Heriot-Watt University

PhD Psychology

Heriot-Watt University

Course overview

The PhD in Psychology at Heriot-Watt University is a research degree that helps you study how psychology can solve real-life problems. You will do your research to better understand learning, mental health, wellbeing, and how people perform in different situations at home, school, or work.

Research in psychology at Heriot-Watt is grouped into three key themes: Cognition, Brain and Behaviour; Lifespan Health and Wellbeing; and Work, Society and Environment. 

The first theme studies how thinking and behaviour change through life, including work on memory, language, and conditions like dementia or stroke. The second part of the course looks at how psychology can support health and education for children, adults, and older people, while the last part focuses on how psychology can help improve work performance, decision-making, and safety.

While studying for a PhD in Psychology at Heriot-Watt University, you will work with experienced teachers and researchers. You may also use modern tools like virtual reality and robotics in your work. The PhD usually takes 3 years to complete full-time. If you choose to do an MPhil instead, it usually takes 1.5 years.

Entry requirements

  • You will need to submit a research proposal of 1,500 words (max) that summarises your topic, objectives, brief literature, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes.
  • You’re also expected to submit your academic transcripts and certificates. 
  • Two reference letters from two academic referees are required. 

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants must have the equivalent of a first or upper second class honours undergraduate degree in psychology or a related discipline. 
  • A master's degree (with a dissertation mark of 65% or higher) or relevant research experience may also be required.

English Proficiency:

  • If your previous degree was not taught and assessed in English, you will need to provide proof of your English language skills. For example, if you are taking the IELTS test, you must achieve an overall score of at least 6.5, with no individual skill (Reading, Writing, Speaking, or Listening) below 6.0.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount Scheme

    A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Coaching Scholarships Programme

    Varies – up to a 100% Tuition fee Reduction (dependent on experience and number of coaching hours across the year).

  • Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

    The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence awards the successful recipient(s) with a 20% reduction on their tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships

    Please contact the provider.

  • Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary

    We are offering up to £525 from the access to learning funding to students to help cover costs. This could be to purchase a laptop, pay for WiFi access or travel expenses.

    Up to £525

  • International Merit Scholarship

    Award value: Varies by region

  • Remission of Fees (Families of Staff)

    Please contact the provider.

  • Staff Scholarships

    Please contact the provider

  • The Brodie Family Scholarship (PGT)

    The Brodie Family Scholarship provides financial support of £2,500 per year (or £2,000 per year for students enrolled in a five-year programme) to four undergraduate students.

  • The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

  • The New Dawn Energy Scholarship

    The New Dawn Energy Scholarship provides £1900 towards living costs to two students enrolling on our MSc in Petroleum Engineering in September 2026.

    Up to £1,900

Career opportunities

Graduates with a PhD in Psychology from Heriot-Watt University are qualified for employment in roles such as the following: 

  • Clinical Psychologist 
  • Counselling Psychologist 
  • Health Psychologist 
  • School Psychologist 
  • Rehabilitation Psychologist 
  • Forensic Psychologist

Cost of study

The tuition fee to study a PhD in Psychology for the 2025/2026 academic session is £19,816. Please note that fees are paid per year and are subject to change.

Admission

To apply for this course, you have to use the online application platform provided by the university. If you need more information about this process, please feel free to speak with any of our counsellors at AHZ.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide