COVID-19

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

See our terms and conditions for more information

View our Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

EU students starting at Newcastle in 2020 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.

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.

Funding opportunities

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.

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.

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 live outside the UK/EU 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 at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.