Psychology MPhil, PhD
Psychology MPhil, PhD
MPhil - full time: minimum 12 months, part time: minimum 24 months
PhD - full time: minimum 36 months, part time: minimum 72 months
Profile
Our specialised research interests in psychology include evolutionary psychology, perception and cognition, animal behaviour, neuroscience, social psychology and forensic psychology. We have PhDs funded by UK research councils and charities and we welcome self-funding applicants interested in doing postgraduate research in psychology.
Your programme during COVID-19
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.
Further information
Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University study experience.
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The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.
Read our detailed explanation.
The School of Psychology offers MPhil and PhD supervision in the following areas:
Clinical and health psychology
We research developmental disorders of perception and cognition, and the development and assessment of cognitive models of, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment for:
- bipolar disorder
- psychosis
- anxiety
- developmental disorders
Behaviour and evolution
We carry out studies of animal and human behaviour including:
- the evolutionary psychology of mate choice
- attractiveness and co-operation
- evolutionary approaches to personality
Visual perception and human cognition
Our research includes:
- perception of natural scenes
- psychophysics and attention
- visual social cognition and face processing
- advertising and consumer behaviour
Development psychology
We focus on how different cognitive skills develop in children, from memory systems to learning in school. We have particular strength in developmental disorders such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Forensic psychology
Our research includes:
- 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
More information about staff specialisms and the wide range of psychological research at Newcastle can be found on the School of Psychology website.
You will receive a tailored package of support from the University to ensure you maximise your research and future career. There are also opportunities to undertake your research at Newcastle within a Doctoral Training Centre, Centre for Doctoral Training or Doctoral Training Partnership.
Faculty of Medical Sciences Research Student Development Programme
Our Research Student Development Programme is a community made up of postgraduates from the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
It supports your research whilst developing your professional skills and confidence.
You will make an on-going assessment of your own development and training needs through personal development planning (PDP) in the ePortfolio system. Our organised external events and development programme have been mapped against the Vitae Researcher Development Framework to help you identify how best to meet your training and development needs.
Doctoral training centres and partnerships
Being part of a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) or Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) means that you can benefit from the research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics. You'll also be studying alongside a cohort of other PhD students.
These centres are often interdisciplinary, combining expertise and training from multiple subject areas. You may also be able to collaborate with an industrial or commercial organisation.
Your PhD will be funded. Normally the fees are covered and you'll receive a tax-free stipend or living expenses. Additional funding is sometimes available to cover things such as conference attendance and research materials.
The centres/ partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area.
Fees & Funding
2021-2022 fees
If your studies last longer than one year your fee may be subject to an annual inflationary increase.
The fees displayed here are per year.
MPhil, PhD
Home
Full time: £4,407 - £15,607*
Part time: £2,203.50 - £7,803.50*
*The fees given above are for 2020-21 only. For 2021-22 entry, we will be aligning our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2021 by UKRI.
International
Full time: £24,000 - £35,500
EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals
For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.
If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.
All students
Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.
Fee ranges
Our fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.
Your research topic is unique and as such 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.
Entry Requirements
MPhil
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a science or medicine related subject.
PhD
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Further research experience or a Master's degree would be advantageous.
Find out the equivalent qualifications for your country.
Use the drop down above to find your country. If your country isn't listed please email: international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.
English Language Requirements
To study this course you need to meet the following English Language requirements:
IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills).
Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.
Pre-sessional English Language courses are not accepted as an alternative entry to this course.
You may need an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate. You'll need to get this before you can get your visa or study on this programme. We'll let you know about the ATAS requirement in your offer letter.
How to Apply
You apply online, track your application and contact the admissions team via our applicant portal. Our step by step guide can help you on your way.
You do not need to identify a supervisor prior to submitting your application via the applicant portal.
As part of your application, please upload a short (non-binding) research proposal to indicate your broad area of interest (outline any proposed methods if applicable). This helps us assess both your suitability for a research degree and whether we can offer supervision.
If your application is successful and we can match you with a supervisor, you will normally be invited to attend a selection interview (either on campus, by video-conferencing or Skype).
Start dates
There are usually three possible start dates, although in some circumstances an alternative start date can be arranged:
- January
- April
- September
There is no application closing date for this course, but specific deadlines for funding may apply.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Deposit
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 must:
- pay a deposit of £1,500
- or submit an official letter of sponsorship
The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.
Contact
For further information:
UK/EU students should contact:
Medical Sciences Graduate School
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 7002
Fax: +44 (0) 191 208 7038
Email: medpg-enquiries@ncl.ac.uk
International students wishing to discuss these opportunities may contact:
Andrea Wadham
International Student Recruitment Manager
Faculty of Medical Sciences
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 4841
Email: biomed-international-pg@ncl.ac.uk