PhD Health Psychology

The PhD in Health Psychology at Swansea University is a research-based programme for students who wish to study how psychological factors affect health and illness. It involves in-depth research into topics such as behaviour change, illness perceptions, health interventions, and public health psychology. Students will design, carry out, and write up original research under supervision in the Faculty of Allied Health. In this PhD Health Psychology programme, the focus is on independent research. Students join a supervisory team and work on a topic agreed in advance. The study may involve qualitative or quantitative methods, or a mixture, depending on the research question.

The minimum full‐time duration is three years. Students will engage with academic seminars, research training, and disciplinary workshops. The study is situated at Allied Health, linking psychology and health. Research topics could include patient experiences, health behaviours, service evaluation, or applied psychology within health settings. Learning occurs through supervised research, seminars, and conferences. Students will regularly meet with their supervisor, present work‐in‐progress, and receive feedback. Assessment is primarily through the written thesis and a viva voce (oral defence) rather than exams.