Program Overview

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Psychosis Studies MPhil/PhD, MD(Res)

Key information

Award:

MPhil

PhD

MDRes

Study mode:

Full time

Part time

Campus:

Denmark Hill Campus

Overview

The Department of Psychosis Studies is the largest department within the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), and one of the world’s largest groups conducting research on psychosis. In the last 5 years alone, the pioneering work of our staff has resulted in over 1300 scientific publications, and we currently hold approximately £25 million in research grant income.

Research at the Department of Psychosis Studies is world-leading, with both local and global impact. Our staff are recognised globally as innovators of high-quality translational research. Set within the context of the famous Maudsley hospital, we have a rich history of pioneering academics, which endures today. Our staff continue to produce trailblazing research, often challenging accepted thought to explore new approaches, provide new perspectives, and develop new technology to shed light on psychosis.

The research carried out by the Department is focused on the aetiology and mechanisms underlying psychosis, and on the development of new treatments for psychotic disorders. Research studies may involve people with subclinical symptoms, groups at high risk, and patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Research activity is directly integrated with the local clinical services for psychosis in the South London And Maudsley NHS Trust, through the Psychosis Clinical Academic Group (CAG). This unique fusion of the research and clinical infrastructure facilitates implementation of the department’s academic strategy. It ensures that research and teaching reflect current clinical priorities, and that clinical practice is informed by the latest research findings.

Research Focus

Our research focuses on understanding why individuals experience psychotic symptoms or develop psychotic disorders. Our ultimate aim is to inform the development of new clinical assessments and treatments to benefit the lives of those experiencing psychosis. To achieve this, we harness powerful modern analytical techniques integrating data from neuroimaging, genomics, psychopathology, cognition, epidemiology, and the assessment of peripheral markers. Key to all our research is the integration of biological and psychosocial factors.

Study Environment

• Base campus: Denmark Hill Campus
• Home to: Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
• Senior members of the Department offer supervision: There are more than 60 PhD students working within the Department on a diverse range of projects.
• Graduate research students work closely with their supervisors: Enjoy regular meetings to discuss their progress, and liaise with other members of staff with relevant research interests.
• Departmental research presentations and Institute seminars: Students are encouraged to attend and participate.
• Full induction for new graduate students: On commencing their studies.
• Workspace and computer: Each full-time graduate research student is allocated their own workspace and computer; facilities for part-time students can be arranged according to their needs.

Postgraduate Training

• Training courses: Run by the department, the Institute, or through the Graduate School, can be utilised as required to provide training in a wide variety of topics, from transferable skills to academic areas directly relevant to the student's thesis.
• Researcher Development Programme: King's runs an outstanding programme designed to meet the individual training needs of research students. The programme has been developed to ensure we produce the most qualified, experienced, and employable researchers.

Entry Requirements

UK Requirements

• Minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree: Required for application.
• Lower degree classification or unrelated subject: Application may be considered if significant relevant work experience can be demonstrated, or a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip) is offered.

Equivalent International Qualifications

• Select a country: A list of countries is provided to determine equivalent qualifications.

English Language Requirements

• English language band: D
• Certification of competence in English: Usually required before starting studies.
• Majority English speaking countries: Nationals who have permanently resided in these countries are not usually required to complete an additional English language test.
• Undergraduate degree, postgraduate taught degree, or PhD: Completion of these in a majority English speaking country within five years of the course start date may exempt the need for an English language test.

Tuition Fees

UK Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time: £7,950 per year
• Part time: £3,975 per year

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time: £30,240 per year
• Part time: £15,120 per year

UK Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time: £8,500 per year
• Part time: £4,250 per year

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time: £32,400 per year
• Part time: £16,200 per year

Application Procedure

1. Finding Supervisors: Search through the research portal to find supervisors who work in your chosen research area. Applicants are expected to contact academics directly.
2. Arranging Funding: Unless applying for a studentship or self-funding, funding must be arranged before making the application.
3. Make an Online Application: The application will be assessed by the Admissions team to assess references, fee status, and eligibility in terms of education and experience.
4. Submit a Project Approval Form (PAF): The PAF is used to assess the project in terms of planning, feasibility, and appropriateness for a PhD. It is recommended that applicants work closely with their supervisors.
5. Application Closing Date: Deadlines are detailed below; the programme will close at 23:59 (UK time) and will open for the corresponding intake in 2026 soon after the same intake has passed in 2025.

Application Deadlines

• June 2025 entry: 20 March 2025 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2025 for Home fee status
• October 2025 entry: 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
• February 2026 entry: 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status
• June 2026 entry: 20 March 2026 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2026 for Home fee status

Application Checklist

• Personal Statement: Required, can be entered directly into the online application form or uploaded as an attachment.
• Research Proposal: Required, should explain the field of study, current research gaps, what you want to do, and how you propose to do it.
• Previous Academic Study: Required, a copy of official academic transcript(s) showing subjects studied and marks obtained.
• References: One academic reference is required; a professional reference will be accepted if qualifications were completed over five years ago.
• Other: Optional, may include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration.