Program Overview

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Overview

The Psychology MPhil and PhD at Newcastle University are research-based programs that allow students to explore various areas of psychology, including evolutionary approaches to behavior and cognition, cognitive and neural mechanisms, applied psychology, and mental health. The programs are based within the Faculty of Medical Sciences and are delivered in the School of Psychology and relevant Research Institutes.

Qualifications Explained

The MPhil is a research training program that leads to the completion of a 40,000-50,000 word thesis, while the PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award that involves original research making a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject, resulting in a substantial piece of work (80,000-100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis.

How You'll Learn

Assessment methods include a thesis and a viva. The program also offers a range of workshops and activities to support postgraduate research students, including research and professional skills, careers support, wellbeing, health and safety, public engagement, and academic development.

Your Development

The Faculty of Medical Sciences researcher development program is designed to help students perform better as researchers, boost their career prospects, and broaden their impact. The program covers techniques for effective research, methods for better collaborative working, essential professional standards and requirements, and is flexible to adapt to the changing needs of students as they progress through their doctorate.

Your Future

The program is designed to support students in their future careers, with opportunities for networking, collaboration, and professional development. The university's Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and the program has strong links with employers.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University has a world-class reputation and leading researchers and clinicians working in the field of psychology. The university is ranked 42% for world-leading research, 65% increase in research power since 2014, and is a Global Top 140 University.

Facilities

The program is located in the Dame Margaret Barbour Building, a new bespoke facility offering an excellent environment for learning, teaching, and research. The psychology facilities include psychological testing cubicles, medical consultation rooms, media and behavior lab, forensic interviewing suite, and the Psychological Therapies Training and Research Clinic.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry are not set for home students, and £31,900-£46,000 for international students. The program offers a range of scholarships, including the Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements for the MPhil include a 2:1 honors degree or international equivalent in a science or medicine-related subject. The PhD requires a 2:1 honors degree or international equivalent, with further research experience or a Master's degree being advantageous.

How to Apply

The application process involves submitting a research proposal, and students may be invited to attend a selection interview. The program has a range of start dates, and international students must pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship.

• The program codes are:
  • MPhil Full-time: 7300F
  • MPhil Part-time: 7300P
  • PhD Full-time: 8300F
  • PhD Part-time: 8300P
• The application portal has instructions to guide students through the application process.
• Students can choose to start their application, save their details, and come back to complete it later.

Open Days and Events

The university regularly travels overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Students can find out more about open days and events on the university's website.

Get in Touch

For specific questions about the course, students can contact the School Postgraduate Research Student Coordinator, Dr. Kate Swainston. For more general enquiries, students can complete the university's online enquiry form or use the live chat feature on the website.