Am I eligible to register for a PhD in the Psychology department?

You should normally have a good honours undergraduate degree (i.e. first class or upper second class). In addition you would normally have, or be predicted to obtain before the start of your doctoral studies, a Masters-level qualification in Psychology or a related discipline. In exceptional circumstances, other experience will be considered in lieu of a Masters-level qualification. Please note that if you only have an undergraduate degree you can still apply for research council 1+3 studentships (e.g. ESRC) to fund a MSc and then a MPhil/PhD - more information can be obtained from this web page on 'sources of funding'. 

 We welcome applications from the UK, EU and overseas.

In addition to these background qualifications, it is important for both you and us to establish:

• that there is a supervisor in the department who has the right kind of expertise and skills to help you to carry out the kind of project you want to do;
• that the project can realistically be completed to a high standard within the time period outlined above; and
• that you have the skills, personal attributes, and determination to enjoy and succeed with the particular demands of doctoral research. 

It is therefore essential that before you submit an application  you start by discussing your research ideas with possible supervisors, so that you can informally find out whether they are likely to be able to offer you the support and guidance that you would need. Should you then decide to make a formal application, you will be required to write a brief research proposal as well as to give other information about your qualifications, achievements, and experience. Your prospective supervisor will be able to offer you some advice on this proposal enabling you make it as strong as possible.

If you meet the basic entry requirements and if a member of staff feels that they would be able to provide you with appropriate supervision for the project you have discussed with him/her, you will normally be invited for an interview. Applicants who are judged by the panel to be capable of undertaking their proposed PhD within our department will be offered a place.

For any enquiries, please contact the Department of Psychology’s Director of Postgraduate Affairs, Professor Adam Rutland, a.rutland@gold.ac.uk