Everything you need to know...
-
What is the fee?
Home: £2,356 per year
International/EU: £8,195 per year -
How long will I study?
7 Years
-
Where will I study?
-
When do I start?
February 2024
May 2024
Course summary
- Study in a department which achieved 2 and 3* outputs in the last Research Excellence Framework.
- Undertake research with academic support across most areas of psychology.
- Harness expertise in qualitative and quantitative approaches to your study.
With around 28 PhD students and a thriving research community, this course within the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics offers specialist facilities (including EEg equipment, Eye-trackers, a large cognitive test library, retinal imaging equipment, EPrime, and transcranial stimulation equipment) to help you undertake original research into topics including cognitive neuroscience, health psychology, sports doping, vision and aesthetics and peace discourses.
Please note: We offer three enrolment periods each year: October, February, and May. For the October intake, international and home applicants should apply by the end of June. For the February intake, international applicants should apply by the end of October and home applicants by the end of November. For the May intake, international applicants should apply by 20 December and home applicants by the end of February. For further information contact: Social-economic-pgr@shu.ac.uk
How you learn
Your supervisory team will include a Director of Studies and one or more second supervisors with expertise and interest in your research area. However, much of the work for your degree will be carried out independently, and you will need the initiative, motivation and commitment to succeed.
Your supervisors help you to define your research programme, agree any associated training requirements, and provide direction while encouraging you to develop as an independent researcher. You're supported by skills training workshops, research projects, student forums integrated by your departmental postgraduate tutor lead.
Course leaders and tutors
![Jon Dean](/assets/images/4to3aspect.png)
Jon Dean
Associate Professor in Politics and SociologyStaff profile for Jon Dean, Associate Professor in Politics and Sociology at Sheffield Hallam University
Applied learning
Networking opportunities
You will be part of the University's community of researchers, with the opportunity to attend and/or contribute to a range of discipline, college and University-wide presentations, training and conferences. We will expect you to also attend relevant subject and topic specific conferences beyond the University.
The department has regular staff and student led activities each year on specific topics associated with research identified by PhD students. We organise monthly Research Breakfast that encompass a wide range of topics including, 'how to publish,' and offer a friendly and supportive environment to discuss research. We also offer awards to our students bi-annually to reward outstanding work or an outstanding contribution to the PhD community.
Future careers
Research degrees are essential qualifications for many academic careers. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills which are applicable to many employment sectors. Our alumni have gone on to take up academic posts at other universities (including Oxford and Cambridge), undergo clinical practitioner training, become certified health psychologists, and to conduct high quality research across the broad area of psychology as postgraduate researchers.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
![students working on computers in the library](https://www.shu.ac.uk/-/media/home/olp/page-promo-cards/global/adsetts-library.jpg?iar=0&hash=E2AB8EF65D1391058CE543E883A7C0A6)
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Psychology Facilities Tour
Take a look around Sheffield Hallam University's psychology facilities with student Angelica.
Equipment and facilities
You will have access to a desk and computer, as well as the appropriate laboratories, workshops and equipment needed to carry out your project.
Entry requirements
All students
All applicants should hold a strong, relevant undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (merit and above).Application
To apply, candidates must submit a fully complete online application including:
• A research proposal. This should include an outline of the research questions/area, aim of the project, an understanding of the current knowledge/literature and context, the proposed methodology, the potential impact and contribution to knowledge of your project and referencing key background literature. The maximum word count is 1,500 words.
• A personal statement - In submitting your personal statement, you must answer these 4 questions. We recommend no more than 200 words for each question and include specific examples from your previous experiences (academic and professional). We want to learn more about you.
1. What relevant skills and experience do you have which you feel would help you undertake this research project? (200 words maximum)
2. How did you come up with your project proposal? (200 words maximum)
3. What opportunities do you think the doctorate will give you? (200 words maximum)
4. Provide an example demonstrating your approach to engaging with new experiences or ideas. This can be an example from your studies, work, or personal experiences. (200 words maximum)
• Copies of qualifications, certificates, and results transcripts.
• Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.
• Copies of your passport and any relevant visas, for international applicants.
All suitable candidates are invited to an interview which can take place in-person or online. You will be asked questions about the project proposal and your interest in PhD level study. You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes.
International Students (Additional Information)
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through one of the following:
1. Recent academic IELTS demonstrating an overall score of 7.0 or above with no score below 6.5 in the other components or equivalent. Recent means that your IELTS results must have been awarded two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date.
2. Educated with a UK Master's degree level (merit and above) within one year preceding your doctoral programme's start date.
Please note that UKVI provide a list of countries exempt from the language entry requirements. If you are a national of one of these countries you will not need to provide evidence as listed above.
Students who are based overseas may be able to study for a PhD by Distance Learning, subject to establishing a satisfactory distance learning agreement, as part of the application process.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students starting part-time study in 2023/24 is £2,356 per year. An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting part-time study in 2023/24 is £8,195 per year. (Note that this course is not suitable for students requiring a Tier 4 visa). An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.
![Students sat on a sofa](https://www.shu.ac.uk/-/media/home/olp/page-promo-cards/global/gi0016-pg-fee-promo-2.jpg?iar=0&sc_lang=en&hash=031C7118E263C75183FF59CBC20B310C)
Doctoral student loans
Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Psychology courses (PDF, 249.9KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.