively, referees can email a reference from their employment email account, please note that references received via private email accounts, (i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail) cannot be accepted.

References can be submitted to [email protected] .

How you are Supervised

Find out more about some of the academic staff supervising theses in these areas:

Professor Paul Bennett

Dr Hayley Young

Find out about our Psychology Department 

Welsh Provision

Tuition fees, ph.d. 3 year full time, ph.d. 6 year part time, m.phil 2 year full time, m.phil 4 year part time.

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page .

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

Government funding is now available for Welsh, English and EU students starting eligible postgraduate research programmes at Swansea University. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up .

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

How to Apply

Details of the application process for research degrees are available  here , and you can apply online and track your application status at  www.swansea.ac.uk/applyonline .  As part of your application you should include a research proposal outlining your proposed topic of study.  Guidance on writing a research proposal is also  available .

You can expect to be interviewed following your application to discuss your topic of research and to demonstrate the necessary level of commitment to your studies and training.

It is advisable that you contact us at [email protected]  before submitting your application. This will ensure we can identify appropriate supervisors, and work with you to refine your proposal.

If you're an international student, find out more about applying for this course at our  international student web pages 

Suggested Application Timings

In order to allow sufficient time for consideration of your application by an academic, for potential offer conditions to be met and travel / relocation, we recommend that applications are made before the dates outlined below. Please note that applications can still be submitted outside of the suggested dates below but there is the potential that your application/potential offer may need to be moved to the next appropriate intake window.

October Enrolment

UK Applicants – 15th August

EU/International applicants – 15th July

January Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th November

EU/International applicants – 15th October

April Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th February

EU/International applicants – 15th January

July Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th May

EU/International applicants – 15th April

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

PhD Programme Specification

This Programme Specification refers to the current academic year and provides indicative content for information. The University will seek to deliver each course in accordance with the descriptions set out in the relevant course web pages at the time of application. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision , either before or after enrolment.

Programme Summary 

This PhD in Health Psychology at Swansea will enable you to undertake a substantial project led by your own interests. It is a highly respected qualification which can present a career in academia or a wider scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. A thesis of 100,000 words will be submitted for assessment demonstrating original research with a substantive contribution to the subject area. The PhD is examined following an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination or viva voce). You will acquire research skills for high-level work and skills and training programmes are available on campus for further support. There will be an opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars and conferences. There may also be opportunities to develop your teaching skills through undergraduate tutorials, demonstrations and seminars.

Programme Aims

This PhD programme will provide doctoral researchers with:

• The opportunity to conduct high quality postgraduate research in a world leading research environment.
• Key skills needed to undertake advanced academic and non-academic research including qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• Advanced critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and independent judgement.

Programme Structure

The programme comprises three key elements:

• Entry and confirmation of candidature
• Main body of research
• Thesis and viva voce

The programme comprises of the undertaking of an original research project of 3 years duration full time (6 years duration part time). Doctoral researchers may pursue the programme either full time or part time by pursuing research at the University at an external place of employment or with/at a University approved partner.

Doctoral researchers for the PhD in Health Psychology are examined in two parts.

The first part is a thesis which is an original body of work representing the methods and results of the research project. The maximum word limit is 100,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

The second part is an oral examination (viva voce).

Doctoral Researcher Supervision and Support

Doctoral researchers will be supervised by a supervisory team. Where appropriate, staff from Colleges/Schools other than the ‘home’ College/School (other Colleges/Schools) within the University will contribute to cognate research areas. There may also be supervisors from an industrial partner.

The Primary/First Supervisor will normally be the main contact throughout the doctoral research journey and will have overall responsibility for academic supervision. The academic input of the Secondary Supervisor will vary from case to case. The principal role of the Secondary Supervisor is often as a first port of call if the Primary/First Supervisor becomes unavailable. The supervisory team may also include a supervisor from industry or a specific area of professional practice to support the research. External supervisors may also be drawn from other Universities.

The primary supervisor will provide pastoral support. If necessary the primary supervisor will refer the  doctoral researcher to other sources of support (e.g. Wellbeing, Disability, Money Advice, IT, Library, Students’ Union, Academic Services, Student Support Services, Careers Centre). 

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme, doctoral researchers should be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding

• Demonstrate the systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of research through the development of a written thesis.
• Create, interpret, analyse and develop new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship. 
• Disseminate new knowledge gained through original research or other advanced scholarship via high quality peer reviewed publications within the discipline.
• Apply research skills and subject theory to the practice of research.
• Apply process and standards of a range of the methodologies through which research is conducted and knowledge acquired and revised. 

Attitudes and values

• Conceptualise, design and implement a project aimed at the generation of new knowledge or applications within Health Psychology.
• Make informed judgements on complex issues in the field of Health Psychology, often in the absence of complete data and defend those judgements to an appropriate audience.
• Apply sound ethical principles to research, with due regard for the integrity of persons and in accordance with professional codes of conduct.
• Demonstrate self-awareness of individual and cultural diversity, and the reciprocal impact in social interaction between self and others when conducting research involving people.

Research Skills

• Respond appropriately to unforeseen problems in project design by making suitable amendments.
• Communicate complex research findings clearly, effectively and in an engaging manner to both specialist (including the academic community), and non-specialist audiences using a variety of appropriate media and events, including conference presentations, seminars and workshops.
• Correctly select, interpret and apply relevant techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
• Develop the networks and foundations for on-going research and development within the discipline.
• Implement  advanced research skills to a substantial degree of independence.
• Locate information and apply it to research practice.

Skills and Competencies

• Display the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, including the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments.

Progression Monitoring

Progress will be monitored in accordance with Swansea University regulations. During the course of the programme, the Doctoral researcher is expected to meet regularly with their supervisors, and at most meetings it is likely that the doctoral researcher’s progress will be monitored in an informal manner in addition to attendance checks. Details of the meetings should ideally be recorded on the on-line system. A minimum of four formal supervision meetings is required each year, two of which will be reported to the Postgraduate Progression and Awards Board. During these supervisory meetings the doctoral researcher’s progress is discussed and formally recorded on the on-line system.  

Learning Development  

The University offers training and development for Doctoral Researchers and supervisors ( https://www.swansea.ac.uk/research/undertake-research-with-us/postgraduate-research/training-and-skills-development-programme/ ).

Swansea University’s Postgraduate Research Training Framework is structured into sections, to enable doctoral researchers to navigate and determine appropriate courses aligned to both their interest and their candidature stage. 

There is a training framework including for example areas of Managing Information and Data, Presentation and Public Engagement, Leadership and working with others, Safety Integrity and Ethics, Impact and Commercialisation and Teaching and Demonstrating. There is also range of support in areas such as training needs, literature searching, conducting research, writing up research, teaching, applying for grants and awards, communicating research and future careers.

A range of research seminars and skills development sessions are provided within the School of Health and Social Care and across the University. These are scheduled to keep the  doctoral researcher in touch with a broader range of material than their own research topic, to stimulate ideas in discussion with others, and to give them opportunities to such as defending their own thesis orally, and to identify potential criticisms. Additionally, the School of Health and Social Care is developing a research culture that aligns with the University vision and will link with key initiatives delivered under the auspices of the University’s Academies, for example embedding the HEA fellowship for postgraduate research students.

Research Environment

Swansea University’s research environment combines innovation and excellent facilities to provide a home for multidisciplinary research to flourish. Our research environment encompasses all aspects of the research lifecycle, with internal grants and support for external funding and enabling impact/effect that research has beyond academia. 

Swansea University is very proud of our reputation for excellent research, and for the calibre, dedication, professionalism, collaboration and engagement of our research community. We understand that integrity must be an essential characteristic of all aspects of research, and that as a University entrusted with undertaking research we must clearly and consistently demonstrate that the confidence placed in our research community is rightly deserved. The University therefore ensures that everyone engaged in research is trained to the very highest standards of research integrity and conducts themselves and their research in a way that respects the dignity, rights, and welfare of participants, and minimises risks to participants, researchers, third parties, and the University itself. 

In the School of Health and Social Care we are strongly focused on the translation of our research into real-life benefits for users, carers and professionals across the range of health and social care services. In doing so our staffs has long established links with a range of international networks and similar university departments in Europe and around the world, and are committed to building productive relationships with front-line policymakers and practitioners. Some senior researchers have also been embedded within the NHS to ensure healthcare and service provision is developed and informed by high quality robust research.                                                                                                               

Alongside this we play an integral role in the Welsh Government’s research infrastructure, through the Centre for Ageing & Dementia Research, Wales School for Social Care Research and the Welsh Health Economic Support Service, increasing the volume of research taking place within Wales. While some of our PhD programmes form part of the ESRC Doctoral Training Centre for Wales, a pan-Wales collaboration to train top-level social scientists. Our funding also comes from a wide range of prestigious funders such as the Research Councils, European research programmes, Government, Ministry of Defence, professional bodies, private sector and charitable organisations, with the school securing £7.37m of funding across the last three years.

Supporting our staff and students in their research is a range of facilities including our Health and Wellbeing Academy, which provides healthcare services to the local community, a range of clinical and audiology suites and state-of-the-art research facilities. These include a high density EEG suite, a fully-fitted sleep laboratory, a social observation suite, eye-tracking, psychophysiological, tDCS and conditioning labs, a lifespan lab and baby room, and over 20 all-purpose research rooms.

Career Opportunities

Having a PhD demonstrates that graduates can work effectively in a team, formulate, explore and communicate complex ideas and manage advanced tasks. Jobs in academia (eg postdoctoral research, lecturing), education, government, management, the public or private sector are possible. Examples include administrators, counsellors, marketing specialists, and researchers.

The Postgraduate Research Office Skills Development Team offer support and a training framework for example in creating a researcher profile based upon publications and setting up your own business. The Swansea Employability Academy assists students in future career opportunities, improving CVs, job applications and interview skills.

MPhil Programme Specification

Programme Summary

This MPhil in Health Psychology at Swansea will enable you to undertake a substantial project led by your own interests. It is a highly respected qualification which can present a career in academia or a wider scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. A thesis of 60,000 words will be submitted for assessment demonstrating original research with a substantive contribution to the subject area. The Masters is examined following an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination or viva). You will acquire research skills for high-level work and skills and training programmes are available on campus for further support. There will be an opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars and conferences. 

This Masters programme will provide students with:

• Thesis and viva voce examination

The programme comprises of the undertaking of an original research project of 2 years duration full time (4 years duration part time). Students may pursue the programme either full time or part time by pursuing research at the University at an external place of employment or with/at a University approved partner.

Students for the Masters in Health Psychology are examined in two parts.

The first part is a thesis which is an original body of work representing the methods and results of the research project. The maximum word limit is 60,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

The second part is an oral examination ( viva voce ).

Supervision and Support 

Students will be supervised by a supervisory team. Where appropriate, staff from Colleges/Schools other than the ‘home’ College/School (other Colleges/Schools) within the University will contribute to cognate research areas. There may also be supervisors from an industrial partner.

The Primary/First Supervisor will normally be the main contact throughout the student journey and will have overall responsibility for academic supervision. The academic input of the Secondary Supervisor will vary from case to case. The principal role of the Secondary Supervisor is often as a first port of call if the Primary/First Supervisor becomes unavailable. The supervisory team may also include a supervisor from industry or a specific area of professional practice to support the research. External supervisors may also be drawn from other Universities.

The primary supervisor will provide pastoral support. If necessary the primary supervisor will refer the student to other sources of support (e.g. Wellbeing, Disability, Money Advice, IT, Library, Students’ Union, Academic Services, Student Support Services, Careers Centre).

• Demonstrate the systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge through the development of a written thesis.
• Create, interpret, analyse and develop new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship.  
• Apply process and standards of a range of the methodologies through which research is conducted and knowledge acquired and revised.
• Make informed judgements on complex issues in the field of Health Psychology often in the absence of complete data and defend those judgements to an appropriate audience. 
• Communicate complex research findings clearly, effectively and in an engaging manner to both specialist (including the academic community), and non-specialist audiences using a variety of appropriate media.
• Correctly select, interpret and apply relevant techniques for research and academic enquiry.
• Develop the foundations for on-going research and development within the discipline.
• Implement independent research skills.
• Display the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, including the exercise of personal responsibility and initiative in complex situations.

Progress will be monitored in accordance with Swansea University regulations. During the course of the programme, the student is expected to meet regularly with their supervisors, and at most meetings it is likely that the student’s progress will be monitored in an informal manner in addition to attendance checks. Details of the meetings should ideally be recorded on the on-line system. A minimum of four formal supervision meetings is required each year, two of which will be reported to the Postgraduate Progression and Awards Board. During these supervisory meetings the student’s progress is discussed and formally recorded on the on-line system. 

Swansea University’s Postgraduate Research Training Framework is structured into sections, to enable students to navigate and determine appropriate courses aligned to both their interest and their candidature stage. 

A range of research seminars and skills development sessions are provided within the School of Health and Social Care and across the University. These are scheduled to keep the student in touch with a broader range of material than their own research topic, to stimulate ideas in discussion with others, and to give them opportunities to such as defending their own thesis orally, and to identify potential criticisms. Additionally, the School of Health and Social Care is developing a research culture that will align with the University vision and will link with key initiatives delivered under the auspices of the University’s Academies, for example embedding the HEA fellowship for postgraduate research students

Research Environment  

Swansea University’s Research Environment combines innovation and excellent facilities to provide a home for multidisciplinary research to flourish. Our research environment encompasses all aspects of the research lifecycle, with internal grants and support for external funding and enabling impact/effect that research has beyond academia. 

Swansea University is very proud of our reputation for excellent research, and for the calibre, dedication, professionalism, collaboration and engagement of our research community. We understand that integrity must be an essential characteristic of all aspects of research, and that as a University entrusted with undertaking research we must clearly and consistently demonstrate that the confidence placed in our research community is rightly deserved. The University therefore ensures that everyone engaged in research is trained to the very highest standards of research integrity and conducts themselves and their research in a way that respects the dignity, rights, and welfare of participants, and minimises risks to participants, researchers, third parties, and the University itself.

School of Health and Social Care 

In the School of Health and Social Care we are strongly focused on the translation of our research into real-life benefits for users, carers and professionals across the range of health and social care services. In doing so our staff have long established links with a range of international networks and similar university departments in Europe and around the world, and are committed to building productive relationships with front-line policymakers and practitioners. Some senior researchers have also been embedded within the NHS to ensure healthcare and service provision is developed and informed by high quality robust research.                                                                                                         

Having a Master of Philosophy degree shows that you can communicate your ideas and manage tasks. Jobs in academia, education, government, management, the public or private sector are possible. 

Doctor of Health Psychology

This course is open for applications

Page last updated 20 February 2024

Introduction

This part-time programme provides BPS-accredited Stage 2 training, a doctoral-level education and a professional Health Care Professions Council qualification. Taught by a highly experienced team, it gives you the research, training and supervision to take your career to the next level.

Accreditations and partnerships:

For individuals working in a health setting, this course provides the knowledge and skills to develop careers and become a Chartered Psychologist. You will come to UWE Bristol for around 12 Doctorate Training Days and supervision meetings each year over three years, while working in your existing role as you carry out your research. You receive strong course support in person and online, so wherever you are in the country you can be sure of the best support.

Outstanding professional support

You will learn from our outstanding team of HCPC-registered Health Psychologists, benefiting from their expertise in research, behaviour change, consultancy and teaching and training and their extensive professional network and strong links in the region. Each year ends with a review day, where you can speak to tutors face to face about your progress.

You will prepare for accreditation as a Chartered Psychologist through training and supervision in five areas of competency. These five areas are specified by the British Psychological Society's Board of Examiners in Health Psychology. On completing this course you'll be eligible to apply for the Register of Health Psychologists held by the Health and Care Professions Council .

The BPS accreditation team commends this course based on:

• the high level of student satisfaction and the resources and facilities that support their training
• the high level of support the academic team provides, and their accessibility and approachability
• the strong research experience and wide-ranging expertise of the programme team, and its commitment and enthusiasm to the course
• the forward-looking nature of the course, including the commitment to its continual development
• the programme team's responsiveness to feedback from students, employers and professional bodies
• the diversity of the assessment methods and our commitment to developing new ones.
• the emphasis on integrating theory and practice at every stage.

Watch: The learning and teaching experience

The course covers the five areas of competency laid out by the British Psychological Society's Board of Examiners in Health Psychology. These are covered in the following modules:

• Systematic Review - Here, you learn all you need to know about designing, executing and reporting a Systematic Review.
• Teaching and Training in Health Psychology - This module helps you to get the most from all appropriate Health Psychology teaching and training packages.
• Consultancy Skills in Health Psychology - Here, you will develop all the skills necessary to successfully negotiate, undertake, evaluate and report consultancy work.
• Health Behaviour Change Interventions - In this module, you will learn how to design, assess and formulate health behaviour change interventions. You will also consider how to provide and evaluate them successfully.
• Professional Skills in Health Psychology - This is designed to help develop your professional Health Psychology skills and you will learn all relevant codes of professional practice, along with how to apply them to your own work.

Research Project

You will explore an area of Health Psychology and produce a doctoral level thesis based on a major piece of empirical research.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

Learning and Teaching

The course is mostly distance-based, with normally around 12 days per year on campus. This approach is highly popular for employers and employees, and is supported by a range of clinical experts alongside the UWE academic team. It's designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed to practice in a safe and competent manner, and the education and research base to evaluate and inform current and future practice.

There are opportunities for professional collaboration and shared learning in practical settings.

For more details see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms .

You will continue working in your existing role, but attend campus for normally 12 workshop days per year. During this time, you will undertake empirical research.

We assess your work through modular assignments looking for evidence you've acquired the professional teaching and training, consultancy and behaviour-change interventions skills you need. And your thesis, which includes your systematic review and report on a major piece of empirical research, plus an oral exam.

For more details see our full glossary of assessment terms .

Professional accreditation

This Professional Doctorate is accredited by the British Psychological Society , and provides Stage 2 training to become eligible for Chartered Psychologist status. It is also approved by the Health and Care Professions Council , so you are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Study facilities

UWE Bristol's Allied Health Professions Department, based at the Glenside campus, provides an extensive range of teaching and learning resources, and the Glenside library is one of the best healthcare libraries in England. It contains a huge selection of books, e-books, journals, and audio-visual materials - including access to specialist health and social care software packages. You can access much of this material online.

Find out more about the facilities and resources UWE has to offer.

Take a Virtual Tour of the Psychology, Sociology and Criminology facilities and see what's on offer here for you.

Postgraduate support

Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.

A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.

Sports, societies and activities

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Health and Wellbeing

We provide support in the way you need it.

Campus and facilities

Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.

Careers / Further study

Once you have completed the course you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council to become an accredited practitioner, and for full membership of the British Psychological Society .

Our award-winning careers service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.

There is currently no published fee data for this course.

Supplementary fee information

More information can be found on the Graduate School fees and funding pages.

Entry requirements

You should have:

• UK honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent international qualification)
• Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society
• MSc Health Psychology to a minimum of merit grade (or equivalent) accredited by the British Psychological Society as providing Stage 1 of the Practitioner Health Psychologist qualification
• A health-related job role (paid or voluntary) on applying, in which you can fulfil the majority of the Stage 2 competencies in Health Psychology.

Please note all applicants will have to indicate on a prior accredited learning form whether the material covered in the MSc Health Psychology maps onto specified standards of proficiency listed by the Health and Care Professions Council. If you do not meet all the required standards of proficiency (SOPs) of accredited prior learning on entry to the course, you will be required to undertake directed study under a learning agreement that is non-credit bearing, as specified by the Admissions Scrutiny Panel. The learning agreement may include the recommendation of study of full modules (as appropriate) taken from the MSc Health Psychology (Stage 1) course run by the University.

Disclosure of Criminal Background - the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 does not apply and all convictions, including those which are spent, must be disclosed. Applicants who are offered a place must undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form. All information will be treated in confidence and only taken into account when absolutely necessary.

All short listed candidates will be required to attend interview.

How to apply

Our final date for applications is 11 April 2024 , but we may close earlier due to high demand. If you are selected for interview, these will be held in May. Decisions will be made by the end of June.  Interviews will be virtual. If you apply after the deadline we cannot guarantee that we can consider your application. 

Deferred entry

We do not accept deferred entry applications for this course.

For further information

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333

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PhD/MPhil Psychology / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page

We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Full entry requirements

For potential projects please get in touch with the division Senior Tutor to discuss.

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our website . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadline

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
• April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
• September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

Programme options

Programme overview.

• Learn from some of Europe's leading researchers while undertaking your own project.
• Access some of the best research facilities in the world at both the University and in hospitals around Greater Manchester.
• Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme.
• Conduct research at a university ranked 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023).

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250
• PhD (full-time distance learning) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
• PhD (part-time distance learning) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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MPhil/PhD Psychological and Behavioural Science

• Graduate research
• Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science
• Application code L7ZP
• Starting 2024
• Home full-time: Closed
• Overseas full-time: Closed
• Location: Houghton Street, London

This programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of psychological and behavioural science. 

Project specifics are to be developed with academic faculty, and may explore topics in social psychology, health and communities, organisational psychology, evolutionary psychology, communication, and behavioural science. Our research addresses theoretical concerns within psychological and behavioural science, and is applicable in practical contexts (eg, organisations, developing countries, public policy).

You will have the opportunity to undertake fieldwork in many settings including experimental laboratories, organisations and countries outside of the UK. You will be encouraged to present at international conferences and publish in international journals. Part-time positions for research, teaching and editorial assistance are often available, offering you valuable experience and publication opportunities.

Find out more about our PhD programme, read our FAQs and see our current PhD student profiles on the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science  website .

Programme details

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for mphil/phd psychological and behavioural science.

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is an upper second class honours (2:1) bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), plus high merit (65+) in master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant area.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission. Where an offer of admission is considered, this is always subject to an interview.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our  Information for International Students  to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Assessing your application

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School, and we recommend that you investigate  staff research interests  and contact potential supervisors  before applying.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications) - statement of academic purpose - references - CV - research proposal - sample of written work.

 See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE, but we recommend that you do.  See our English language requirements .

When to apply

The application deadline for this programme is 25 April 2024 . However, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details.

Fees and funding

Every research student is charged a fee in line with the fee structure for their programme.The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MPhil/PhD Psychological and Behavioural Science

Home students: £4,829 for the first year (provisional) Overseas students: £22,632 for the first year

The fee is likely to rise over subsequent years of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with the level of fee that the Research Councils recommend. The fees for overseas students are likely to rise in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, 4 per cent per annum).

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status​

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Scholarships, studentships and other funding

The School recognises that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for  LSE PhD Studentships . Selection for the PhD Studentships is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for LSE PhD Studentships: 15 January 2024

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

External funding 

There may be other funding opportunities available through other organisations or governments and we recommend you investigate these options as well.

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

The MPhil/PhD programme can include taught courses on both methodology and theory. The precise courses you may be required to attend will vary and exemptions may apply depending on your prior experience and qualifications. These matters should be discussed and agreed with your supervisor in your first formal supervision meeting. 

If you are studying full-time, then after 15 months of studying, you will be upgraded to PhD status if you satisfy certain requirements.

(* denotes a half unit)

Transferable skills courses

Current Research in Psychological and Behavioural Science - Compulsory (not examined) Weekly seminars including plenary and specialist sessions in the Autumn Term, Winter Term and Spring Term. 

Training courses

Students are asked to complete 10 hours of research training each year.  Courses are agreed with supervisors depending on a student's needs. Taught classes can be accessed within the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science as well as in departments across LSE, including Methodology.  Methodology courses available include Qualitative Research Methods, Survey Methodology, Applied Regression Analysis and Multivariate Analysis and Measurement. Training courses are offered through our PhD academy and with affiliate institutions. Access is  subject to agreement with the relevant course convenors  (eg according to space considerations).

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information page.

Supervision, progression and assessment

Supervision.

The supervisor you work with will be a specialist in your chosen research field, and will guide you through your studies. Prospective applicants should have the support of a potential supervisor before making a formal application to Graduate Admissions, to ensure an alignment of research interests. If contacting faculty, please be selective, and let faculty know if you are in contact with more than one member of staff.

Progression and assessment 

Degrees must be completed within a maximum of four years. The time taken to complete any research degree depends on your progress and individual needs and you must remain registered with the School until your thesis has been submitted.

You register for the MPhil in the first instance, and will need to progress satisfactorily to be upgraded to PhD status.

The first year Extended Essay and the second year Upgrade chapters (see below) are examined by a three-person thesis committee, which includes your supervisor, as well as two other academic colleagues. Targets for progress First year:  Extended Essay of 6,000 words, submitted on first day of Winter Term. Second year:  Upgrade viva. Two draft chapters or papers of 10,000 words each (total of 20,000 words), submitted on first day of Winter Term. These chapters form the basis of an oral examination by a three-person thesis committee, usually four to six weeks after submission. Success in this examination results in upgrade from MPhil to PhD status. Third year:  Completed first draft by end of three years.

PhD formats: thesis and series of publishable articles

The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science allows for two formats of PhD:

Thesis (aka monograph) format

This is the traditional PhD format. It entails candidates in effect producing several chapters examining a single subject in an integrated way. This is akin to the format and structure of a book.

Article format

This format entails candidates producing distinct papers which are combined with integrative material to address a single subject. The defining feature of this format is basically that some of the "chapters" can be articles which either have been published or prepared for publication. This format tends only to be suitable for PhD projects which comprise a series of distinct (but inter-related) empirical studies. 

Extra guidelines for article format PhD The thesis should comprise three to six publishable articles framed by an introduction, critical integrating discussion and conclusion. Articles should be co-authored with supervisors (as are all papers written on your PhD topic while being under supervision). Articles and chapters both count as "papers" – the most important part is that they are publishable quality. They do not have to have been submitted, and even if they have been submitted and accepted this does not automatically entail that the Committee will find them suitable within the larger context of the project.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

Student stories

Apurv chauhan.

MPhil/PhD Social Psychology Sitamarhi, India 

If you are a social psychologist, the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at LSE is the place you want to be. The Department is a vibrant community of scholars where some of the world leading research in societal psychology unfolds. Not only do academics partake in theoretical advancements, but they also hold a firm commitment towards solving real world problems at the grass root level. 

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science

Median salary of our PG students 15 months after graduating: £33,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Financial and Professional Services              
• Education, Teaching and Research            
• Consultancy      
• Real Estate, Environment and Energy 
• Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2020-21 were the fourth group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. 

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the  support available to students through LSE Careers .

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

How to apply

Virtual Graduate Open Day

Register your interest

Related programmes, mphil/phd social policy.

Code(s) L4ZA

MSc Social and Cultural Psychology

Code(s) L7U1

MRes/PhD in Management - Organisational Behaviour

Code(s) N2Z3

MPhil/PhD Gender

Code(s) Y2ZG

MPhil/PhD Sociology

Code(s) L3ZS

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Psychology MPhil, PhD

Our MPhil and PhD Psychology specialises in many research areas of psychology. We accept both funded and self-funded students.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

• September 2024
• January 2025

Newcastle University has a world-class reputation and leading researchers and clinicians working in the field of psychology. With our new facilities we are well placed to offer psychology research opportunities of the highest standard. We accept both funded and self-funded students.

Our Psychology MPhil and PhD are based within the Faculty of Medical Sciences. The programme is delivered in the School of Psychology and the relevant Research Institutes for:

• Biosciences
• Population Health Sciences
• Translational and Clinical Research

Our Psychology MPhil and PhD cover many areas of specialism in psychology, including:

• animal behaviour
• clinical psychology
• evolutionary psychology
• forensic psychology
• applied health psychology and behavioural science
• perception, cognition, and neuroscience
• sport, exercise, and coaching psychology

We use a wide range of methodologies and cutting-edge tools to support psychological inquiry and clinical research. Our teams develop and evaluate psychological interventions and co-produce resources with partners from across the region. We work with voluntary and community groups, the NHS, local Government and have partnerships across the globe.

Research projects align to the Newcastle University Centres for Research Excellence including the Centre for Healthier Lives, Centre for Ageing and Inequalities, and Centre for Transformative Neuroscience.

We conduct research on topics including:

• addiction studies
• advertising and consumer behaviour
• cancer survivorship
• cognitive skills development
• developmental disorders
• health and wellbeing
• human cognition
• learning and memory
• mental health including anxiety disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• offending behaviour
• visual perception

We carry out studies of animal and human behaviour including:

• evolutionary psychology of mate choice
• attractiveness and co-operation
• evolutionary approaches to personality

Our research includes:

• perception of natural scenes
• psychophysics and attention
• visual social cognition and face processing

You'll focus on how different cognitive skills develop in children. You'll explore memory systems to learning in school. We have strengths in developmental disorders like Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

• investigative interviewing of victims
• witnesses and suspected offenders of crime, including eye-witness testimony
• sexual offending, including historical allegations of sexual abuse
• communication in legal contexts

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

Qualifications explained.

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

How you'll learn

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

Your development

Faculty of medical sciences (fms) researcher development programme .

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact
• Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements
• Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Find out more about the FMS researcher development programme

Doctoral training and partnerships

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:

• Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
• Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:

• they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
• you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
• they’re often interdisciplinary
• your PhD may be funded

Find out more about doctoral training and partnerships

If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.

The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:

Newcastle Liverpool Durham BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership

Your future

Our careers service.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

You’ll spend most of your time within the School of Psychology where you’ll find scholars, clinicians and researchers working together to understand the mind, brain, and behaviour. We are located in the Dame Margaret Barbour Building, a new bespoke facility offering an excellent environment for learning, teaching, and research. Our psychology facilities include:

• psychological testing cubicles
• medical consultation rooms
• media and behaviour lab
• forensic interviewing suite

Housed within the School is the Psychological Therapies Training and Research Clinic which offers one to one Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for students at Newcastle University.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year).

We are unable to give an exact fee, this is why the fee is shown as a range. This fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.

Your research topic is unique so it will have unique resource requirements. Resources could include specialist equipment, such as laboratory/workshop access, or technical staff.

If your research involves accessing specialist resources then you're likely to pay a higher fee. You'll discuss the exact nature of your research project with your supervisor(s). You'll find out the fee in your offer letter.

Home fees for research degree students

For 2024-25 entry, we have aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee was confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI.

If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

• How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

• campus tours
• on-campus open days
• virtual open days

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

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Psychology PhD

Key information.

• Top 20  in the UK for our research overall   in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience   in  REF 2021   (Times Higher Education)

From crowd behaviour to perception and studies of the brain – you’ll work with experts who will guide and support you through your research project.

Sussex is one of the largest and most diverse centres for the study of psychology in the UK. You’ll work in an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment, within a community of postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers and field-leading faculty. 

Our research spans the full spectrum of psychology and has significant societal impact through our close engagement with policymakers and practitioners .” Robin Banerjee Head of the School of Psychology

Find out more about research in the School of Psychology

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Masters and P h D events

Meet us on campus or online

Book your place

Entry requirements

• UK requirements
• International requirements

Please select your country from the list.

Philippines

Saudi arabia, south africa, south korea, switzerland, united arab emirates, my country is not listed.

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

English language requirements

Ielts (academic).

Advanced level (7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests, cambridge advanced certificate in english (cae).

176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

Advanced level (International ESOL SELT C1 with a minimum of 33 in each component)

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson PTE Academic

Advanced level (67 overall, including at least 62 in all four skills)

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

Advanced level 95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing. 

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

As/a-level (gce).

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only:  70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English:  70% 

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt english-speaking countries.

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries: 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• The British Overseas Territories
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

• Visas and immigration

Admissions information for applicants

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

• How to apply

If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:

• browse funded projects in this subject area
• browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.

Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to work on your research full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. For details  about part-time study, contact us at  [email protected]

PhD or MPhil?

You can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil. PhD and MPhil degrees differ in duration and in the extent of your research work.

• For a PhD, your research work makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field.
• For an MPhil, your work is an independent piece of research but in less depth than for a PhD. You’ll graduate with the degree title Master of Philosophy. You might be able to change to a PhD while you study for an MPhil.

Sussex PhD student Becky Heaver talks about her experiences of research in Psychology

Our supervisors

I’m passionate about engaging the public in my work and have taken part in ‘soapbox science’ events, given many interviews on TV and radio programmes, and hosted talks at festivals.” Gilly Forrester Professor of Comparative Cognition Read Gilly’s story

Explore our research interests and find potential supervisors.

This research group has interests in:

• neurobiology of learning
• social learning and cognition
• decision-making
• effects of drugs on human cognition
• ageing and dementia
• appetite and obesity.

Dr Daniel Campbell-Meiklejohn

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Daniel Campbell-Meiklejohn

Prof Pete Clifton

Professor of Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Pete Clifton

Prof Hans Crombag

Professor of Behavioural Neuroscience

[email protected]

View profile of Hans Crombag

Prof Dora Duka

Emeritus Professor

[email protected]

View profile of Dora Duka

Prof Gillian Forrester

Professor of Comparative Cognition

[email protected]

View profile of Gillian Forrester

Prof Catherine Hall

Professor of Neurovascular Stuff

[email protected]

View profile of Catherine Hall

Dr Sarah King

Reader in Behavioural Neuroscience

[email protected]

View profile of Sarah King

Dr Eisuke Koya

Reader in Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Eisuke Koya

Dr Liat Levita

Reader in Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience

[email protected]

View profile of Liat Levita

Dr Emiliano Merlo

Lecturer in Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Emiliano Merlo

Dr Alexa Morcom

Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Neuroscience

[email protected]

View profile of Alexa Morcom

Dr Charlotte Rae

[email protected]

View profile of Charlotte Rae

Dr Bryan Singer

[email protected]

View profile of Bryan Singer

Prof Martin Yeomans

Professor of Experimental Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Martin Yeomans

This research group has interests in: 

• attention, visual perception and cognition
• synesthesia
• language and communication 
• learning, memory, and consciousness 
• mammal vocal communication and cognition
• multimodal perception
• decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, insight and expertise .

Dr Sam Berens

[email protected]

View profile of Sam Berens

Prof Chris Bird

Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience

[email protected]

View profile of Chris Bird

Dr Jenny Bosten

[email protected]

View profile of Jenny Bosten

Prof Zoltan Dienes

Professor in Experimental Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Zoltan Dienes

Dr Sophie Forster

Reader in Psychology and Cognitive Neuro

[email protected]

View profile of Sophie Forster

Prof Anna Franklin

Professor of Visual Perception and Cognition

[email protected]

View profile of Anna Franklin

Prof Alan Garnham

[email protected]

View profile of Alan Garnham

Dr Graham Hole

Honorary Senior Lecturer

[email protected]

View profile of Graham Hole

Dr Theodoros Karapanagiotidis

[email protected]

View profile of Theodoros Karapanagiotidis

Dr John Maule

[email protected]

View profile of John Maule

Prof Karen Mccomb

Emeritus Professor (Animal Behaviour & Cognition)

[email protected]

View profile of Karen Mccomb

Prof Jane Oakhill

[email protected]

View profile of Jane Oakhill

Prof Thomas Ormerod

[email protected]

View profile of Thomas Ormerod

Dr Giulia Poerio

[email protected]

View profile of Giulia Poerio

Dr Ryan Scott

[email protected]

View profile of Ryan Scott

Prof Julia Simner

[email protected]

View profile of Julia Simner

Dr Ediz Sohoglu

[email protected]

View profile of Ediz Sohoglu

Prof Jamie Ward

[email protected]

View profile of Jamie Ward

• social, cognitive and emotional development
• mental health through the lifespan
• cognition during psychosis
• mental health interventions
• social and emotional development
• behavioural genetics

Prof Robin Banerjee

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global and Civic Eng

[email protected]

View profile of Robin Banerjee

Prof Samantha Cartwright-Hatton

Professor of Clinical Child Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Samantha Cartwright-Hatton

Prof Kate Cavanagh

Professor of Clinical Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Kate Cavanagh

Prof Andy Field

Professor of Quantitative Methods

[email protected]

View profile of Andy Field

Dr Elian Fink

[email protected]

View profile of Elian Fink

Prof David Fowler

[email protected]

View profile of David Fowler

Dr Darya Gaysina

Reader in Mental Health Science

[email protected]

View profile of Darya Gaysina

Prof Kathryn Greenwood

[email protected]

View profile of Kathryn Greenwood

Prof Mark Hayward

[email protected]

View profile of Mark Hayward

Prof Jessica Horst

Professor of Developmental Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Jessica Horst

Dr Emma Howarth

Reader in Child and Family Mental Health

[email protected]

View profile of Emma Howarth

Dr David Leavens

Reader in Comparative Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of David Leavens

Dr Kathryn Lester

[email protected]

View profile of Kathryn Lester

Dr Faith Matcham

[email protected]

View profile of Faith Matcham

Dr Frances Meeten

Visiting Clinical Senior Lecturer

[email protected]

View profile of Frances Meeten

Dr Raquel Nogueira Arjona

[email protected]

View profile of Raquel Nogueira Arjona

Dr Faith Orchard

[email protected]

View profile of Faith Orchard

Prof Alison Pike

Interim Head of School Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Alison Pike

Dr Adhip Rawal

[email protected]

View profile of Adhip Rawal

Dr Pablo Romero Sanchiz

[email protected]

View profile of Pablo Romero Sanchiz

Prof Clara Strauss

[email protected]

View profile of Clara Strauss

Miss Heather Taylor

Lecturer in Psychology (Teaching Focused)

[email protected]

View profile of Heather Taylor

Dr Ellen Thompson

[email protected]

View profile of Ellen Thompson

Prof Nicola Yuill

[email protected]

View profile of Nicola Yuill

Our work is concerned with theory development, testing and application in four main areas: 

• health psychology and behaviour change 
• identity, culture and well-being 
• intergroup relations, group processes and collective behaviour 
• pro-social and moral engagement. 

Prof Richard De Visser

Professor of Health Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Richard De Visser

Prof John Drury

Professor of Social Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of John Drury

Dr Matthew Easterbrook

Reader in Social Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Matthew Easterbrook

Dr Tom Farsides

Lecturer in Social Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Tom Farsides

Dr Sean Figgins

[email protected]

View profile of Sean Figgins

Dr Matthias Gobel

[email protected]

View profile of Matthias Gobel

Dr Donna Jessop

Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Donna Jessop

Dr Karen Long

[email protected]

View profile of Karen Long

Dr Eleanor Miles

[email protected]

View profile of Eleanor Miles

Dr Anna Rabinovich

Reader in Social Psychology and Sustainability

[email protected]

View profile of Anna Rabinovich

Dr Rim Saab

[email protected]

View profile of Rim Saab

Dr Ozden Melis Ulug

[email protected]

View profile of Ozden Melis Ulug

Prof Ayse Uskul

Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology

[email protected]

View profile of Ayse Uskul

Prof Vivian Vignoles

[email protected]

View profile of Vivian Vignoles

Dr Mariko Visserman

[email protected]

View profile of Mariko Visserman

Funding and fees

How can i fund my course, funded projects and scholarships.

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.

£3,000 scholarships available to environmental influencers bringing about real-world behaviour change

Find out more

£800 scholarship available to reward talented organ player studying on any course at Sussex.

Scholarships of £800 are available to reward talented musicians studying on any course at Sussex

Cash scholarships available for students who have demonstrated sporting excellence

Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?

If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid .

Part-time work

We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.

Find out more about careers and employability

How much does it cost?

Fees for self-funding students.

Home students: £4,786 per year for full-time students

Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £4,786 per year for full-time students

International students: £25,000 per year for full-time students

Home PhD student fees are set at the level recommended by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) annually, rising in line with inflation. Overseas fees are subject to an annual increase - see details on our tuition fees page

Additional costs

Note about additional costs.

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life .

Empirical research costs

On top of your PhD fees and living costs, you may also need to cover some research and training costs, relevant to your research project. These costs will depend on your research topic and training needs, but may include: - travel (to archives, collections or scientific facilities) - a laptop - overseas fieldwork costs (travel and accommodation, and language training) - conference costs (travel, registration fees and accommodation) - laboratory consumables and workshop materials - participant costs - transcription or translation costs - open-access publication costs. If you been awarded a scholarship from one of the UK Research Councils, from the University of Sussex, or from another source, this will typically cover these types of costs. You’ll receive details of how to claim this additional funding. If you're self funded, or if your scholarship doesn’t cover these costs, check with the Research and Enterprise Co-ordinator in your School for details of School or Doctoral School funding that may be available.

• Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Explore our campus

Experience Sussex life in our virtual tour.

Start your virtual tour

PhD Information Sessions

Visit campus and chat to staff and students. Book your place

Online PhD Sessions

Join a live webchat. Book your place

International

Meet us in your country

Course enquiries

+44 (0)1273 876787

Send us a message

Admissions enquiries

If you haven’t applied yet:

+44 (0)1273 876638 psychologyphd-enquiries@​sussex.ac.uk

Find out about the School of Psychology

After you’ve applied:

+44 (0)1273 877773 [email protected]

Find out how to apply

Quick links

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What do you want to do next?

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• Schools & departments

PhD Psychology programme

The University of Edinburgh has one of the top-ranked Psychology departments in the UK for research.

Psychology at Edinburgh brings together world-class researchers approaching the scientific study of mind and behaviour through a range of topics - from language development to dementia, personality to paranormal beliefs. The department benefits from a vibrant postgraduate community and strong interdisciplinary links with colleagues in medicine, informatics, linguistics, biology and public health.

You may also be interested in the psychology programmes offered by the School of Health in Social Science:

Postgraduate research programmes in Clinical Psychology, Counselling & Psychotherapy

Research interests

When to apply, help with your application, funding opportunities for research students, visiting research students, our research community.

Our PhD students are actively encouraged to join in the regular meetings to discuss research, books and papers.

Find out more about our research seminars and reading groups

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• MSc Health Psychology

Health Psychology

Why do people smoke? How can we improve people’s adherence to medication? What is the impact of stress on healthcare staff?

Course overview

Understand why our healthy new years’ resolutions always fizzle out despite our good intentions. Explore how our brains and bodies process stress and how psychology could help you fight off your next cold. Discover how to assess neuropsychological function.

Health psychology is a rapidly growing discipline, which can make a huge contribution to some of the big health issues currently facing society such as chronic health conditions, health inequalities, and health-risk behaviours such as alcohol use, smoking, sedentary behaviour, and more. Health psychologists have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic, frequently in the media spotlight as one of the expert groups helping our populations keep well and cope with illness, isolation, stress and the many ways life has changed.

What you need to know

• When does the course start? September 2024

1 year full-time

2 years part-time

• Where will I study this course? Manchester

Features and benefits

“Our supportive team are extremely passionate about helping our students to thrive on our MSc Health Psychology and our focus on employability and practitioner skills means that our graduates leave the course feeling confident in achieving their career aspirations.”  Dr Jasmine Hearn (Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Programme Lead for MSc Health Psychology)

Course Information

On our course, you’ll take a biopsychosocial approach to understanding health and health-related behaviours, developing core knowledge and critically reflecting on the many interlinking pathways to health and illness.

You’ll learn about key issues in health psychology, such as designing behaviour change interventions, helping people manage long-term conditions, neuropsychological assessment and working in multidisciplinary teams.

Day-to-day, you’ll learn through a mix of taught lectures and seminars, problem-based learning exercises, class discussions, case studies, and group work. As part of the Health Psychology Practice unit, you'll take part in 70 hours of work-based learning in a relevant setting. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to put your health psychology knowledge and skills into action.  

You’ll complete a field-based dissertation of your choice, which involves identifying a research question, preparing a research protocol and ethics application, collecting empirical data, conducting analysis, and writing up your report.

At Manchester Met, our teaching team includes practitioners and academics with experience in the NHS and in private practice in the UK and internationally. Our course specialises in health psychology practice. Lecturers’ research interests include neuropsychology, designing psychological interventions to promote healthy living and person-centred approaches to healthcare.

Core course teaching takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Personal tutor meetings, dissertation supervisor meetings and additional study skills sessions will take place throughout the week. If you are a full-time student you need to ensure you are able to devote on average full time hours (37.5 hours) per week to your study across the year as a whole; part time students would spend approximately half of this (18.75 hours) per week across their two years as a whole. 

Accreditations, Awards and Endorsements

Accreditation.

The British Psychological Society

Over the duration of this course, you'll cover the following units:

Please note, if studying this course part-time, you will undertake more credits in the second year than in the first year. This may impact on fee payments.  

Research Principles and Methods

This unit will develop an understanding of research principles, both quantitative and qualitative, which will enable you to critically appraise and undertake their research project.    This unit will allow students to develop a philosophical understanding of different approaches and principles of conducting research in a clinical, health, and forensic context. Through completion of the unit students will develop both quantitative and qualitative research skills and consider the appropriateness of methodological decisions and design to address a research question. consider the appropriateness of methodological decisions in applied research. 

Research for Innovation Dissertation

This unit will develop and apply independent relevant research skills. You’ll identify a discipline relevant research question, for which they will complete a research proposal and gain ethical approval prior to commencing collection of data.  You’ll design and carry out your research under the supervision of a member of staff. All projects should aim to involve the collection of empirical data.  Research may utilise whatever methods or methods most suitable to address the identified aims.  Depending on the design of the project, qualitative, quantitive or mixed methods approached could be used. 

Illness, Disability and Long-Term Conditions

How can we best understand illness, disabilities and long-term health conditions and use health psychology to promote wellness within illness? In this unit, you'll explore the experience and impacts of illness for individuals and those around them, before turning to health psychology’s role in developing and evaluating interventions to help improve people’s experience and management of conditions. 

Biological Mechanisms and Neuropsychological Health

How do psychosocial factors get ‘under the skin’ to influence our health? This unit will focus on the associations between physiological and psychological processes, building a critical understanding of the multifaceted, bidirectional relationships and processes involved, with a particular focus on neuropsychology. 

Understanding and Changing Health Behaviour

Which psychological factors best predict our health-related decisions and actions and what kind of interventions can change these, for individuals, groups or societies? In this unit, you'll critically appraise theories and models of health behaviour and learn key approaches to behaviour change intervention design, testing and evaluation particularly for use in promoting health. 

Healthcare and Communities

When it comes to health behaviours and health outcomes, why does where you live, your income or gender matter? In this unit, you'll look at the big picture, including the social determinants of health and health inequalities and health psychology’s historical and current role in the changing face of healthcare in the 21st century. 

Health Psychology Practice

Health psychology is the fastest growing branch of psychology, but what does a health psychologist working in applied research or practice do and what skills are needed? This unit will focus on your reflective development as a trainee health psychology professional and knowledge and skills to help you progress to further training and professional roles in health psychology. 

Study and assessment breakdown

10 credits equates to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and independent study. A masters qualification typically comprises of 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits and an MFA 300 credits. The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the course will vary according to your option choices and style of learning, but it could be:

• Full-time 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study
• Part-time 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study
• Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
• Part-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination

Placement options

We offer a 70-hour work-based learning opportunity in a relevant organisation or a chance to work on a live project, applying your knowledge and skills to solving real-world problems. We can source this for you or you could self-source an opportunity if you prefer.  

Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.

• a virtual experience campus tour
• chats with current students

Taught by Experts

Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.

We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.

Entry Requirements

A 2:1 or above in a BPS-accredited psychology undergraduate degree (or equivalent through a psychology conversion course) conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) is typically required to study on our MSc Health Psychology.  Applicants with a 2:2 or equivalent in an eligible degree are also encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

International applicants have to show evidence that their undergraduate degree is eligible for GBC. Applicants must contact the British Psychological Society independently to verify this and upload the proof along with their application. For information, please check the BPS website.

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here . 

Fees and Funding

Uk and channel island students.

Full-time fee: £9,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Part-time fee: £1584 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

EU and Non-EU International Students

Full-time fee: £18,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Part-time fee: £3084 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional Information

A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional Costs

Other costs.

Optional estimate : £400

All of the books, e-books, and journals required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, you may choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop.  Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £100 each year for books and printing.

Career Prospects

Your understanding of human behaviour, health behaviour change, neuropsychology and research methods gained on this course will enable you to apply for graduate roles in many sectors.

You could find yourself working in an NHS team, or in a commercial, charitable or research organisation. Alternatively, you may want to go on to pursue a PhD or train to become a qualified health psychologist. 

To practise as a health psychologist in the UK, you’ll need to have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) , having completed a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited undergraduate psychology degree or conversion course. Following your MSc Health Psychology at Manchester Met, you will need to complete doctoral-level health psychology training and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Once you’re registered, you could work in a variety of health, social care and business settings. You might work with patients with long-term conditions at an NHS hospital or in a private practice, in design solutions for a health-related commercial organisation or lead stop smoking services in public health.

Other areas you might develop your career in are local authorities, think tanks, charities or research departments in universities. 

Want to know more

Register your interest, got a question.

Please contact our course enquiries team.

Get advice and support on making a successful application.

You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.

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Programme Review Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology. For further information on when we may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our Terms and Conditions .

Important Notice This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most up to date information for your chosen course of study.

Confirmation of Regulator The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory framework can be found at officeforstudents.org.uk .

All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current Student Protection Plan .

King's College London

Health psychology msc.

BPS-accredited MSc in Health Psychology is specifically designed for graduate psychologists who wish to go on to becoming registered Health Psychologists with the HCPC. Our Health Psychology course combines classroom teaching, individual study and practical work in statistics, a supervised research project and a 100-hour health- based clinical placement.

Key benefits

• Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
• Pioneers of postgraduate training in this discipline since 1987.
• Leading research centre in clinical health psychology.
• Collaborations within many NHS services across King's Health Partners.
• Visiting lecturers who are world class in their fields.
• Access to first-class dedicated facilities.
• 100-hour supervised placement opportunities within the NHS, third section and industry.
• Small class sizes.

“ One of the main reasons I chose the MSc at Kings was due to the brilliant range of placements they offered. I was fortunate to be selected for the placement at Dimbleby Cancer Care. ”

• Course essentials
• Entry requirements
• Teaching & structure

Employability

Following their Stage 1 training (MSc), our graduates can continue their post graduate training (BPS Stage 2) in order to become a practicing health psychologist. Our graduates often work in a variety of settings, including research and assistant psychology positions, PhD study and clinical training.

Destinations

Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

• Turning Point
• Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
• Royal College of Psychiatrists
• National University of Singapore
• University of Auckland
• NHS Scotland
• Fees & Funding

Application closing date guidance

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• Chat to a student
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Related departments

• Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
• Department of Psychology
• School of Mental Health & Psychological Sciences

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Learning in London

King's is right in the heart of the capital.

Health Psychology MSc

London, Bloomsbury

The Health Psychology MSc, accredited by the British Psychological Society, will enable you to apply the scientific and theoretical principles and ideas of health psychology using a scholarly and critical approach and develop the practical skills and knowledge required for employment or research in the field.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications open

• Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in psychology from a UK university, or overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. A lower second-class UK Bachelor's degree or equivalent may be accepted with evidence of further study or relevant work experience. Applicants are encouraged to have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS) if they want to pursue a career as a Chartered Health Psychologist in the UK.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The programme provides a thorough grounding in theories, concepts and empirical findings central to current health psychology. You'll be encouraged to develop your own area of specialisation and be given formal training in quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Journal Club

Full-time students and first-year part-time students are required to attend weekly journal clubs. This forum is designed to help students develop critical appraisal and presentation skills as well as analytical techniques in preparation for assessed course work. In the presence of a member of staff associated with the programme, two students will present a paper selected on the basis of its relevance to the content of one of the lectures delivered in that week. Students are asked to consider the merits and limitations of this paper and to involve the whole cohort in a group discussion. Students will be provided with the paper one week in advance of each journal club. The journal club runs throughout the first two terms and papers will be selected which relate to topics from each of the eight modules.

Clinical Visits

A visit to a hospital outpatient’s clinic is arranged for each student to follow alongside the doctor-patient communication lecture provided in the IEHC0023 module. This visit is linked with appropriate readings and a short task as part of the follow-up seminar.

Research Project

Students are required to undertake an empirical research project, which contributes 34% to the final mark on the MSc. The research project will be written up in the form of a mock submission to The British Journal of Health Psychology. In preparation for the final write up, students will be asked to write a brief summary of their project and to write a peer review about the summary of another student’s project in the third term. Students are assigned a supervisor early on in the programme. The supervisor is usually a staff member associated with the programme. The supervisor is expected to provide advice on design, analysis and write-up of the project as appropriate and has regular meetings at every stage of the project with the student. We strongly recommend negotiating the frequency of meetings and level of supervisor involvement at the earliest opportunity.

Who this course is for

This programme is suitable for students seeking a thorough grounding in health psychology as preparation for a subsequent research degree or employment in a related field.

What this course will give you

The programme is the longest-running Health Psychology MSc in the UK and is delivered by leading experts in their field. It offers graduates a research-based BPS-accredited Stage 1 qualification.

• UCL is rated No. 1 for research power and impact in medicine, health and life sciences (REF 2021)
• UCL is ranked 6th in the world for public health (ShanghaiRanking's 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects)
• UCL is ranked 9th in the world as a university (QS World University Rankings 2024)

UCL's Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, based within the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care , helps to coordinate the Health Psychology MSc. The department is one of the largest health psychology research groups in the UK and aims to advance understanding of behaviours that have a major impact on health and contribute to the development of interventions to promote healthy lifestyles. Within the department, the Psychobiology Group is a multidisciplinary group concerned with the pathways through which sociodemographic and psychosocial factors influence physical disease processes.

This environment provides students with opportunities to be taught by specialists in their field and to complete relevant placements in clinical, academic or policy-related settings. In addition, students are encouraged to integrate themselves into the research groups and networks closely associated with the programme as these can provide invaluable real-world research experience and potential collaborations with national and international leaders in health psychology and related disciplines.

The foundation of your career

Given the academic nature of the programme, our students acquire important research experience and skills. This is very helpful when applying for advanced degrees, and each year a significant number of students successfully go on to secure PhD studentships and clinical doctorates. As the focus of the MSc is on improving healthcare and delivery, students also take up positions within the public or private healthcare sector.

Employability

Many graduates of the programme continue to PhD-level study or find work as researchers or in roles allied to psychology, healthcare services and delivery.

The Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care offers four on-campus MSc programmes and a fully online MPH programme encompassing a wide range of topics. Our students come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, from the UK and overseas providing great networking opportunities within and across programmes. Each programme holds social events during the year to enable networking between students. Students have the opportunity to join the newly formed Population Health Sciences Student Society, two of the founding members of which were from the MSc in Population Health. During the year, online, hybrid, and in-person seminars are hosted by the research departments. These cover a variety of topics and provide an opportunity to hear from national and international experts and to network with attendees and speakers. 

Accreditation

The MSc is stage 1 accredited by the  British Psychological Society (BPS) . BPS accreditation criteria stipulate a minimum 50% pass mark, with no condoned modules, and so students with final marks falling below 50% cannot graduate with the accredited MSc Health Psychology award. These students will instead graduate with an MSc Psychology & Health, if they have fulfilled UCL award requirements but not BPS award requirements.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of blended learning approaches, lectures, seminars, class exercises, project work, training workshops, journal clubs and hands-on computer-based teaching on statistical analysis techniques. 

Assessment is through coursework (including a critical review and an essay), two unseen examinations, and the research project.

Each 15 credit module equates to around 150 learning hours. This is spread out over the whole period of the module which typically runs over 9 weeks. This includes the time you spend in taught sessions, independent study, group work and assessment.

You'll be required to complete eight compulsory modules and a dissertation within the general area of Health Psychology. The dissertation will present empirical findings of the student’s research project and take the form of a research paper presented as a mock submission to the British Journal of Health Psychology, in accordance with the journal’s guidelines.

You'll be required to complete four compulsory modules in the first year and four compulsory modules in the second year as well as a dissertation within the general area of Health Psychology.

Compulsory modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Health Psychology or Psychology & Health (see above BPS-specific requirements).

During the third term, students will be provided with the opportunity to gain experience in a setting relevant to health psychology. The placement aims to provide students with work experience and insights into the working life of health psychologists. Students will be given a choice of placements within an academic unit, a clinical setting or a non-governmental organisation such as a funding body. More details of placements will become available during the second term. Please note that due to the process of selection by providers and competition for popular placements, we cannot guarantee students that they will receive their first choice of placement, and we, therefore, ask students to choose at least four options from the list of placements that become available.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Students will need to meet local travel costs as part of the placements and clinical visits.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

The department is offering the Jane Wardle studentship for students undertaking the Health Psychology MSc. The studentship will consist of £3,750 towards tuition fees and is awarded to one student each year based on their academic records and personal statement. There is no need to apply separately for this studentship; all applicants are considered. This scholarship has been endowed in memory of Professor Jane Wardle (1950-2015), professor of clinical psychology and co-director of the Health Psychology MSc. Find out more.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

MPH IMPACT Scholarship

Value: £19,300 towards tuition fees () Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

MSc Health Psychology Jane Wardle Studentship

Value: £3,750 towards tuition fees (1yr) Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

The MSc Dental Public Health Aubrey Sheiham Scholarship

Deadline: 28 June 2024 Value: £2,500 (home students); £5,000 (overseas students) (1 yr) Criteria Based on academic merit Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees .

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

• why you want to study Health Psychology at graduate level
• why you want to study Health Psychology at UCL
• how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
• where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care

[email protected]

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