MPhil/PhD in Psychological and Behavioural Science
Programme Code: RPPB
Department: Psychological and Behavioural Science
For students starting this programme of study in 2023/24
Guidelines for interpreting programme regulations
The MPhil/PhD programme includes taught courses on both methodology and theory. The precise courses students are required to attend varies and exemptions may apply depending on prior experience and qualifications. These matters should be discussed and agreed with the supervisor in the first formal supervision meeting.
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Course number, title (unit value) | |
Years 1-4 | ||
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Training courses |
Students are asked to complete 10 hours of research training in each year of study, which should be agreed with your supervisor according to your needs. Taught classes can be accessed within the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, as well as in departments across ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ including Methodology. Methodology courses available include Qualitative Research Methods, Survey Methodology, Applied Regression Analysis and Multivariate Analysis and Measurement. Training courses are offered through our PhD academy and with affiliate institutions. Access is subject to agreement with the relevant course convenors (e.g. according to space considerations). | |
Transferable skills courses |
Compulsory (not examined): | |
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PB500 Current Research in Psychological and Behavioural Science (0.0) | |
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Weekly seminars including plenary and specialist sessions in Michaelmas Term, Lent Term and Summer Term. | |
Progression and upgrade requirements
The first year Extended Essay and the second year Upgrade chapters (see below) are examined by a three-person thesis committee, which includes the student's supervisor, as well as two other academic colleagues.
Targets for progress
Year 1 - Extended Essay of 6,000 words, submitted on first day of Lent Term.
Year 2 - Upgrade viva. Two draft chapters of 10,000 words each (total of 20,000 words), submitted on first day of Lent Term. These chapters form the basis of an oral examination by three person thesis committee usually four to six weeks after submission. Success in this examination results in upgrade from MPhil to PhD status.
Year 3- Completed first draft by end of three years.
Teaching experience
Graduates will usually gain some teaching experience and have had the opportunity to develop teaching skills.
The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science allows for two formats of PhD:
- The “thesis (aka monograph) format” is the traditional PhD format. Candidates produce several chapters examining a single subject in an integrated way, similar to the format and structure of a book. This remains the most common format, and it is expected that most PhD candidates will use this format.
- The “article format” is a more recent PhD format which has become common in experimental domains. Candidates produce distinct papers which are combined with integrative material to address a single subject. The defining feature of this format is that some of the “chapters” can be articles which either have been published or prepared for publication. This format tends only to be suitable for PhD projects which comprise a series of distinct (but inter-related) empirical studies.
Extra guidelines for “article format” PhD
The thesis should comprise three to six publishable articles minimally framed by an introduction, critical discussion, and conclusion. Articles are normally co-authored with supervisors (this is a more general requirement about the papers written on your PhD topic while being under supervision). Articles and chapters both count as “papers” – the most important part is that they are publishable quality. They do not have to have been submitted, and even if they have been submitted and accepted this does not automatically entail that the Committee will find them suitable within the larger context of the project.
Note for prospective students:
For changes to graduate course and programme information for the next academic session, please see the . Changes to course and programme information for future academic sessions can be found on the .