PhD/MPhil Health Psychology

Attending an open day is a great way to find out what undertaking postgraduate research at Manchester is like. Find out about our  upcoming open days .

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our websi te . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
• April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
• September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

In addition to the formal online application, candidates should send all supporting documents (CV, transcripts, certificates, confirmation of funding, English language ability (if applicable) and a personal statement).

Applicants will need to write an outline of their proposed research study to attach to their application (1,000 words maximum).

The proposal forms a very important part of your application and, if the applicant is eligible, will be used in any decision process associated with funding your research.

Further advice on the application can be obtained by contacting the Admissions team directly.

Candidates are encouraged to both identify and contact a suitable academic supervisor prior to applying. Help in establishing a suitable supervisor is available from the Admissions Team if required.

See further guidance on how to submit an application on our website .

Our PhD/MPhil Health Psychology programme enables you to undertake a research project that will contribute to knowledge and theory in Health Psychology.

The growing field of Health Psychology involves the study of psychological processes in all aspects of health, illness, and healthcare.

Research in the Health Psychology at Manchester includes understanding fundamental psychological mechanisms involved in health, including psychobiological mechanisms, developing and evaluating interventions that enable people to maintain good health and avoid illness, achieving better outcomes for people with health conditions, and improving the experience and outcomes for those undergoing diagnostic and health care processes.

Students enrolled for a PhD in Health Psychology will become members of the Manchester Centre for Health Psychology (MCHP), which is a vibrant and internationally leading grouping of researchers working in this field.

Members are sited across the University and health and social care settings in Greater Manchester, but come together for regular events and networking opportunities.

Students enrolled on the programme will also have opportunities to teach on various other courses, including BSc Psychology and our MSc courses in Clinical and Health Psychology.

Please note that this programme does not confer accreditation for Stage 1 or Stage 2 training to become Chartered Psychologists , nor form a basis for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Registered Health Psychologists.

However, opportunities within the MCHP are available for supervision from registered Health Psychology Supervisors via the independent route for students holding appropriate qualifications.

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

PhD/MPhil programmes are based on individual research projects that last three to four years (PhD) or one to two years (MPhil), working with a specific Primary Supervisor and Co-Supervisor(s).

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Find out more about what it's like to undertake a postgraduate research degree at Manchester on the Doctoral Academy Blog and the support available through our Faculty Doctoral Academy.

You will have access to a range of  research and learning facilities  across the University and at some of our partner organisations.

Your postgraduate research degree will open up a range of career opportunities after you graduate. Find out more on the  Careers  page.