Psychology PhD
On our Psychology PhD, you'll contribute to research that’s focused on the application of psychology in the real world and train in advanced and innovative research methods.
Key course information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- April 2027
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 years
- UK fees
- £5,238*
- Overseas fees
- £25,500
- Subject area
- Psychology
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- April 2027
- Attendance
- Part-time
- Duration
- 8 years
- UK fees
- £2,619*
- Overseas fees
- £12,800
- Subject area
- Psychology
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- July 2027
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 years
- UK fees
- £5,238*
- Overseas fees
- £25,500
- Subject area
- Psychology
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- July 2027
- Attendance
- Part-time
- Duration
- 8 years
- UK fees
- £2,619*
- Overseas fees
- £12,800
- Subject area
- Psychology
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- October 2027
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 years
- UK fees
- To be confirmed
- Overseas fees
- £26,500
- Subject area
- Psychology
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- October 2027
- Attendance
- Part-time
- Duration
- 8 years
- UK fees
- To be confirmed
- Overseas fees
- £13,300
- Subject area
- Psychology
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- January 2028
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 years
- UK fees
- To be confirmed*
- Overseas fees
- £26,500
- Subject area
- Psychology
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- January 2028
- Attendance
- Part-time
- Duration
- 8 years
- UK fees
- To be confirmed*
- Overseas fees
- £13,300
- Subject area
- Psychology
- Funding
- Funding information
Why choose this programme?
- Benefit from our expertise in a breadth of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies using both subjective and biological assessments.
- Put theory into practice in our state-of-the-art facilities, including a six-room virtual reality suite and observation laboratories.
- Join a team of researchers who collaborate with research councils including the Economic and Social Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, as well as both EU and UK government departments.
Statistics
100%
Of our psychology research graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2026, HESA)
Top 20 in the UK
Surrey is ranked 19th in the UK for the quality of our research outputs (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
Course details
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What you will study
In your first year, you’ll have the opportunity to study modules covering quantitative and qualitative research methods. You’ll also familiarise yourself with relevant literature, create a research plan, develop your methodological and analytic skills, and complete your first study.
Throughout your studies, you’ll gain a solid grounding in research methods and improve your communication skills to effectively convey your findings. You’ll collect and analyse data, complete a detailed literature review and then write your PhD thesis. Depending on your research project, data collection can take place in schools, hospitals, laboratories or online.
Previous students have investigated areas including:
- Cognitive, Affective, and Neural Mechanisms of Rumination in Early Adulthood and Work: A Multimethod Approach (Dr Delia Ciobotaru, 2025)
- When and Why Intuition Predicts Decision Satisfaction (Dr Claire Gregory, 2024)
- Beyond Menopause: Novel Insights into Oestrogen's Influence on Women's Neurochemistry and Brain Morphology (Dr Daniella Jones, 2024)
- The role of depressive symptoms and cardiometabolic risk factors in the prediction of dementia: a cross-country comparison in England, the United States and China (Dr Panagiota Kontari, 2023)
- The Role of Partner Social Support Throughout the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Journey (Dr Sophia Quirke-Mcfarlane, 2025).
Conferences
Each year we run a postgraduate research conference where you’ll be able to present your work and network with fellow researchers. You can also attend external conferences that are relevant to your area of research.
Assessment
Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.
You’ll have a confirmation assessment to formally review your project and progress. If you're a full-time student, this will take place around 12–15 months into your studies or 24–30 months if you’re studying part-time. You’ll be required to submit a written report and successfully complete an oral examination.
Location
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Research areas
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Research themes
The School of Psychology’s research includes the following groups:
- Brain Research and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience (BRAIN) Section. By integrating psychology and neuroscience, this group investigates the biological, genetic and neural underpinnings of behaviour, as well as individual differences in traits and mental health conditions. It leverages advanced methodologies, blending experimental rigour with state-of-the-art tools such as neurostimulation, eye tracking, EEG, fMRI, and behavioural genetics.
- Development, Education and Outreach in Psychology Research Group. This group investigates psychological development from the prenatal stage through to adulthood. Research covers diverse topics such as cognitive development, language acquisition, neurodiversity (including research on specific neurodevelopmental conditions), mental health and resilience. The group includes the Surrey Baby Lab, Neurodevelopment Research Lab, Extended Reality Lab and the Cognition, Genes and Developmental Variability Lab.
- Food, Consumer Behaviour and Health Research Centre. This group explores how psychology, nutrition, food safety, and management meet to tackle global challenges. The group’s work spans food and behaviour change, policy and ethics, food systems research, risk and communication, and digital futures.
- Health Psychology Research Group. This group has four broad research areas: health, behaviour, habits and behaviour change; chronic conditions; stress, rumination and heart rate variability; and interoception. The health psychology research group includes the Habit Application and Theory Group (HABITAT).
- Optimising Health and Wellbeing Group. This group looks at health, wellbeing and mental health across the life course from birth through to older age. Current PhD topics include olfaction and menopause, realist evaluations of approaches to dementia care, ageing well in Black British adults with lifelong disability, and ageing with HIV.
- Enduring and Severe Mental Health Group. This group seeks to better understand and support those with chronic and distressing mental health difficulties. Research covers a range of mental health diagnoses and symptoms including depression, psychosis, anxiety, suicidality, and personality disorders.
- Social Psychology Research Group. This group represents a team of social and personality psychologists whose work spans three main themes: social emotions and judgements; promoting equality and social change; and the self and interpersonal relationships.
Academic staff
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Throughout your studies you’ll have at least two supervisors from the School of Psychology.
Your supervisors will have expertise relevant to your research project and will give you academic guidance and tuition, helping you develop your skills in experimental design, conduct and analysis. They’ll also give you pastoral support and advice, referring you to more specialist services where necessary.
Supervisors may include:
Support and facilities
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Research support
The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.
Progress reviews
In addition to the confirmation process you’ll have six-monthly progress reviews with your supervisors. These meetings are an opportunity to reflect on your progress, discuss successes and challenges and set targets for the next six months. These reviews will be monitored by postgraduate research directors and recorded on your student record.
You’ll also have one formal meeting with your supervisors every month and can expect to have more frequent meetings between these. The regularity of these will depend on the nature and stage of your project.
Facilities
Our psychology facilities will give you access to the latest equipment, including a six-room virtual reality suite to simulate real-life scenarios, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, where you can perform neuroimaging and observe the brain in action, and two observation laboratories.
With our equipment you can conduct experiments using electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). You'll also be able to monitor eye tracking and physiological measures such as earlobe temperature, heart rate and galvanic skin response, in our laboratories and remotely, using mobile data loggers.
Hear from our students
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Career opportunities
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Of our psychology graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2026, HESA)
Entry requirements
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UK qualifications
Applicants are expected to hold a minimum of an upper second-class (2:1) UK degree (65 per cent or above) in psychology (or a related discipline) and a masters degree in a relevant subject with a pass of 65 per cent or above.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6 in each individual category.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
Selection is based on applicants:
- Meeting the expected entry requirements and providing all relevant documents including a satisfactory research proposal
- Being shortlisted through the application screening process
- Completing a successful interview
- Providing suitable references.
Fees and funding
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Fees per year
Explore UKCISA's website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.
* Please note: any start date other than September will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).
Fee options
- UK
- £5,238
- Overseas
- £25,500
- UK
- £2,619
- Overseas
- £12,800
- UK
- £5,238
- Overseas
- £25,500
- UK
- £2,619
- Overseas
- £12,800
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £26,500
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £13,300
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £26,500
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £13,300
- Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100 (subject to legal requirements).
Additional costs
There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.
Funding
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
Studentships
Browse our frequently updated list of funded studentships open for applications.
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Apply
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Application process
Applicants should contact potential supervisors before submitting an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our application guidance.
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Psychology PhD
Full-time, April 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 17 January 2027
Select
Psychology PhD
Full-time, April 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 17 January 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Psychology PhD
Part-time, April 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 17 January 2027
Select
Psychology PhD
Part-time, April 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 17 January 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Psychology PhD
Full-time, July 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Friday 16 April 2027
Select
Psychology PhD
Full-time, July 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Friday 16 April 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Psychology PhD
Part-time, July 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Friday 16 April 2027
Select
Psychology PhD
Part-time, July 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Friday 16 April 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Psychology PhD
Full-time, October 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 11 July 2027
Select
Psychology PhD
Full-time, October 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 11 July 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Psychology PhD
Part-time, October 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 11 July 2027
Select
Psychology PhD
Part-time, October 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 11 July 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Psychology PhD
Full-time, January 2028
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 10 October 2027
Select
Psychology PhD
Full-time, January 2028
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 10 October 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Psychology PhD
Part-time, January 2028
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 10 October 2027
Select
Psychology PhD
Part-time, January 2028
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 10 October 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
After registration
Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Code of practice for research degrees
Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you will be agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions at the offer stage. You will be asked to accept these when you accept the offer made to you. You will be provided with these terms and conditions again at registration by way of reminder.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate; some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.