University of Central Lancashire(UCLAN)

What you'll study

The PhD in Psychology is an independent, original research degree supervised by academic staff in UCLan's School of Psychology. Students design and carry out a sustained research project that contributes new knowledge to a chosen sub-discipline. Typical research areas supervised within the school include cognitive and neuroscience approaches, developmental and educational psychology, health and clinical psychology, forensic and legal psychology, and work and organisational psychology.

In addition to the principal research project, doctoral students normally undertake formal and informal training in research methods and professional skills. Typical components include:

• Advanced quantitative methods and statistics (multivariate analysis, mixed models, Bayesian approaches)
• Advanced qualitative methods (thematic analysis, grounded theory, discourse analysis)
• Research design, reproducibility and open science practices
• Technical skills such as programming for behavioural experiments, data management, and use of specialist software
• Academic writing, grant writing and knowledge exchange

Most students progress through regular milestones including a confirmation review, annual progress reviews, and a viva voce examination. Candidates may also engage in teaching, supervision of undergraduate projects, and collaborative work with external partners such as healthcare providers, schools, community organisations or industry, depending on their research topic.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a relevant honours degree and a research master’s qualification or equivalent research experience. Typical academic profiles include a UK upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in psychology plus a postgraduate research qualification or a UK master’s degree with a strong research component, or international equivalents. Applicants whose first degree is not in psychology may be considered if they have a recognised conversion qualification and suitable research preparation.

Admission is competitive and dependent on the availability of appropriate supervisory expertise. Applicants are expected to submit a concise research proposal that demonstrates awareness of relevant literature, feasible methodology and a clear research question. Selection will take into account prior research experience, academic references, and the fit between applicant interests and supervisory capacity.

International applicants must meet UCLan's English language requirements where applicable; other professional or experience-based entry routes may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact potential supervisors within the School of Psychology to discuss research ideas prior to application.

Career prospects

A PhD in Psychology from UCLan prepares graduates for a range of career paths. Academic careers include postdoctoral research and university teaching, while research skills are also highly transferable to roles in:

• Clinical and health services (subject to professional training and accreditation where required)
• Psychological and allied research roles in NHS trusts, local authorities, and charities
• Forensic and legal advisory positions
• Organisational psychology, human resources, and occupational health in the private sector
• Government and policy research, evaluation and consultancy
• Data science and applied research roles in industry, including programme evaluation and user-experience research

Many graduates further pursue professional doctorates or recognised professional training where relevant (for example, clinical training routes) or move into research management and leadership roles. The programme emphasises employability through training in transferable skills, public engagement and knowledge exchange.

Why study at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

UCLan's School of Psychology offers a supportive doctoral environment with a diverse supervisory team experienced in empirical and applied research. The school fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages doctoral researchers to engage with external partners across health, education, criminal justice and industry.

Doctoral candidates benefit from structured research training, access to well-equipped laboratory and computing facilities, and opportunities to present work at conferences and participate in research networks. The university also provides central resources for doctoral students, including training in research integrity, teaching opportunities, and career development support.

Prospective students who want to undertake an impactful research project within a practical, engaged university setting should consider UCLan for its combined emphasis on methodological rigour, applied relevance and supportive supervision.