University of Essex

PhD Psychosocial Studies

University of Essex

Course overview

The PhD Psychosocial Studies at the University of Essex is a course for students who are fascinated by people and relationships and want to explore the human psyche at its absolute core, the unconscious. At Essex, we will help students understand human behaviour at its most basic level, exploring why so many people have emotional problems, and how this impacts wider society. Most importantly, though, we will arm them with the skills and confidence to positively impact people’s mental health in a variety of settings.

The graduates of this programme go on to many different destinations, including further study and training, or further academic research work. Many of the students who are already professionals return to their existing fields with a deeper understanding of their work, increasing their potential for promotion and leadership in their existing or new roles.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants will need a Merit at Master's degree level, or equivalent, in a related discipline. 

  • A well-developed research proposal is also essential.

  • Applicants will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

English Language Requirements:

  • Applicants who don't have English as their first language will be required to have an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent, with a minimum of 5.5 in all other components.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Loyalty Discount

    First Class or Distinction, 2.1 or Merit, 2.2 or successful completion of a Masters, Graduate or PG Diploma - 20%.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Essex Futures BT– Masters Scholarship

    School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) is delighted to be offering up to six scholarship worth £5,500 each for 1 year full time.

    Up to £5,500

  • Essex Preparation Programme Bursary

    £250 cash bursary.

    Up to £250

  • Global Talent Masters Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a scholarship worth £5,000, paid as a discount on your tuition fee.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hong Kong Undergraduate Scholarship

    The awards offered are a discount of £5,000 per year for a maximum of three years of full-time undergraduate study, up to a maximum of £15,000.

    Up to £15,000

  • Hugh Brogan Bursary

    If you are applying to study a History MA degree, you could be eligible for one of four available cash bursaries worth £2,500.

    Up to £2,500

  • International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship

    If you're starting at Essex in 2026-27 and achieve academic excellence in your International Baccalaureate, we will offer you a scholarship of £2,000 for your first year of study.

    Up to £2,000

  • Performance Sports Scholarships and Bursaries

    Tier 1 - Tuition fee discount up to 100%, Tier 2 - Cash bursary (of varying amounts), Tier 3 - Access to the above performance package benefits, with a value of up to £1,500.

  • Postgraduate Masters (PGT) International Health Bursary

    The University is offering a bursary of £776 for Masters (PGT) international students.

    Up to £776

  • Postgraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £6,500, for your first year of study at Essex.

    Up to £6,500

  • Sociology and Criminology - Fuller PGT Scholarship

    The Department of Sociology and Criminology is offering scholarships of £11,025 to support six postgraduate students to study within the department in 2026-2027.

    Up to £11,025

  • The Always Essex Staff Discount Scholarship

    33% discount of the first-year tuition fee (first two years for part-time study).

  • The Eleonore Koch Travel Fund

    The School of Philosophical, Historical & Interdisciplinary Studies is offering a bursary of up to £5,000.

  • The Essex MBA Dean's Award

    The school is able to offer fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value.

  • The International Undergraduate Scholarship

    The award is offered as a £5,000 discount on your tuition fees for the first year of study in 2026-27 only.

    Up to £5,000

  • The Ronald J. Hill Fund

    The department of Government is offering a bursary of £3,000 to assist one postgraduate student within the department of Government to assist with tuition fees or living costs.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Undergraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You may be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £5,000, for each year of study at Essex up to a maximum of 3 years.

    Up to £5,000

  • University of Sanctuary Scholarship

Career opportunities

Graduates of the PhD Psychosocial Studies from the University of Essex are prepared for a variety of roles, including:

  • Research Administrator/Director

  • Educational Psychologist

  • Clinical Psychologist

  • Counselling Psychologist/Psychotherapist

  • Neuropsychologist

Cost of study

The tuition fee for the PhD in Psychosocial Studies at the University of Essex is  £19,650 per year for international students. (Fees will increase for each academic year of study.)

Admission

To apply for the course, applicants can apply directly to the university through its online application portal or through UCAS. For personalised help with your application, please speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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