Psychology PhD / MPhil

• A track record of high academic achievement, demonstrated by a good undergraduate degree with at least a second class (upper division) pass or equivalent.
• Good research methodological skills as demonstrated through relevant research experience and/or a good Masters level degree with at least a pass with merit (or equivalent).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral (see also the section on English language Requirements).
• Excellent planning and time-management skills.

English Language Requirements:

• A first degree from a UK university or from the CNAA.
• A first degree from an overseas institution recognised by the University as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language, for example, from institutions in Australia, Canada or the USA.
• GCE O-level/GCSE English language or English literature, grade C minimum.
• Cambridge ESOL CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) at grade C or above.
• An overall score of 6.5 in the English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum of 6.0 for each subtest.
• Satisfactory standard in the verbal section of the Princeton Test (GMAT).
• US SAT with 500 in verbal performance.
• Warwick English Language Test (WELT) with pass grades of BBC minimum.
• Other evidence of proficiency in the English language which satisfies the Board of Studies concerned.

Year 1 - In year one students take a number of MSc level modules to furnish their core research methodological skills (see our Research Methods MSc) and subject-specific knowledge (see our MScs in Organisational Psychology, Behavioural Economics, Health Psychology and Clinical, Social and Cognitive Neuroscience). They will also develop a systematic review of the literature in their field of study and begin to implement the first stages of their empirical and analytic work.

Year 2 - In year two students will finalise their literature review, develop an outline of the overall shape of their thesis and carry out the bulk of their empirical and analytic work. Students will have the opportunity to take advantage of several advanced level training courses to build expertise in subject-specific research methodologies such as Eye-tracking, Electroencephalography and Psychophysiology (please see the next section for further details of available advanced level training courses).

Year 3 - In year three students will conclude their empirical work and focus on writing up their thesis. They will also seek to disseminate their work in the form of peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations and identify opportunities for the next stage of their career.

Year 4 - The fourth year is only used for the final preparation and submission of the thesis, the viva voce examination by at least two examiners (at least one external to the University) and the completion of any amendments that may be requested.