Program Overview

Course summary

Psychology

The Sheffield Institute of Social Science offers a PhD in Psychology, allowing students to undertake original research into topics including cognitive neuroscience, health psychology, sports doping, vision and aesthetics, and peace discourses.

How you learn

• Your supervisory team will include a Director of Studies and one or more second supervisors with expertise and interest in your research area.
• Much of the work for your degree will be carried out independently, and you will need the initiative, motivation, and commitment to succeed.
• Your supervisors help you to define your research programme, agree on any associated training requirements, and provide direction while encouraging you to develop as an independent researcher.
• You're supported by skills training workshops, research projects, student forums integrated by your departmental postgraduate tutor lead.

Applied learning

• Networking opportunities: You will be part of the University's community of researchers, with the opportunity to attend and/or contribute to a range of discipline, college, and University-wide presentations, training, and conferences.
• The institute has regular staff and student-led activities each year on specific topics associated with research identified by PhD students.
• We organise monthly Research Breakfast that encompass a wide range of topics, including 'how to publish,' and offer a friendly and supportive environment to discuss research.
• We also offer awards to our students bi-annually to reward outstanding work or an outstanding contribution to the PhD community.

Future careers

• Research degrees are essential qualifications for many academic careers.
• You will have the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills which are applicable to many employment sectors.
• Our alumni have gone on to take up academic posts at other universities (including Oxford and Cambridge), undergo clinical practitioner training, become certified health psychologists, and conduct high-quality research across the broad area of psychology as postgraduate researchers.

Equipment and facilities

• You will have access to a desk and computer, as well as the appropriate laboratories, workshops, and equipment needed to carry out your project.
• The institute has specialist facilities, including EEG equipment, eye- trackers, a large cognitive test library, retinal imaging equipment, EPrime, and transcranial stimulation equipment.

Where will I study?

• You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
• City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

Entry requirements

All students

• All applicants should hold a strong, relevant undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant master's qualification (merit and above).
• Application:
  • A research proposal (1,500 words maximum).
  • A personal statement (answering four questions, each 200 words maximum).
  • Copies of qualifications, certificates, and results transcripts.
  • Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.
  • Copies of your passport and any relevant visas, for international applicants.
• All suitable candidates are invited to an interview, which can take place in- person or online.

International students

• Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through one of the following:
  • Recent academic IELTS demonstrating an overall score of 7.0 or above with no score below 6.5 in the other components or equivalent.
  • Educated with a UK Master's degree level (merit and above) within two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date.

Fees and funding

Home students

• Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees, which have not yet been confirmed for 2026/27.
• An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities.

International students

• Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting part-time study in 2026/27 is £9,300 per year.
• An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities.

Doctoral student loans

• Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Additional course costs

• The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses.
• These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses.
• Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for Sheffield Institute of Social Sciences (PDF, 614.1KB)