Department of Psychology
- Psychology
- Prospective students
- Postgraduate study
- Research degrees
- Programme structure
Programme structure
PhD and MPhil degrees both involve conducting research under the supervision of a member of staff and submitting the results in a thesis.
PhD students study for three years (six years part-time), while an MPhil degree takes two years (four years part-time) and thus requires a smaller quantity of research to be completed.
Applicants are expected to choose between our two PhD programmes based on their research interests: those who plan to conduct research at the York Neuroimaging Centre, or to complete research in cognitive neuroscience are advised to apply for the PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, whilst those with research interests in all other areas are advised to apply for the PhD in Psychology. Potential supervisors can also give advice on the most suitable programme for individual applicants.
Supervision
Each research student has a supervisor who provides advice on a day-to-day basis and a co-supervisor. In addition, students meet with their Thesis Advisory Panel once a semester to review their progress and present their plans for the next semester. The Thesis Advisory Panel consists of the supervisor, the co-supervisor and at least one other member of faculty who supplies broader expertise, support and advice.
Requirements of both PhD programmes
As well as starting their research, first year graduate students attend training sessions designed to enhance their research skills and broad knowledge of psychology or cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging. PhD Students complete two module in their first year (unless already completed before):
Throughout these courses students attend the weekly research seminars in the Department of Psychology which include a 'meet the speaker' event. Students can also attend weekly research seminars at the York Neuroimaging Centre and any relevant final-year undergraduate and MSc courses to enhance their knowledge and skills in specific areas of interest. There are also academic tools sessions covering grant and CV writing as well as interview skills.
All PhD students prepare written work (literature survey, empirical study and a PhD plan) for assessment 12-18 months after starting their PhD (full time). At this juncture the suitability of the student for PhD study is formally assessed and PhD registration is either confirmed or the student is advised to change their registration to an MPhil degree.
We strongly encourage and support our PhD students to submit their final thesis detailing the research work conducted during their degree within 3 years, however if required, writing up can continue into a fourth year. The thesis must be submitted within 4 years.
ESRC funding
PhD students funded by the ESRC White Rose Doctoral Training Programme will follow either a 3.5, 3.75 or 1+3.5 programme. 3.5 programmes include a 3-year PhD and a Research in Practice placement, 1+3.5 programmes follow the same 3.5 structure with students also undertaking a taught Masters course (MA in Social Research) for one year before starting their 3.5-year PhD. The 3.75 programme is for applicants who already have a masters level qualification but require some additional social sciences training. These students complete a 3.5 programme with the addition of relevant approved modules from the MA in social research in the first year of the PhD.
Click here for further information on PhD funding.
