Research ( full-time, part-time)
January, April, September
MPhil: Full-time, from 1 to 3 years. Part-time, from 2 to 4 years.
PhD via progression from MPhil, including that period: Full-time, from 2.5 to 5 years. Part-time, from 3.5 to 6 years.
PhD: Full-time, from 2 to 4 years. Part-time, from 3 to 6 years.
For further guidance on the duration of Research Degrees please refer to the Research Degrees Regulations.
Apply directly to ARU
Students undertaking a PhD in Psychology at Anglia Ruskin become part of a newly established and rapidly expanding centre of research excellence. We have world-leading staff members in each of the core areas of Psychology, with particular strengths in cognitive neuroscience, cognition and emotion, social psychology and health psychology.
Our supervisors will meet you regularly to discuss your progress formally and are available any time for support or advice. There are also extensive study resources online.
If your work is interdisciplinary we can involve relevant specialists from other schools and disciplines.
Our supervisory staff are recognised experts in their field. Their research expertise includes:
Students on the PhD in Psychology programme can benefit from attending (subject to availability of space in the class) some of the School’s MSc lectures which relate to their research. These could include lectures within the MSc modules listed below. Attendance is not compulsory:
The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.
Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.
Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.
Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
£4,407
£2,204
£13,500
£6,750
£4,500
£2,250
£13,900
£6,950
In some cases extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/ exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.
Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.
We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.
If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.
For 2019/20 the bench fee bands are:
Initial registration: £1,300
Full registration: £4,000
Part time: £1,000
Full time: £1,800
For advice on the doctoral loan and other sources of funding, including ARU scholarships, visit our finance guide for postgraduate researchers.
You might also find The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding helpful.
Anglia Ruskin's academic excellence was recognised in 2014, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Twelve areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research. The results showed that we're making a significant impact on economies, societies, the environment and culture in all corners of the globe.
Our staff publish peer-reviewed articles, publish books, and write specialist book chapters on a wide range of psychological topics. We collaborate on research projects with external institutions, professional bodies and charities. For example we’re currently working with the NHS to develop better information services regarding AIDS treatment and an early indicator for psychosis.
We’ll provide comprehensive research training in areas such as academic writing and publishing, research methods, subject developments, data analysis, conference skills and presentation.
You can also access the Epigeum Suite of online skills training modules.
If you're interested in finding out more about research study opportunities, please email SE-research@anglia.ac.uk
MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelor degree or equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.
PhD: You’ll need a Master degree or equivalent in a related subject area.
Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request.
If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.
Whether you're studying entirely online or through a blend of on-campus and online learning in September 2020, you'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course. Before starting the course, we recommend that you check our technical requirements for online learning.
Studying during COVID-19
Due to the national lockdown all universities in England, including ARU, are only able to provide face to face access to research resources in limited circumstances where access can be justified under movement restrictions. Visit our restrictions page for details. All assessments and supervision are currently conducted online.
Study options when not in a lockdown
In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic and related Government guidance, your research programme will be framed, wherever possible, to be conducted away from campus and in line with movement restrictions. For some types of research attendance on campus will be essential for some activities, and these activities will need to be undertaken in a COVID-19 safe manner in line with our risk management procedures.
In the event that there are further changes to the current restrictions that are in place within the UK due to the pandemic, we may need all of our researchers to work online only at short notice to remain in line with Government guidelines and ensure the continued safety of our students and staff.
National lockdown (from 5 January 2021)
View the impact of the current restrictions
Read this institution's report