Postgraduate research courses

The breadth and variety of psychology and neuroscience taught in the School is a particular strength, with significant opportunities to collaborate and benefit from a range of techniques applied to understanding the behaviour of humans and other animals. Further information on the researchers and the diverse range of research carried in the School can be found on the research pages.

The School of Psychology and Neuroscience offers the following research degrees:

  • Psychology PhD
  • Neuroscience PhD
    The PhD, in either Psychology or Neuroscience, is a research-based degree, normally conducted over a period of 3 years (or 6 years if taken on a part-time basis), under the supervision of one or more members of the School’s academic staff, leading to a thesis of no more than 80,000 words and an oral examination (viva).
  • MSc Psychology (by research)
  • MSc Neuroscience (by research)
    The 1-year MSc (by research) degree, in either Psychology or Neuroscience, consists solely of an independent research project conducted over a 12-month period (or an equivalent period of part-time study), under the supervision of one or more members of the School’s academic staff, leading to a thesis of no more than 30,000 words.

The goal of both the PhD and the MSc (by research) is to provide a training programme tailored to the needs of the individual.  Training can be provided from tutorials with the supervisor and other members of staff, taught courses in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience or other, related, departments, University units (such as the Centre for Academic, Professional and Organisational Development), or external organisations. Participation in conferences, seminars and workshops, both internally and externally, is also encouraged.