Applied Psychology (MPhil/PhD)

The Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology offers both PhD and MPhil degrees in applied psychology related to its core areas of interest.

Research projects are usually either placed within the relevant research group or managed as collaboration across groups.

All research students have a main supervisor and a second supervisor.

The PhD in Applied Psychology is suitable for students who wish to study any area of applied psychology. It generally involves a three year full time or 6 year part-time research programme where the student can intensively study in the area of their choice supervised by experts in the field. The MPhil usually takes 2 years full time or 4 years part time.

We welcome applications for a PhD in a variety of research areas. For more detailed information about the research opportunities we offer, please see relevant topics under ‘Find a supervisor’ and also relevant research groups and centres under the ‘Research’ link on the Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology hompage.

These include: 

IT facilities

All full-time Mphil/PhD students have access to their personal work station. They are providing with facilities for printing and photocopying. Part-time students also have access to ‘hot desk’ facilities.

The University provides students with access to general IT facilities through a number of computer rooms spread across its campuses. These rooms are conveniently located in all University libraries and in various other locations across the University. 

The majority of computer rooms are open to all members of the University and contain PC workstations and printing facilities. In some of the larger rooms, more specialised equipment is provided, such as text and image scanners, colour printing and high powered Unix workstations.

Most computer rooms are open 24-hours a day, though access out of core times will require a valid smart card to gain entry through the door access system. For security and safety purposes, these areas are monitored by closed circuit television.

Once registered, students of the University can connect their own PCs to the University's data network from their study bedrooms. They can also access IT services and facilities when working away from the University.

Support services

Training is very much at the discretion of the student and their supervisor, but a number of University support services exist to assist you during your time at Nottingham and beyond:

• The Postgraduate Students' Association (PGSA) are a particularly important source of support.
• The Graduate School offers a wide range of courses specifically for postgraduate research students, and Professional Development provides postgraduates with teacher training.
• The Methods and Data Institute also provides both specific training courses in methods and also drop-in advice sessions for postgraduates.
• Training is also available within the division.  This takes the form of regular research seminars, methods workshops, and the opportunity to attend appropriate lectures and modules run by the division.

We encourage you to get in touch with a member of academic staff about your research proposal before submitting an application. They may be able to help you with your proposal and offer support to find funding opportunities in your area. 

Use our search to find a supervisor whose expertise matches your own research interests.

Funding possibilities

We appreciate that many potential PhD students may not have sufficient funds to see their way through a PhD. However, a variety of sources of funding exist for which both UK/EU and International students may be eligible to apply. Supervisors provide assistance and guidance in helping students to complete applications for competitive scholarships.

Applicants should refer to the Graduate School for a comprehensive overview of PG funding opportunities available for UK, EU and international students. These include Research Council Awards, University scholarships (Direct Alumni Scholarships, Family Scholarships and Universitas 21 Alumni Scholarships), and International Scholarships.

See also: Fees

Government loans for doctoral study

The Government plans to introduce doctoral student loans of up to £25,000 for PhDs and equivalent research programmes from 2018. Applicants must ordinarily live in England and more details are expected to be announced in due course.

Doctoral training programmes

Linked to research councils, doctoral training programmes offer funding opportunities connected to our research priorities.

International and EU students

Research scholarships are available for outstanding international and EU students. You must already have an offer to study at Nottingham to apply. Please note closing dates to ensure your course application is submitted in good time.

Information and advice on funding your degree, living costs and working while you study is available on our website, as well as country-specific resources.

Average starting salary and career progression

In 2015, 93% of postgraduates from the Faculty of Medicine & Health Services who were available for employment had secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £28,925 with the highest being £70,000.*

*Known destinations of full-time home postgraduates 2014/15. Salaries are calculated based on those in full-time paid employment within the UK.

 Career prospects and Employability

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers* and can offer you a head-start when it comes to your career.

Our Careers and Employability Service offers a range of services including advice sessions, employer events, recruitment fairs and skills workshops – and once you have graduated, you will have access to the service for life.

* The Graduate Market 2013-2016, High Fliers Research.