Psychology Newcastle University

Our specialised research interests in psychology include evolutionary psychology, perception and cognition, animal behaviour, neuroscience, social psychology and forensic psychology. We have PhDs funded by UK research councils and charities and we welcome self-funding applicants interested in doing postgraduate research in psychology.

We offer MPhil and PhD supervision in the areas of psychology covering Newcastle's research strengths:

Clinical and health psychology

We research developmental disorders of perception and cognition, and the development and assessment of cognitive models of, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment for:

• bipolar disorder
• psychosis
• anxiety
• developmental disorders

Behaviour and evolution

We carry out studies of animal and human behaviour including:

• the evolutionary psychology of mate choice
• attractiveness and co-operation
• evolutionary approaches to personality

Visual perception and human cognition

Our research includes:

• perception of natural scenes
• psychophysics and attention
• visual social cognition and face processing
• advertising and consumer behaviour

Development psychology

We focus on how different cognitive skills develop in children, from memory systems to learning in school. We have particular strength in developmental disorders such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Forensic psychology

Our research includes:

• investigative interviewing of victims
• witnesses and suspected offenders of crime, including eye-witness testimony
• sexual offending, including historical allegations of sexual abuse
• communication in legal contexts

More information about staff specialisms and the wide range of psychological research at Newcastle can be found on the School of Psychology website.

We focus on how different cognitive skills develop in children, from memory systems to learning in school. We have particular strength in developmental disorders such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Facilities

The School of Psychology is based on the University campus in the Ridley Building. You will benefit from seminar rooms and meeting spaces, as well as excellent practical facilities for carrying out experiments.

Additional facilities for psychological research are available in:

• the Institute of Neuroscience for comparative and neuroscience approaches
• the Institute of Health and Society for health psychology, and development and disability
• Culture Lab for human

Entry requirements

MPhil

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a science or medicine related subject.

PhD

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Further research experience or a Master's degree would be advantageous.

International Students

To study this course you need to meet the following English Language requirements:

IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills).

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.

You may need an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate. You'll need to get this before you can get your visa or study on this programme. We'll let you know about the ATAS requirement in your offer letter.