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Department of Psychology
HomeDepartment of Psychology StudyPostgraduate research degrees in psychologyPhDs in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience

PhDs in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience

Supervisors

Funding

Our research

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  Length Start dates (semester dates)
PhD

3 year full-time
6 years part-time

Distance learning available

Apply for PhD

September, January, April, July

Psychological research is central to understanding and improving human life. Our PhD degrees empower researchers to explore the complexities of mind and behaviour. By advancing rigorous, impactful research, our community contributes to solutions that improve health, education, and society at large.

As a PhD researcher, you’ll have the opportunity to make original contributions that expand our understanding of the mind and help shape the future of psychological science.

Your research

Applicants should choose between two PhD programmes based on their research focus: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (for work involving the York Neuroimaging Centre or neuroscience methods), or Psychology (for all other areas). Prospective supervisors can help guide this choice.

PhD training includes weekly research seminars, opportunities to engage with leading speakers, and access to advanced courses and skills sessions (eg, grant writing, CVs, interviews). Students present their research annually, building feedback and communication skills.

Progress is formally reviewed after 12 to18 months. The PhD is typically completed within three years, with a maximum submission period of four years.

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Access to state-of-the-art facilities
including the York Neuroimaging Centre.
Top 10 in the UK for research
according to the Times Higher Education's rankings of the latest Research Education Framework (REF) results.
Influencing practice
with some of the strongest experimental psychology in the UK.

Funding

Explore funding opportunities for postgraduate researchers in psychology.

Supervision

Each research student has a supervisor who provides advice on a day-to-day basis and a co-supervisor.

Training and support

Each research student has a supervisor who provides advice on a day-to-day basis and a co-supervisor. In addition, students meet with their Thesis Advisory Panel once a semester to review their progress and present their plans for the next semester. The Thesis Advisory Panel consists of the supervisor, the co-supervisor and at least one other member of faculty who supplies broader expertise, support and advice.

Course location

This course is run by the Department of Psychology.

The Department of Psychology is located on Campus West.

Careers and skills

Our dedicated careers team offer specific support including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside of your research work.

You will have the opportunity to gain experience of demonstrating to undergraduate and taught Masters students, and receive practical advice on career planning. We hold a series of research seminars across all disciplines which are open to all researchers. There are also opportunities to present your own work through posters and talks.

A research degree is essential for careers as an independent researcher leading your own research program, whether in academia, research institutes, or industry.

Career opportunities

Our graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of sectors, including:

  • scientific research
  • postdoctoral positions
  • teaching and lecturing
  • data science positions.

Entry requirements

To apply for these courses you should hold, or expect to hold, an honours degree in psychology with a 2:1 or first-class honours (or overseas equivalent).

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

Check your English language requirements

Applying

Apply for the PhD

Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.

Find out more about how to apply.

Identify a supervisor

Before applying, you need to identify a research project that interests you. Look at the lists of academic staff in each of our research groups to see if there is a prospective supervisor working in an area which relates to your own research interests. You're welcome to email a prospective supervisor informally to find out more about their research or to ask if they will consider taking on a postgraduate researcher.

  • Find a supervisor

Interviews

As part of your application, you'll be invited to an interview (either face-to-face or online). As part of the interview process, you will usually be expected to make a short presentation on a recent piece of research you have conducted. If your first language is not English, you should be fluent enough to speak confidently about your intended area of research and discuss your background and interests with a panel of academics.

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Accommodation

We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.

Why York

Discover more about our researchers, facilities and why York is the perfect choice for your research degree.

Graduate Research School

Connect with researchers across all disciplines to get the most out of your research project.

Next steps

Meet us
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How to apply
Find out all you need to know about applying to York
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Scholarships
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