Swansea University

PhD Psychology

Swansea University

Course overview

The PhD in Psychology at Swansea University allows students to pursue original research on key psychological topics within a strong academic environment. They will join a research-active school with areas such as Cognition & Perception, Brain & Behaviour, Clinical & Health Psychology, and Forensic Psychology, and will work with state-of-the-art facilities, including EEG and sleep laboratories.

 

Learning involves close supervision of your research project, participation in seminars and training, and the completion of a substantial thesis, followed by an oral examination. The programme supports full-time (typically 3 years for a PhD) and part-time modes to meet different student needs.

Entry requirements

Candidates are required to submit a personal statement and a detailed research proposal outlining their research interests and reasons for applying. A relevant academic or employer reference is also required. Students are strongly encouraged to upload their CV to demonstrate professional and research experience. Please note that for PhD tracks, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview as part of the final selection process.

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants must normally hold an undergraduate degree at a 2:1 level and a relevant Master’s degree.

  • Alternatively, candidates with a first-class honours undergraduate degree or equivalent may be considered even without a Master’s degree, provided their research experience and proposal are strong.

English Language Requirements:

  • Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds need to achieve a recognised English language test, typically IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.5, or an equivalent recognised qualification.

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • International Excellence Scholarships

    Scholarships are awarded as a discount on tuition fees worth up to £5,000 in the first year of study, with a further £2,000 awarded in Year 2 (for £5,000 awardees only, subject to achieving a 70% average).

  • International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries

    First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.

  • Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)

    The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.

  • Swansea University Sport Scholarship

    Financial support (of up to £2000).

  • Thrive Bursary

    The Thrive bursary is a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees for the first year of study, with a progression bursary of £2,000 in subsequent years (applied as a discount off tuition fees).

    Up to £4,000

Career opportunities

Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped for careers that demand advanced research, analytical, and leadership skills in psychology and related fields. Possible career paths include:

 

  • Academic Researcher or Lecturer

  • Specialist Researcher  

  • Policy Adviser or Analyst 

  • Research Project Manager 

  • Mental Health Consultant 

  • Data Scientist 

Cost of study

For international students, the full-time PhD in Psychology tuition fee is £22,700 and is subject to annual increases.

Admission

Applications should be made through the Swansea University online research application portal. However, for personalised help with your application, please speak to one of our trained counsellors. 

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