Research Programmes

We offer three research Postgraduate degree programmes which can be undertaken in on a full-time or part-time basis. Periods of study range from three terms full-time for MA/MSc to a maximum of eighteen terms part-time for a PhD.

• MSc / MA by Thesis (A one year period of investigation examined by thesis)

• PhD by Thesis (A three year period in which the first year will be used to develop a research  paradigm followed by two years of experimentation. Examined by thesis (traditional or published papers) and viva voce.)

The Department of Psychology provides a world-class research environment for postgraduate students in Biological, Cognitive, Social or Developmental Psychology along with more applied aspects such as Educational Psychology, Forensic/Criminological Psychology, Neuroscience (including Neurorehabilitation) and Health Psychology. Much of our research is interdisciplinary both within the department and outside of the department.

When you apply to study for a degree by research you will be asked to submit an outline research proposal. It is strongly advised that you approach a potential supervisor before completing this, in order to ensure that they are willing and able to supervise your studies, and that your proposed research is a suitable fit with their research interests. Research students normally have both a primary and additional research supervisor, or two primary co-supervisors, as their supervisory team. We offer a high level of support to our research postgraduates and students are expected to meet with their supervisors at least once per fortnight, and the regularity of meetings is monitored by the Director of Research Students as well as your progression tutor (a departmental academic who is not a supervisor).

For PhD students we offer the following:

• Access to a postgraduate bursary fund (up to £350/year for full-time students not in receipt of external funding) for training, research or conference expenses.
• Opportunities to undertake paid teaching work in the department.
• Provision of workspace in the department, with dedicated desk and computer.
• Access to a psychology postgraduate common room.

Entrance Requirements for Research Degrees

To be admitted to do a research degree you must show that you have appropriate training to work independently (with academic guidance from your supervisor) at this level. This will normally involve both an appropriate undergraduate degree at upper second or first class level and a Masters degree in Psychology or relevant other subject. The department will also need to be satisfied that your proposed research is viable and that we are able to provide appropriate supervision and resources.

The Postgraduate Team

Postgraduate Co-ordinator - Mrs Norma Twomey (pginfo.psy@durham.ac.uk)
Postgraduate Support Secretary - Mrs Julia Warbrick (pginfo.psy@durham.ac.uk)

Director of Postgraduate Research - Dr Nadja Reissland
Course Director (MSc Cognitive Neuroscience) - Dr Cristiana Cavina-Pratesi & Dr Susanne Weis
Course Director (MSc Developmental Psychopathology) - Dr David Williams
Course Director (MA Research Methods) - Dr David Williams
Course Director (MSc Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience) - Dr David Williams
 For more information please contact us