| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRes, PhD | Full-time, Part-time | find out | September | GBP 4256 | GBP 14520 |
Psychology research at Heriot-Watt University is grouped by three main themes: Work, Society and Environment; Lifespan Health and Wellbeing; Cognition, Brain and Behaviour.
In addition to the research that has been funded by research councils, much of our research is carried out in collaboration with external bodies from the public and private sectors such as the NHS, the Scottish Executive, the Health and Safety Executive, and the Transport and Road Research Laboratory.
Duration: Normally 3 Years
* If you are unsure which category you fall in to, you should complete a fee status enquiry form, which allows us to assess your fees.
Additional fees information
Self-funded
We welcome self-funded PhD research candidates from around the world. The majority of academic supervisors are open to applications from self-funding students and potential candidates should match their application to the research expertise and interests of the Psychology department. If you are interested in research areas that are not advertised here then please look at our research web pages and contact staff working in your area of interest. We also welcome good quality self-funded research projects from industry. For self-funded research from industry, we may be able to cover a percentage of the fee via a scholarship. Queries may be directed to Nicola McGuigan - [email protected]
Scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
View our full range of postgraduate research scholarships.
Additional scholarship information
The Psychology Department offers a number of research scholarships every year. These opportunities are advertised on our Postgraduate Research Scholarships page during the period from January to June.
Shortlisted candidates are then interviewed, and those awarded the scholarships would normally start in September or early October.
James Watt PhD Scholarships
Heriot-Watt University is inviting applications for PhD scholarships to undertake research training to PhD level in areas of research excellence in the School of Social Sciences as described in more detail below. The scholarships will be funded for three years and will follow standard RCUK conditions. The scholarships are open to UK and EU nationals and applicants should hold at least an upper second class honours degree in an appropriate science or engineering subject. At this stage enquiries from interested students are sought and should indicate which project is being applied for, and include a curriculum vitae with details of two academic referees for preliminary screening. Heriot-Watt University has an established reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research, which has made us one of the top UK universities for science, technology, business and industry. The selected James Watt Scholars will be registered for a PhD degree at Heriot-Watt University on the University's Edinburgh campus in the School of Social Sciences. Enquires should be sent by email to the lead supervisor of the project.
All applications will be reviewed within the department with a shortlisting decision made based on qualifications, the suitability of the research proposal and the availability of a supervisory team. Short listed applicants must have the equivalent of a first-class honours undergraduate degree and a Masters degree with a dissertation mark of 65% or higher, or an upper second- class honours undergraduate degree with a Masters degree (with distinction) and a dissertation mark of 65% or higher. Applicants who are unsure if their qualifications meet the minimum criteria should contact [email protected]. Please note that possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee shortlisting for interview.
How to apply
Please submit your application via the online portal.
Please state clearly on your application that you are applying for a PhD scholarship and quote the relevant project Reference.
In order that your application can be processed, please ensure that all the supporting documents listed below are submitted with your application:
1. Research Proposal (approximately 5 - 8 pages)
On the front page of your research proposal, please ensure that you state the relevant project Reference.
The research proposal should contain as much as possible of the following: an introduction or outline of the proposed topic; a statement of objectives and/or specific research questions; a summary of some of the relevant literature which supports the research objective(s); an indication of the intended research methodology; an indication of the theoretical structure and/or conceptual outline; a provisional timetable of the major phases of the research process; results expected from the research e.g. practical value of the research or possible contributions to knowledge or policy or methodology. At this stage we are not looking for a definitive document but merely an indication that you have thought through most of the above issues.
Please note that work submitted may be subject to screening via plagiarism software.
2. Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
Copies of full academic transcripts from all previous academic degree courses and copies of degree certificates for degrees already awarded. If you are currently pursuing a degree course please provide all available marks to date.
3. English Language Requirements
If you have not already studied a degree programme that was taught and examined in the medium of English we require evidence of language proficiency. For IELTS: the minimum overall IELTS score is 6.5 with no score lower than 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
Further information can be found on the UK Government's Knowledge of English pages.
4. References
If you have References available these should be submitted with your application. If they are not currently available please ensure that you provide the names and contact details, including email addresses, of two academic referees on the application form.
Candidates should also submit a Curriculum Vitae.
Queries may be directed to [email protected]
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Find out more about studying in the United Kingdom
As an international student you may require a valid visa to study at Heriot-Watt University. Read more about the requirements in our Guide to the United Kingdom International Student Visa Requirements.
