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 Psychology programme involves a three year full-time, or six years part-time, research period, followed by a writing-up period (details below). 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 PGR Development Programme run by the Doctoral College.
The MSc (Research) Psychology programme involves a one year full-time, or two years part-time, research period, followed by a writing-up period (details below). 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 a 20-credit compulsory research training module run by the Doctoral College.
Please note that we will only consider applications that have already established the support of a primary supervisor. Applications without a proposed supervisor, or applications where the proposed supervisor has not agreed in advance to support your application, will be rejected.
Research topics
If you are interested in making an application, the first step is to contact a potential supervisor to enquire whether they are available to supervise your proposed topic.
We are a large and diverse department, offering project supervision in many areas of Psychology. You can find out more information about our research, including a list of potential supervisors and information about current PGR student research topics, at the Centre for Psychological Science.
The PGR Development Programme
The PGR Development Programme provides an excellent opportunity to build your academic and professional skills, supporting your success as a researcher and enhancing your future career prospects. It is designed to help you thrive in your research environment and prepare for the diverse challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
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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