School of Psychology (Faculty of Health)
In the Research Excellence Framework, 83 per cent of
Research in the School of Psychology
was judged to be of a world leading or internationally excellent standard. This places us within the top 20 psychology, neuroscience and psychiatry schools across the country. We have a thriving PhD community with around 70 doctoral and DClin students.
ESRC-funded studentships can be taken up in any of the specialist areas of research supported by the school. The school has a wide range of psychology research interests including cognition, learning, vision, music, developmental, emotion, health, clinical, social and neuroscience. Students have access to extensive, modern, and well-equipped laboratory facilities supported by a dedicated team of technical staff.
There are two routes to an ESRC-funded PhD in Psychology at Plymouth:
- Psychology (‘1+3’ PhD): A one year
MSc Research Methods in Psychology followed by three years of doctoral (PhD) study. - Psychology (‘+3’ PhD): Three years
doctoral (PhD) research for students that already hold a master’s degree recognised by the ESRC.
Successful applicants will be part of a large, vibrant, highly collaborative community of PhD students with good interdisciplinary links, providing opportunities for research, training and collaboration.
Initial enquiries
You can search through a list of
potential PhD projects
or have a look at our
staff pages
. You need to identify a supervisor in the School of Psychology if you want to apply to the psychology pathway at the University of Plymouth.
If you would like advice on potential supervisors, please contact
Dr Patricia Kanngiesser
.
How to apply
The ESRC SWDTP encourages collaboration across the universities of the partnership and with external organisations.
Closing date: 14 January 2025, 12:00 noon (UK time)
Start date: 1 October 2025
The studentship is supported for three to four years depending upon the pathway (+3 or 1+3) and includes full home tuition fees plus a stipend which is currently £19,237 per annum (2024/2025 rate). There are limited number of places for international students.
Eligibility
Information on the eligibility criteria for full awards can be found on the South West DTP website.
Application process
We will need you to discuss your proposed research topic with an academic staff member in psychology before submitting your application, and provide a letter of support from your prospective supervisor (Annex B).
You will need to submit the following documentation in order for us to consider your application:
- Completed University of Plymouth online application form, accessible via the link at the top of the page in the ‘Apply’ box.
- Completed SWDTP Studentship Application Form 2025 Entry (Annex A)
- Completed SWDTP Supervisor Supporting Statement Form for 2025 Entry (Annex B)
- Completed SWDTP SWDTP Equal Opportunities Student Data Form 2025 Entry
- Copies of your academic qualifications (both certificates and transcripts of module/course marks).
- Please include a CV with your application.
- If applicable, appropriate proof of English proficiency.
Your application will only be considered if it contains the above and you have met our minimum criteria. If we need further details or additional documentation, we will contact you.
For full details on the studentship process, please visit the South West Doctoral Training Partnership: How do I apply for a studentship? page.