PhD Psychology

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.

Heriot-Watt University started in 1821 in Edinburgh, Scotland. At that time, it was called the School of Arts of Edinburgh. It was the world’s first mechanics’ institute and was created by Leonard Horner and Robert Bryson to give working people the chance to study. In 1852, the school was renamed the Watt Institution and School of Arts to honour the famous Scottish engineer James Watt. Later, in 1885, it became known as Heriot-Watt College.

Today, Heriot-Watt University is a global university with five campuses around the world. These are located in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney (all in the UK), as well as Dubai (UAE) and Putrajaya (Malaysia).

The university offers courses that are designed to meet the needs of today’s industries. Lessons are taught by teachers who have experience in the real working world. Heriot-Watt also works with companies from around the world to help solve important problems in business and science.

In the latest UK research review (REF 2021), nearly 87% of the university’s research was rated as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent.” This means Heriot-Watt is a great place to study if you are looking for high-quality teaching and strong connections to the real world.

• 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.

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.

Heriot-Watt University offers a variety of scholarships for international postgraduate students, both directly through the university and through external organisations. These scholarships aim to support talented students and help them pursue their academic goals.

The International Merit Scholarship is a significant scholarship programme offering partial fee abatement for international fee-paying students enrolling in January and September intakes. The value of the scholarship varies by region and academic profile, and it's typically for the first year of study only.

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

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.