PhD Psychology at Swansea University

Programme overview

Psychology research degrees at the School of Psychology, which has research strengths in cognitive neuroscience and clinical and health psychology. Research groups cover clinical and health behaviour, cognition and perception, brain and behaviour, and forensic psychology.

Department: School of Psychology | Duration: 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time | Intake: Oct, Jan, Apr and Jul | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research in one of four groups (Clinical and Health Behaviour; Cognition and Perception; Brain and Behaviour; Forensic Psychology), using facilities that include a high-density EEG suite, a sleep laboratory, eye-tracking, tDCS and a lifespan lab with baby room. Students are supported by a supervisory team (a primary supervisor and secondary supervisors) and complete the degree through a thesis and oral examination (viva).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should check how their qualification compares on the country-specific entry requirements. PhD: a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or non-UK equivalent defined by Swansea University) and a master's degree; applicants with a UK first-class honours degree and no master's degree are considered individually. English language: IELTS 6.5 overall with no individual component below 6.5, or a Swansea University recognised equivalent. Admissions decisions may also depend on the standard of the research synopsis or proposal, performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places and relevant professional experience.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,006 a year (2025/26). UK student full-time annual rate (2025/26 entry point); part-time is half. Charged over the minimum candidature period. Bench fees may apply. Source

International applicants: GBP 22,700 a year (2026/27). Year 1 tuition, full-time; later years increase by 3% Source

Intake: Oct, Jan, Apr and Jul

Duration: 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time

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