Psychology PhD / MPhil
The Department of Psychological Sciences conducts world-leading research on mind, brain and behaviour. Our research students are at the heart of what we do.
Why study with us?
1st
(joint) in the UK for our 'world leading' (4*) environment in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021)
40
staff members.
50
postgraduate students.
Overview
The Department of Psychological Sciences conducts world-leading research on mind, brain and behaviour. We currently have over 100 staff, with expertise in experimental, applied and clinical domains. Research in the department is concentrated around a number of research groups, some of which represent the largest concentration of expertise in the UK.
Our research interests
We welcome research proposals that match those of our researchers. The department has research groups with concentrations of expertise in the following areas:
- Addiction
- Appetite and obesity
- Forensic & Investigative Psychology
- Language, Cognition and Expertise
- Mental Health
- Perception
- Perinatal, infant and child mental health
- Psychology of Healthcare.
Research themes
Our research themes include:
- Health-related behaviours
- Language
- Learning and expertise
- Perception
- Mental health.
Facilities
Our Department has extensive and well maintained research facilities including eye tracking, EEG, a bar lab, appetite research unit, facilities dedicated to collection and analysis of biological samples and supported access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies at MARIARC.
Research groups
- Centre for Critical and Major Incident Psychology
- The Centre for Investigative Psychology
- Tactical Decision-making Research Group
Study options and fees
The fees below reflect one year of study during the 2024/25 academic year
| MPhil / PhD | Duration | UK students | International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,786 |
|
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,393 |
|
The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.
* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.
^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.
Entry requirements
Applicants should hold a good (2:1 or first class) degree in Psychology or a related discipline. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate an ability to write coherently (and may be asked to provide examples of their written work).
English language requirements
| IELTS Academic requirement - SELT and non-SELT | Overall score of 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in each component |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT requirement | Minimum 100 overall with L 21 R 21 W 21 and S 23 |
| C1 Advanced CAE requirement | Overall 185 with no less than 176 in any paper |
| PTE Academic requirement | 69 with minimum scores of 61 in each component |
| Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE II) | Please confirm with the department |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a First Language | Grade C |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a Second Language | Grade B |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Proficiency) | Overall 185 with 176 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 185 with 176 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 185 with 176 in components |
Additional requirements
Applicants will be expected to match their proposed research to one of the department’s stated areas of research interest and expertise. Projects will always be subject to appropriate ethical approval and potential students should be aware that for certain projects criminal record checks may also be necessary. Prospective applicants should contact potential supervisors in their area of interest before submitting a formal application.
How to apply
Research degree applications can be made online. You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.
Applications are open all year round.
More about applying for research degrees
Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal
Find a supervisor
View supervisors in this area
To find an appropriate staff member, take a look at our research groups.
Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us
- IPH PGR Student Experience Team
- Email: iphpgradmin@liverpool.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)151 794 8293
Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects
Related Doctoral Training Partnerships
Doctoral Training Partnerships support future researchers with funding and a rewarding learning environment where you can collaborate with leading researchers.
Find a scholarship
We offer a range of scholarships to help you meet the costs of studying a research degree.