Clinical Psychology Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

The PhD Clinical Psychology programme is a research-training degree that provides the opportunity to do a substantial piece of independent research in an area linked to clinical and health psychology and to develop excellent research skills in the process.

The PhD programme offers the possibility to work with and be supervised by a range of clinical academics across many areas of applied psychology, who have international reputations and outstanding publications in their areas of expertise.

Our programme offers the opportunity to gain an advanced understanding of a range of research designs, approaches to data collection and data analysis within qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies in the context of clinical and health psychology. This programme will enable you to develop your understanding of debates about research, evidence, and practice in relation to clinical psychology and related disciplines.

Alongside optional taught courses, the PhD programme allows you to conduct an independent research project that makes a significant contribution to your chosen field of study and to further develop your research skills. Over the course of your studies, you will gain extensive experience in designing and conducting research and writing up and critically reflecting on your work and that of others in the field.

The expertise of our academics in Clinical and Health Psychology cover the whole of the lifespan, focusing on childhood to adult and older adult mental health and emotional wellbeing as well as the psychological impact of chronic physical ill health. 

Our research has an applied focus whereby we are active in knowledge exchange and we conduct research that makes a real-world impact. Our research involves national and international collaborations, with many projects involving charities, third-sectors, NHS partnerships, and industry. 

Many staff and students also participate in public engagement activities such as interviews with the media, appearing on national radio and TV, podcasts, or hosting science festivals.

We provide expertise in a variety of research methods including qualitative and quantitative approaches.