Program Overview

Cognition and Culture

Overview

The Institute of Cognition and Culture (ICC) is one of the world's first centres for research in the cognitive science of culture. This is a burgeoning interdisciplinary field in which scholars seek to explain patterns of cultural stability and variation utilising theories and methods of the cognitive and evolutionary sciences.

Course Content

The PhD programme at the ICC runs for 3 years. In the first year of training, students prepare their research proposals in consultation with their supervisors and receive group training on a wide range of methods as well as individual orientation on issues specific to their project. This phase culminates with the assessment of the proposed research. If successful, the student ‘Differentiates’ (i.e. advances to the status of PhD candidate). The second year comprises the research and data-collection component of the postgraduate training, where students systematically test the hypotheses defined in their proposals. This normally entails two phases. In the first, PhD candidates conduct a research study (or series of studies) within the laboratory facilities of the ICC. In the second, students apply their methodology to a distinct cultural context that is identified as being able to address and refine core features of the PhD candidate’s theoretical model. In the final year of postgraduate training, analysis of research findings is carried out in consultation with supervisors and other staff members, leading to the production of a thesis of up to 80,000 words.

Research Information

• Secularism and atheism
• Social cognition (moral psychology, intergroup conflict, etc.)
• Agency
• The production, development and investigation of scientific hypotheses in each of these domains of human culture are grounded in the body of knowledge emerging from the evolutionary and cognitive sciences.

Career Prospects

For further information on career development opportunities at PhD level please contact the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Career Development Team.

Entrance Requirements

• The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) £5,006
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) £5,006
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) £5,006
• EU Other £20,500
• International £20,500

Additional Course Costs

• There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
• Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
• Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100.
• Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
• Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
• There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines.
• In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis.

Funding and Scholarships

• PhD Opportunities
• Funded Doctoral Training Programmes
• PhD loans
• International Scholarships
• The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.