Key information
- Funding
- Self-funded
- School
- Social Sciences
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Award
- MPhil
- Delivery type
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start date
- September
- Duration
- Normally 3 Years (PhD) / 1.5 years (MPhil)
Heriot-Watt University's mission is to create and exchange knowledge that benefits society, and in keeping with this, our psychology research examines and offers solutions for many different global challenges.
For example, it can help us understand how learners of different ages and with different levels of ability can be better supported, and show us how coaching, training and engagement can enhance performance, productivity or wellbeing.
Our research can also help to diagnose and support people with mental health conditions, and improve cognitive and psychological health and wellbeing across the life course.
Research in psychology at Heriot-Watt University is grouped by three main themes:
- Cognition, brain and behaviour
- Lifespan health and wellbeing
- Work, society and environment.
Cognition, Brain and Behaviour
Our brains and cognitive abilities develop from childhood through to old age. Research within this theme explores those changes in healthy children and adults, as well as developmental conditions, dementia and stroke. Research spans from language to social cognition, including memory, motor control and body representation. A strong aspect of this theme is theoretically-informed translational interventions, making use of state-of-the-art multidisciplinary techniques such as robotics and virtual reality.
Lifespan Health and Wellbeing
Issues explored in psychology are inherently linked to wellbeing across the lifespan, affecting fields from education to health. Research in this theme explores health-promotion activities in children and adolescents, healthy ageing and mental health issues in developmental conditions.
Work, Society and Environment
Findings from psychology can impact people and society in a number of ways. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, research in this theme explores behaviour in the workplace, assessing risk in the environment, and interventions to improve workplace performance.
Project supervisor
For staff profiles and a list of potential supervisors, please view: Psychology Staff List
Entry requirements
Funding information
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £5,151 | £2,575.50 |
| England / Wales / N Ireland | £5,151 | £2,575.50 |
| International | £20,456 | £10,228 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Additional 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, please look at our research webpages 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 Caroline Murray: c.a.murray@hw.ac.uk
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. They 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.
We offer a number of competitive funded scholarships for research degrees. Full or partial support may be available for well-qualified candidates from UK research councils, research pools, charities or industry.
View our full range of scholarships.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
