PhD/MPhil Experimental Psychology / Course details

The discipline of experimental psychology involves application of rigorous scientific experimental methods to the study of psychology and its underlying neural processes. In the same way that a physicist might develop theories and test hypotheses about physical systems, experimental psychologists develop and test theories about the processes of human psychology.

Experimental Psychology has a long tradition at the University of Manchester. Prof. Samuel Alexander, the late 19 ^th and early 20 ^th century philosopher, kick-started the study of psychology in Manchester after visiting experimental psychologists in Germany. This eventually led to the appointment of the first lecturer in experimental psychology in Manchester in 1909 and the establishment of a dedicated psychology department - a rare phenomenon for Britain and, indeed, anywhere outside of London at the time.

We primarily use behavioural experimental methods in order to study psychological processes, measuring key metrics such as perceptual biases and thresholds, reaction times, pupil responses and eye-movements. We use these measures to inform, and further develop, models of cognition.

Our major research themes include:

• Sensation and perception
• Vision and action
• Memory
• Judgement and Decision making
• Language processing
• Emotion
• Time perception

To search for specific project keywords, disciplines, topics and/or supervisors visit our research project pages.

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.  

Attendance Requirement for Distance Learning Programme

Students must maintain expected virtual presence and communication with their Supervisor in order to remain registered on the programme and follow all online progression milestones as for any PGR student.

Students must attend, in person, the Welcome and Induction activities organised by the Doctoral Academy in September.  As a result, a September start date is preferable.  Students should also attend, in person, the compulsory `Life as a PhD Student' training.

Students are encouraged to consider undertaking additional training offered via the Doctoral Academy Training Programme .

It is expected that students will spend a minimum of one working week (5 days) in attendance at the University (in addition to welcome/induction days).  This may coincide with formal study weeks (ie in NMSW) and will present the opportunity for the student to spend time with their Supervisory team, visit the Library or local research facilities.

Students must participate in the formal Annual Review meeting, ideally in person, but attendance via Skype etc can be considered.

The final oral examination will be held at the University of Manchester.  Only in very exceptional circumstances will a student be allowed to undertake the viva remotely.

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.