Program Overview

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MPhil/PhD Psychological and Behavioural Science

The MPhil/PhD programme in Psychological and Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics (LSE) offers students the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of human behaviour and gain practical research experience in the UK and internationally.

Overview

The programme is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in research or academia, and provides a comprehensive education in psychological and behavioural science. The programme includes taught courses on both methodology and theory, and students have the opportunity to work with a supervisor who is a specialist in their chosen research field.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is an upper second class honours (2:1) bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), plus high merit (65+) in master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant area. English language requirements also apply, and students may need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency.

Programme Content

The programme includes taught courses on both methodology and theory, and students have the opportunity to work with a supervisor who is a specialist in their chosen research field. The programme can include courses on:

• Qualitative Research Methods
• Survey Methodology
• Applied Regression Analysis
• Multivariate Analysis and Measurement

Research Areas

The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at LSE has a wide range of research strengths, including:

• Social psychology
• Behavioural economics
• Political psychology
• Organisational culture
• Consumer behaviour
• Public engagement
• Community development
• Global health, happiness and well-being
• Planetary health

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the programme are:

• Home student fee: £5,131 (2026/27)
• Overseas student fee: £24,400 (2026/27) The School offers generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students, and students can apply for LSE PhD Studentships.

Learning and Assessment

The programme is assessed through a combination of coursework and a thesis. Students are required to complete a series of taught courses and a research thesis, and are expected to make progress and meet targets throughout the programme.

Graduate Destinations

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career, and the programme provides a comprehensive education in psychological and behavioural science.

Why Study with Us

The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at LSE is a growing community of researchers, academics and students who explore the human mind and behaviour in a societal context. The department is ranked first in London for psychology (Complete University Guide 2026) and first in the UK for psychology (Good University Guide 2026).

Related Programmes

The LSE offers a range of related programmes, including:

• MPhil/PhD Social Policy
• MSc Social and Cultural Psychology
• MRes/PhD in Management - Organisational Behaviour
• MPhil/PhD Gender
• MPhil/PhD Sociology
• MSc Behavioural Science

Key Information

• Study mode: Full-time or part-time
• Programme availability: Home and overseas students
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Start date: 28 September 2026
• Location: Houghton Street, London
• Application deadline: 27 May 2026
• Funding deadline: 14 January 2026

How to Apply

To apply for the programme, students should submit an application form and supporting documents, including:

• Academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications)
• Statement of academic purpose
• References
• CV
• Outline research proposal
• Sample of written work

Career Support

The LSE offers a range of career support services, including CV workshops, careers fairs, and one-to-one advice sessions. The School's careers service can help students to make the most of their time at LSE and to achieve their career goals.