Program Overview

PhD Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology

Overview

The PhD Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology is a postgraduate research course that provides a route into research study for those without a Master's degree or with little research training. The course is based in the Department of Psychology at the University of Essex and is available for full-time study over four to five years.

Course Structure

The course is an Integrated PhD, which means that students spend their first year completing a full-time Master's-level qualification, followed by a full-time PhD studied over three to four years. The Department of Psychology also offers a 'standard' PhD in this subject, which can be studied either full-time or part-time.

Research Areas

Cognitive neuroscience is the scientific study of biological substrates underlying cognition, with a focus on the neural substrates of mental processes. The course covers research areas such as:

• Cognitive psychology
• Sensory and cognitive neuroscience
• Social psychology
• Neuropsychology

Specialist Facilities

The University of Essex has a range of specialist facilities, including:

• The Centre for Brain Science (CBS)
• Electrophysiology (EEG) suites
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS)
• A virtual reality suite
• An observation suite
• Specialist areas for studying visual and auditory perception, developmental psychology, and social psychology
• The Babylab, a leading infant lab in the East of England
• A dedicated Minecraft Lab for studying human behavior

Teaching and Assessment

Modules are taught through lectures, laboratory practicals, seminars, independent reading, and research projects. Assessment methods include:

• Three-hour examinations
• Coursework (e.g., essays, oral presentations)
• A research dissertation of up to 80,000 words for the PhD

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK fee: Ł5,238 per year
• International fee: Ł23,625 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study
• Scholarships, bursaries, or discounts may be available to help with the cost of the course

Entry Requirements

• UK entry requirements: 2:2 degree or equivalent in any subject
• International and EU entry requirements: a wide range of qualifications are accepted; contact the Graduate Admissions team for more information
• English language requirements: IELTS 7.0 or equivalent, with a minimum score of 5.5 in all other components

Career Prospects

Graduates from the Department of Psychology have been employed in clinical psychology, educational psychology, criminal and forensic psychology, and have also taken up post-doctoral positions in top UK and international universities.