phd psychology wales

PhD studentships funded by the Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences

Bangor University are delighted to offer fully funded Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) studentships starting in October 2024.

Applications will close on 12 January 2024.

Studentships will be offered in the following pathway subject areas:

•  Bilingualism/Linguistics
• Sport and Exercise Science
• Criminology and Law
• Sociology/Science and Technology Studies
• Data Science, Health and Wellbeing
• Social Work, Social Care, and Social Policy
• Management and Business
• Environmental Planning

Scholarship Amount

• Full Tuition Fee Waiver
• Annual tax-free living stipend (currently £18,622), and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant.  

Eligibility

• you must have qualifications or experience equal to an honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters from a UK academic research organisation. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.
• Schools to include institution specific English language requirements.

How to apply

Step 1: Check your Eligibility for the scholarship and carefully read the conditions listed below. Step 2 : Applicants must submit all relevant documents by the deadline of 12 January 2024, the following documents are required with your application:

• Cover letter (2 pages minimum) The cover letter must include the following bullet points as subheadings:
• Set out your reasons and motivation for applying to study at Bangor University, and the relevant pathway (see above for pathways).
• Please detail your understanding, and expectations of doctoral study.
• Provide detail of your academic interests generally, and particularly of those relating to your proposed research.
• Drawing on your own background (including your life experiences, journey to/through university, work experiences or volunteering) please provide a summary of why you are ready to undertake a PhD now and how you will flourish as a result of PhD funding. You might include, for example, personal challenges that you have overcome or achievements that you are proud of in your work, study or life experiences and how these map onto the skills required to flourish in a PhD programme. Challenges could include, but are not limited to, protected characteristics, socio-economic status and of being a prospective first-generation student or care- experienced.
• Reflecting on your own background and/or proposed approach to PhD study and the opportunities which it will present, how will you support diversity and inclusion in the PhD community

2) Academic CV (two pages maximum)

3) Research proposal

The proposal should be up to a  maximum  of 1000 words , not including bibliographic references. We suggest that you use the following five headings in your research proposal:

• Title, aims and purpose of the research;
• Brief overview of the academic literature relevant to your field;
• Proposed design/methods;
• Academic contributions of your research.
• Bibliographic References

4) Two academic or professional references Candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths.

5) Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable) 

6)  If relevant, proof of English Language Competency .

All applications should be submitted using the following links, please use the correct email address for the pathway being submitted to:

Bilingualism/Linguistics –  [email protected] Psychology –  [email protected] Sport and Exercise Science –       [email protected] Criminology and Law –  [email protected] Sociology/Science and Technology Studies –  [email protected] Data Science, Health and Wellbeing - [email protected] Education  [email protected] Social Work, Social Care, and Social Policy –  [email protected] Economics  [email protected] Management and Business  [email protected] Environmental Planning  [email protected]

Conditions (for all scholarship winners)

• All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total. All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.
• The scholarship is only valid for students starting their studies in October 2024 and cannot be carried over to the following academic year.
•  All scholarships will be awarded entirely at the University's discretion.

Further information For further details, you may contact the International Recruitment Officer responsible for your country or visit this page .

It looks like you’re visiting from outside the UK, would you like to be redirected to the international page?

PhD/Master of Psychology (Clinical)

The UNSW combined PhD/Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a four-year, full-time degree that encourages initiative and originality in research. High-level candidates are offered the opportunity to engage in advanced training in areas relevant to the professional practice of psychology. 

Our program has a research component as well as coursework and professional placement components. Its focus is on the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of people with a range of psychological challenges. It includes advanced training in research skills that are particularly relevant to clinical application. 

A full scholarship is required to undertake this program.

Primary supervision must be provided by an academic who holds a position in the School of Psychology.

The minimum academic eligibility requirement is completion of a four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology, including a major research thesis/project, with Honours Class 1 (85%), or international equivalent. Qualifications must have been completed within the last 10 years (exceptions may be possible in limited circumstances).

While there is a standard process to apply for most Higher Degree Research programs at UNSW, there are additional requirements for Combined applicants which relate to the Masters component of the program.

Please review the  step-by-step application guide .

The School does not have specific requirements for a research proposal/research description. Applicants can be guided both by the general information published in the  Document Submission Guidelines  and advice from their potential supervisor.

Applicants must:

• demonstrate their competency in speaking and communicating in English is sufficient to practise the psychology profession
• satisfy both  UNSW's English language requirements  and those required by the  Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) .

All applicants, domestic and international, are encouraged to use AHPRA’s  Pathways diagram for all professions  (under ‘Additional resources’) to guide their understanding of AHPRA’s requirements.

• Term 1 is the only available intake for this program.
• Applicants should familiarise themselves with the  key scholarship dates , as deadlines are strict and a scholarship is required to undertake this program.
• International psychology qualifications must include a major research thesis/project and must be assessed by the  Australian Psychological Society (APS)  before an application is submitted.  Note that the APS will only assess complete qualifications.
• As the number of places available each year is limited, entry into this program is competitive. Selection is based on the availability of supervision, academic qualifications, two referee reports and performance at an interview. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an interview – remote participation may be permitted in limited circumstances.
• Enrolled students must register as provisional psychologists prior to program commencement and registration must be maintained for the duration of enrolment.
• Applicants should familiarise themselves with the relevant  registration standards  for the psychology profession. You must meet these requirements before an application for registration as a provisional psychologist can be approved.
• Applicants should review the inherent requirements of the program before applying.
• Applicants interested in BOTH a Combined program AND a stand-alone Master program OR a Combined program only must submit ONE research (Combined) application and ONE coursework (Master) application.

The program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a fifth and sixth year of study. Graduates are eligible to apply for full membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).

Graduates are also eligible for Associate Membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. After completing a Psychology Board of Australia approved Clinical Psychology registrar program (further two years of full-time equivalent supervised practice), graduates are eligible to apply for APS College of Clinical Psychology Fellowship and endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist.

The UNSW School of Psychology is considered the best in Australia and is ranked among the top psychological schools worldwide. We attract award-winning staff and offer excellence and innovation in our teaching.   

The school has excellent research and professional training facilities that include extensive computing facilities, a psychological test library, a psychology clinic, a technical workshop and laboratories in all areas of experimental psychology.  

The school also has strong links with professional practitioners in the areas of clinical, neuropsychological and forensic psychology.  

There’s an increasing demand from a wide variety of agencies across Australia to obtain psychological expertise to aid understanding and management of psychological issues.  

Clinical psychologists work in a wide range of settings, including:  

• hospital settings 
• community mental health centres 
• acute inpatient clinics 
• private practices 
• universities and schools. 

Research component (PhD): Contact the Admissions and Scholarships team at the  GRS  or the  Postgraduate Coordinators  for the School.

Coursework component (Master of Psychology): Prospective applicants should review the School’s  Frequently Asked Questions ,  Program Guide , or  contact the School .

Learn more about our programs and connect with the UNSW School of Psychology.

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MPhil/PhD (Psychology)

University of south wales, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Psychology (General)

Course type

A PhD is a doctoral degree based on a significant and original individual research project which culminates in an in-depth thesis (or alternative form of submission as below) which is relative to an area of staff expertise.

You can complete your PhD on a full or part time basis, on campus or by distance (if the nature of the research allows). There are no classes to attend as the PhD is based on research.

PhD by Thesis

This is the most popular route to the award of PhD. You will normally initially register for an MPhil/PhD and submit an PhD transfer report at the end of year 1 (or equivalent for part-time) which will be assessed to determine whether you can continue your studies to PhD. At the end of your programme, you will submit for examination and defend a thesis (of up to 100,000 words) on your approved topic which must demonstrate an original contribution to knowledge.

It may be possible to register directly for the award of PhD if you already hold a Masters degree which included a significant research component providing it is in the same discipline as your proposed research and it included training in research and execution of a research project.

PhD by Portfolio

If you're a professional with an existing body of work, a PhD by Portfolio could be the route for you. There are many advantages to completing your doctorate in this way. One of the biggest appeals is that it can be completed in 12 months part time. This not only makes it cost effective but also a viable option for busy professionals who may be musicians, authors, engineers or healthcare professionals, educators or in the police / armed forces who have a suitable body of work.

Up to three projects/pieces of work and associated outputs are required at the application stage; the majority of these will be complete at the time of application and / or registration. You will be supervised to write a critical overview of up to 15,000 words which brings the projects together into the final PhD by Portfolio submission. This must demonstrate an original contribution to knowledge. As with all PhDs, the final assessment includes a viva examination.

The attraction of experienced professionals having a PhD will vary, with some wanting to get a job in academia, while some are more interested in receiving acceptance and recognition from the institution or profession they operate in for work they have already done.

PhD by Publication

If you are a past or present member of staff, alumni or have very strong links with the University of South Wales, you may apply for a PhD by Publication. You will submit for examination and defend an approved body of published work, together with a critical overview.

Applicants for PhD by Publication normally require six peer reviewed journal articles, or equivalent book chapters or monographs, as sole or first author.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

Applicants will normally hold one of the following: A UK 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent) or a UK Masters qualification in a relevant subject (or equivalent); Appropriate, relevant qualifications/experience regarded by the University as equivalent.

MSc Foundations of Clinical Psychology

Bournemouth university, ma political psychology, msc psychology (conversion course), msc health psychology, msc research methods.

Doctorate in Educational Psychology

This Professional Doctorate programme will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to qualify as a practicing Educational Psychologist.

• Career prospects
• Fees and funding
• Entry requirements
• How to apply

This fully funded, doctorate programme aims to provide you with an advanced level of knowledge in educational psychology and, upon completion of the course, you will be qualified to practice as an Educational Psychologist.

You will also be eligible to apply for registration as a practitioner psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and to the British Psychological Society (BPS) for Chartered EP status.

You will spend each year of study in practical fieldwork placements in local authority (LA) Educational Psychology Services as well as attending university-based sessions within the Cardiff University Centre for Human Development (CUCHDS) - our dedicated developmental psychology centre.

This programme provides you with the opportunity to develop your critical and reflective skills to the relevant theories and approaches which comprise the subject. By the end of the three years, you should:

• Have a detailed knowledge of educational psychology, its key theories and the findings which support or challenge those theories.
• Have an ability to use your knowledge of the subject in original and creative ways.
• Have the ability to conduct research within different paradigms.
• Be able to apply your research findings in creative, novel ways.
• children as they develop from babies though to adults
• the parents, carers, teachers and other professionals who contribute to the development of the children in their care
• the organisations and systems within local authorities which employ educational psychologists.

The programme provides a wide-ranging overview of issues and practices in educational psychology. Within this broad framework, you will be encouraged to develop your own particular strengths and theoretical perspectives.

Programme aims

The aim of the programme is to offer knowledge and expertise for a career as an educational psychologist (EP), via doctorate-level study. Completion of the programme confers eligibility to apply for registration as a practitioner psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and to the British Psychological Society (BPS) for Chartered EP status.

Applicants should note the following:

• Cardiff University has in place a Policy for Determining Applicants’ Fitness to Practise and Eligibility to Pursue Regulated Programmes of Study. This policy will be followed where information is disclosed or received about applicants, which suggests that a fitness to practise assessment is required.
• Eligibility to enrol on the programme, if offered a place, is dependent upon satisfactory completion of an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check, i.e., one that does not reveal any information that suggests a trainee would be unsuitable for work with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• The HCPC carries out its own health and character checks to determine whether individuals are fit to practise and can be included on the Register. So passing all elements of this programme does not guarantee automatic inclusion on the HCPC’s Register.

Distinctive features

• Fully funded by the Welsh Government, with trainees receiving a bursary for all three years
• You will undertake three placements across Wales and England, which are negotiated prior to commencing the course. This provides you with greater flexibility and enables you to plan and prepare effectively
• This programme is underpinned by a psychologically informed framework for educational psychology practice called COMOIRA (The Constructionist Model for Informed and Reasoned Action: Rhydderch & Gameson, 2008; 2010; 2017) which was developed within the Cardiff DEdPsy Programme itself
• Based within the Cardiff University Centre for Human Development (CUCHDS) , an active, psychological and stimulating research environment
• Gradual approach to carrying out and reporting research, an element of the Programme which trainees have reported to be ‘well scaffolded’ and ensures that they are equipped to fulfil the requirements of the thesis and to pursue research post-qualification
• Small, cohesive group of tutors who have a diverse range of experiences and professional backgrounds within the field of educational psychology

The Doctorate in Educational Psychology programme is a three-year full time professional training course comprising of both university and practice elements. The term commences each year on September 1 and runs through until approximately the end of July.

As well as attending university based sessions, each trainee will experience three different placements within LA Educational Psychology Services (one each year). University sessions and placements are generally undertaken in ‘blocks’.

• Year 1 starts with pre-induction activities that aim to broaden experiences and knowledge within the field of educational psychology. This is followed by approximately twelve weeks of university based activities and teaching. In February of Year 1, trainees will commence their first year placement. This placement ends in approximately June, at which point trainees return for more university based activities.
• During Year 2 and 3 , trainees spend most weeks on placement, with a week of university based activities planned in term one and two. During term three, trainees finish placement in approximately June, and then return for more university based activities.

Trainees are assessed through various submissions each year. These include academic assignments, research tasks (including a final thesis) and a fieldwork portfolio.

Approach to learning

Trainees and tutors bring to the programme a wealth of experience and knowledge. It is the task of the programme to build on this expertise. It is assumed that all those involved, as a consequence of their undergraduate and/or postgraduate studies, come to the programme with a comprehensive knowledge of psychology.

During each year trainees are supported to be responsible for their personal growth, to develop further their psychological knowledge and understanding, to use such knowledge and understanding to underpin all the work they do, and to reflect actively on the experiences they have in the field and in the University.

Throughout the programme, the emphasis is on psychological perspectives on problems and issues. With the support of the programme, trainees will be expected to:

• adopt a change-focused approach
• view issues/problems holistically
• recognise the interactive nature of contributory factors.
• understand the importance of the process in reaching solutions to problems, as well as the end-product
• locate assessment, intervention and evaluation firmly within the change-focused process
• work to develop psychological formulations in collaboration with children and young people, parents, school staff and other service users
• demonstrate the extent to which theory underpins practice
• demonstrate an understanding of the ethical implications of actions.

The programme team takes pride in the diversity of the teaching approaches used, something which has been positively evaluated by our trainees. At the core, we take a constructivist approach - supporting students to construct meaning based on their prior knowledge and experience, developing ‘sense making thinking’ but also ensuring that learning is social and that our learners are key agents in this process.

As well as sessions led by the programme team, teaching also includes collaboration with professional speakers, alumni and stakeholders from a variety of disciplines and contexts

Course content

Teaching on the Educational Psychology Professional Doctorate programme consists of six themes:

• Research Methods in Educational Psychology
• Processes and Methods of Assessment
• The Psychology of Learning: Managing Change
• The Psychology of Behaviour: Managing Change
• Understanding and Working with Organisations, Systems and Groups: Managing Change
• The Role of the Educational Psychologist (EP): Managing Change

Additionally, a rich and varied programme of mini conferences is provided each year, which allows for flexibility in addressing the constantly changing context of educational psychology practice. Each conference ensures that there is an appropriate mix of speakers, including national level speakers, service users, alumni and professionals working in the field. Topics have included:

• Post-16 Work
• Responding to Crises
• Tribunal and Expert Witness Work
• Bilingual Issues and Cross Cultural Issues
• Children in Care
• Welsh Language Issues
• Working with SLD / PMLD and special schools

Supervision

To aid continuity, all trainees are allocated a member of the programme team as their professional tutor upon commencing the course. The professional tutor provides supervision, guidance and support relating to both university and placement activities. Trainees are able to seek and organise supervision with their professional tutor as and when required. The programme team aim to stay in contact. Additionally, trainees are allocated with a separate research tutor, who will support them with research related work, including their final thesis.

Whilst trainees have named supervisors, they can also approach and seek supervision from any member of the programme team.

The programme team are aware that undertaking the three-year doctorate can at times be challenging for trainees, both practically and emotionally. As such, they strive to provide a supportive and non-judgmental ethos, where trainees can seek and receive pastoral support as and when required.

The programme team embrace the BPS guidelines for supervision, offering this as a psychological process that enables a focus on personal and professional development ensuring a confidential and reflective space for the trainee to consider their experiences and learning, as well as their responses to these. This is understanding of supervision is integrated with COMOIRA, providing a congruent approach to supervision whilst recognising that there will be individual needs.

In addition to university based supervisors, trainees are also allocated a fieldwork supervisor (FWS) on each fieldwork placement. This FWS supervises the trainee’s work and development on placement and links with the trainee’s professional tutor at the University. The University provides training for all FWS.

In Year 1, there is continuous assessment of theoretical and practical work. In Year 2, as well as continuous assessment of practical work, a small scale research report and related documents are assessed. In Year 3, there is continuing assessment of practical work and trainees submit a 35,000-45,000 word research portfolio, including a thesis.

The Doctorate in Educational Psychology programme is situated within the Cardiff University Centre for Human Development (CUCHDS) , and trainees will find themselves part of a simulating, active research environment, situated alongside masters and PhD students undertaking cutting edge research with members of the public.

The Doctorate in Educational Psychology programme itself is committed to producing high quality, relevant and robust research in the field of educational psychology. Trainees on the Programme are encouraged to explore and advance their own interests and expertise through research as part of their thesis as well as completing focused, commissioned research for local authority partners.

The programme provides a gradual approach to carrying out and reporting research over the three years. Trainees have reported that this aspect of the programme is ‘well scaffolded’ and ensures that they are equipped to fulfil the requirements of the thesis and to pursue research post-qualification.

Below are examples of recent research titles from Cardiff University Doctorate in Educational Psychology Programme Trainees:

Collaborative research projects

• Pupil Perceptions of the Impact of the ELSA Programme on their Wellbeing.
• What factors enable or obstruct successful implementation of PALS?
• What are pupils’ views on EP involvement?

Small scale research projects

• Teachers’ perception of well-being in a through-school.
• Supporting parents post-diagnosis: An evaluation of workshops provided for parents of children with a recent Autism Spectrum Condition diagnosis.
• Social media, ‘Fear of Missing Out’ & primary school children: An exploration of primary school children’s social media use, their fear of missing out (FOMO), their perceptions of social media use & constructing ways forward.

Thesis projects

• “Being an Autism Parent”: Mothers’ experience from initial concerns about their daughters to a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder: An interpretive phenomenological analysis.
• Teenage Partner Violence: Young people’s views on awareness, prevention, intervention and regaining one’s sense of wellbeing.
• A Proposed Model for Predicting the Willingness of Mainstream Secondary Teacher’s to Support the Mental Health Needs of Pupils.

Successful graduates will meet all of the HCPC’s Standards of Proficienc y and the BPS’s Required Competencies for Practitioner Psychologists. They are also eligible to apply for registration as Practitioner Psychologists with the HCPC and for Chartered status with the BPS.

Most educational psychologists in England and Wales currently work within Local Authorities. However, the profession is increasingly diversifying with a growing number of educational psychologists practicing independently or working within broader contexts such as the health sector.

All Cardiff University Educational Psychology Professional Doctorate programme graduates to date have found suitable employment, mostly working as educational psychologists in Local Authorities in England and Wales.

The Doctorate in Educational Psychology programme is fully funded by the Welsh Government, with trainees receiving a bursary for all three years. We occasionally offer self-funded places on this course, however, the application and selection process for these places is the same.

From September 2022 those trainees in receipt of Welsh Government Funding are required to remain working in Wales for two years post qualification.

See our latest PhD studentships and projects and find out more about other funding opportunities .

Tuition fees

Students from the uk.

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

Students from the rest of the world (international).

We will be accepting applications from Monday 25 September 2023 until Wednesday 6 December 2023. Unfortunately, applications received outside these dates will be automatically rejected.

Applicants will be required to submit an application form using the online application system for the Doctorate in Educational Psychology.

To begin your application, please ensure that the application period is open and fill in the ‘Apply’ form.

Applicants will need to provide evidence that:

• they have obtained their qualifications or expect to by 31 December
• they are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC)
• they have relevant work experience. Please provide a breakdown of each period of employment and voluntary work with the corresponding number of hours per week spent in this role. This is often best presented in table format.

Please ensure that you complete the Personal Statement on the application form. The Personal Statement is essential in helping us to understand your skills, qualities and experiences and how you have applied psychology through your previous work experience. Please note that the Personal Statement will be used as part of the selection process and applications without a completed Personal Statement will be rejected.

In addition, applicants will need to provide an academic reference and a work experience reference.

Please contact Doctorate in Educational Psychology Enquiries to request the relevant forms and a guide to completing your application.

Open evenings

The 2023 open evenings have now taken place.

Please view the open evening presentation for further details.

All applicants must have the following entry requirements:

• a qualification in psychology which confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS), usually by the December preceding the start of the programme.
• one years’ experience working with children and young people (aged 0-25), based on full-time employment in educational, social services or community settings.

Qualifications and experience need to be obtained by 31 December.

English language requirements

IELTS with an overall score of 7.5 will be required.

Please read our English language requirements for more details.

Administrative contact(s)

Doctorate in educational psychology enquiries.

• Email [email protected]
• Telephone +44 (0)29 2087 5393

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We have 111 PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Wales

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PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Wales

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EPSRC DTP PhD studentship in Operator algebras and quantum graphs

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

EPSRC DTP PhD studentship in Mathematical analysis of runaway electrons in Tokamak reactors

Epsrc dtp phd studentship in healing and harm: modelling the relation between cell motion and environmental topography, epsrc dtp phd studentship in categorically tweaking vertex operator algebras, eliminating harmful cells to maintain homeostatis and prevent tumorigenesis, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

EPSRC DTP studentship: The Beat Goes On: developing ultra-fast MRI techniques to measure pulsatile blood flow and arterial stiffness in the brain

Physical limnology and oceanography: hydrodynamical modelling of lakes, funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Unveiling Tipping Points in lakes

Chemistry: epsrc dtp funded phd scholarship: the effect of rotational polarisation on gas-surface reactivity, project title simulation of acoustic emission from heavily loaded mixed-elastohydrodynamic contacts, computer science: fully funded epsrc dtp phd scholarship: vertical multi-purpose farming robotic system, science and engineering: fully funded epsrc icase and nsg pilkington phd scholarship: advanced optoelectronic & microelectronic glass, electronic and electrical engineering: fully funded epsrc icase and siemens phd scholarship: gallium nitride high voltage power management, computer science: epsrc and swansea university funded phd scholarship: explainable ai for mathematical modelling, electronic and electrical engineering: fully funded epsrc and swansea university phd scholarship: wireless power transfer system for medical implant devices.

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Strategies for Applying to Psychology Graduate School

• Degrees and Programs

Finding Fit: A Roadmap to Graduate School

October 2020

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• Transcript (DOC, 34KB)

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Applying to graduate school can be stressful and rife with questions—even when there isn’t a pandemic! This presentation shows you how to strategically approach the graduate school application process and highlight APA resources to help you find and apply to the best program for your goals.

Two current psychology graduate faculty discuss how the current events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and closures of campuses, might impact the admission and application process and share some general advice on what to expect.

Ana M. Franco-Watkins, PhD , is professor and chair, department of psychological sciences, Auburn University. Franco-Watkins works closely with the program directors of the department's four graduate programs (applied behavioral analysis, clinical psychology, cognitive and behavioral sciences, and industrial and organizational psychology) on graduate applications and admissions. In addition, as chair, she also works with other psychology department chairs through the Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology to address COVID-19's impacts on graduate admission. 

Jerry Kernes, PhD , is professor, program chair, and director of clinical training PsyD program in clinical psychology, University of La Verne. Kernes is responsible for the administration and oversight of all aspects of the PsyD program. His duties include student recruitment and retention, practicum and internship training, and student advising. He chairs the program admissions committee.

This program does not offer CE credit.

Garth Fowler, PhD

An associate executive director for education, and the director of the Office for Graduate and Postgraduate Education and Training at APA. He leads the directorate’s efforts to develop resources, guidelines, and policies that promote and enhance disciplinary education and training in psychology at the graduate and postdoctoral level.

More in this series

Learn the primary purpose of the graduate interview, the kinds of questions that you will be asked and the critical things that you can do to maximize your chances of getting into the graduate programs of your choice.

January 2020 On Demand Webinar

Learn how many letters of recommendation you’ll need, who you should (or should not) ask to write your letters and what information those letters should ideally contain.

November 2019 On Demand Webinar

Learn how to write a personal statement using the reverse pyramid approach.

Learn about the differences between graduate psychology degrees and types of training, the different types of training environments, the primary training outcomes and goals of different types of programs, and APA accreditation.

October 2019 On Demand Webinar

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• Current Students
• Postgraduate
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• School of Psychology Postgraduate Taught Courses
• Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, MSc
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Are you a UK or International Student?

Ranked 25th university in the uk.

The Guardian University Guide 2024

Key Course Details

Course Overview

Our Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health will equip you with a high level of understanding of the theory and practice of clinical psychology within healthcare settings, preparing you for professional clinical training at doctoral level.

You will study core topics including eating disorders, psychopathy and sexual offending, neuropsychology, and psychotherapy, alongside key statistical and research methods.

Throughout your studies, you will refine critical research and analytical skills in relation to clinical psychology practice. 

Why Clinical Psychology and Mental Health at Swansea?

Our experience of translating our science from research into real-world impact for patients directly benefits our students as it informs our course content. In the latest research assessment, 100% of our research was considered internationally excellent in terms of our impact (REF2021). 

We are also ranked 25th University in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2024.

Our state-of-the-art research facilities include a high-density electroencephalography (EEG) suite, a fully fitted sleep laboratory, a social observation suite, eye-tracking, psychophysiological, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and conditioning labs, a lifespan lab and baby room, plus more than 20 all-purpose research rooms.

Your Clinical Psychology and Mental Health experience

Based in the School of Psychology, you will benefit from a diverse teaching and research environment, with many opportunities to make connections across disciplines.

Many of our academic staff are leaders in their specialist fields of research, including clinical and health psychology, brain injury, sleep, cognition, neuroscience and developmental psychology.

Clinical Psychology Careers

A Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health will provide you with a vital academic foundation for future doctoral training in clinical psychology.

The typical starting salary for an NHS trainee clinical psychologist is £25,783. As your career progresses you could earn between £47,088 and £81,000 or higher. Salaries in private practice vary.

This is a tightly structured course with ten compulsory modules including a dissertation, and one optional module. Modules are largely theory-based and designed to cover core topics in abnormal and clinical psychology.

MSc 1 Year Full-time

Year 1 (level 7t), fheq 7 taught masters / pgdip / pgcert.

Students choose 180 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : NOTE : Choose one of the following modules

MSc 2 Year Part-time

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Year 2 (Level 7T)

Entry Requirements

Admissions requirements:

• A good British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited undergraduate degree in psychology (at least 2:1) • Modules in research methods and statistics • If you do NOT have a BPS accredited undergraduate degree in psychology you will need to include:

a) A well-written and thought-out research abstract including a reasonable research question within the field of clinical psychology supported with past literature and translate this into a proposed research project using an appropriate methodology (see below for guidance),.

b) Evidence that you have completed modules in research methods and statistics.

Research Abstract

For applicants who do NOT have a BPS accredited undergraduate degree, wWhen applying, you must outline an idea for an original research project within the area of clinical or health psychology (max 250 words abstract format: Objectives, Design, Methods, Proposed Analysis). You will use this research abstract to demonstrate that you can identify relevant literature/theory on your topic in your Objectives (no reference list is needed), identify a research question and appropriate methodology to test that question. Please write in the format of a journal article abstract. If you would like to look at some examples of abstracts, please use this link for the British Journal of Clinical Psychology for examples (Click on Abstract underneath an article). Remember though your idea must be original!

We look for strong grades in research methods/statistics units (usually a minimum of an Upper Second) to support your application. Applicants do not need to have completed a psychology degree recognised by the  British Psychological Society (BPS) as Graduate basis for chartership (GBC). However, if applicants do not have GBC then they need to be aware that unless they obtain GBC from the BPS they will not be able to progress to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology after completing this MSc.

If you are a non-first language English speaker you will need to have a minimum of IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in all domains, or a University approved equivalent, prior to starting the programme.

How You're Taught

In the first two semesters taught modules are provided with the research project typically undertaken during the summer months.

Teaching is delivered through group sessions with practical classes provided on research and design topics. These will be assessed via written course work and a written examination. 

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching. 

Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.   

Welsh Provision

At least 40 credits.

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study at least 40 credits of this postgraduate course through the medium of Welsh. Many University departments develop and offer Welsh medium or bilingual modules as part of their courses so you will need to discuss the possibilities with the relevant Programme Director. You can study a module or modules through the medium of Welsh where possible or submit your dissertation in Welsh with guidance from a subject specialist through the medium of Welsh.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

• Access to generous Welsh-language study  scholarships or bursaries .
• Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the  App Store  and  Google Play .
• An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
• Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
• The option to create and submit your coursework or sit exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
• A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
• One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
• An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
• Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh will be:

• a natural step for you if you have studied through the medium of Welsh at undergraduate level.
• a way of maximizing your chances of getting the best education.
• a way of receiving a high level of support as the study groups are smaller.
• a valuable addition to your CV and career development.

Meet Your Lecturers

Many of the School of Psychology team are leaders in their specialist fields of research. They undertake novel and original research in a variety of areas, including clinical and health psychology, brain injury, sleep, cognition, neuroscience and developmental psychology.

Find out more about the  Psychology team  at Swansea.

Tuition Fees

Msc 1 year full time.

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page .

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

We also have a range of  Taught Master's Scholarships  available.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up .

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

• Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
• Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
• Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
• Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
• Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

• Academic writing
• Maths and statistics
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Digital skills
• Presentation skills
• Note taking
• Revision, memory and exam techniques
• English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Please apply through the University’s  central application system .

For further guidance please visit our  how to apply for postgraduate study  pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.