Psychology research degrees
The length of programme registration will be longer as it includes the maximum writing-up phase.
Whether you choose to study at Masters or PhD level, Psychology at Hull offers diverse research opportunities, providing a unique experience in your postgraduate journey.
About our Psychology research degrees
We offer two types of research degree: a PhD and a MSc by thesis (the MSc (Research) Psychology).
The PhD programme is three years full-time (or five years part-time). You will research and write a maximum 100,000 word thesis on a topic in which we are able to offer supervision. Alongside your research you will complete research training modules (minimum 60 credits) from the Postgraduate Training Scheme run by the Doctoral College.
The MSc (Research) is one year full-time (or two years part-time). You will research and write a maximum 50,000 word thesis on a topic in which we are able to offer supervision. Alongside your research you will complete research training modules (minimum 20 credits) from the Postgraduate Training Scheme run by the Doctoral College.
Research topics
We are a large and diverse department, offering project supervision in many areas of Psychology. If you are interested in doing an MRes or a PhD project with us, explore our key research areas.
The Postgraduate Training Scheme
It is now widely recognised by employers, professional bodies and research funding agencies that specialist expertise alone is not sufficient preparation either for research or a subsequent career. With this in mind, we require all our postgraduate research students to follow a research training programme relating both to their particular field of study and to generic skills; for example, information technology and communication skills.
Programme structure
PhD structure
| Full time | Part time |
|---|---|
| 3 years of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required | 6 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required |
Masters structure
| Full time | Part time |
|---|---|
| 1 year of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required | 2 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required |
Writing up and thesis submission
A standard full-time PhD programme comprised three years of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation (also referred to as “writing-up”). Part-time is six years plus up to 24 months thesis finalisation if needed. Full-time standard Masters programmes are comprised one year of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation needed; and part time Masters programmes have two years of research with up to two years of thesis finalisation.
For full-time students, the thesis finalisation phase should take three months but may be extended to one year without further paperwork. For part-time students, thesis finalisation should take six months, but may be extended to two years without further paperwork. The maximum thesis finalisation period is included in your overall programme length, which means that international PGRs will not need to apply for an additional visa to cover this phase.
If you need to move into the thesis finalisation period of your research degree, you must enrol for this phase and you will be liable to pay a continuation fee.
Thesis submission timelines
It is expected that you will submit your thesis within the timeframes outlined below:
Masters degrees
- Submission by one year and 3 months full-time.
- Submission by 2 years and 6 months part-time.
Doctoral degrees
- Submission by 3 years and 3 months full-time.
- Submission by 6 years and 6 months for part-time.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
You should normally have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in psychology or a related discipline.
Please contact your prospective supervisor in the first instance. Once a member of staff has agreed to supervise your research project in principle, please make a formal application.
Typical offer
2:1 in a relevant subject area
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Ready to get started?
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