How to Apply

To apply to the MRes Programme within the School of Psychology at the University of Aberdeen, please follow the steps below:

1. View the list of potential projects and staff research interests to select areas of research which interest you.
2. Visit the Taught Postgraduate Applications page, read the guidelines carefully and complete the online application form. You should specify in your application three members of academic staff you might be interested in doing a research project with during the MRes. Note that this does not commit you or the School to carrying out a project with these particular supervisors. You are welcome to contact potential supervisors during the application process to find out more about their research interests. You do not need to prepare a research proposal at this stage.
3. Arrange for two academic referees to prepare references to support your application. If your referees agree to share these with you, they can be sent along with your application form. Alternatively these can be sent either by post or by email after your application has been submitted, either by yourself or directly from your referees. References must be on institution headed paper and signed by your referee.

Please note, admission is dependent upon satisfactory academic standards, evidence of proficiency in English language, academic references, and evidence of adequate financial support for maintenance and fees.

We aim to notify you of a decision on your application within 4-6 weeks of receipt of the required documentation. You will be notified via email, so make sure the email address you provide on your application is valid, and let Postgraduate Admissions know if this changes.

Most students study full-time for the MRes, which is a one year degree. It may be possible to study part-time as long as students are able to attend the required taught components and complete the assessments of the course.

There are not many sources of funding in the UK for MRes degrees. Some funding bodies will fund an MRes degree as the 1st year of a PhD programme.

If you have any queries please contact the course co-ordinator Dr Joost Rommers.

To apply for the PhD Programme within the School of Psychology at the University of Aberdeen, please follow the steps below:

1. View the list of potential projects and select an area of research which interests you.
2. Contact the listed supervisor to discuss the project and their availability to supervise your degree.
3. Visit the Postgraduate Research Applications page, read the guidelines carefully and complete the online application form.
4. Send a research proposal to supplement your application to Postgraduate Admissions. The research proposal should provide a brief background to your proposed research (including reference to relevant psychological literature/theory). It should also outline the empirical methods you propose to use and your research aims/questions. The proposal is helpful in reaching a decision regarding whether the School has suitable facilities and can provide a supervisor in the proposed research area. You might want to get feedback on your proposal from potential supervisors before applying. The research proposal should be 1-2 pages long.
5. Arrange for two academic referees to prepare references to support your application. If your referees agree to share these with you, they can be sent along with your application form. Alternatively these can be sent either by post or by email after your application has been submitted, either by yourself or directly from your referees. References must be on institution headed paper and signed by your referee. We will be unable to process your application without references.

Please note, admission is dependent upon satisfactory academic standards, evidence of proficiency in English language, academic references, evidence of adequate financial support for maintenance and fees, and the availability of academic supervision and research facilities in the proposed area of research. Potential PhD candidates may be interviewed before final decisions on admissions are made.

We aim to notify you of a decision on your application within 4-6 weeks of receipt of the required documentation. You will be notified via email, so make sure the email address you provide on your application is valid, and let Postgraduate Admissions know of any updates.

Postgraduates holding studentships, or having other financial support, normally study full-time. Those holding full-time jobs, whether in the University or elsewhere, may only register part-time. They are expected to spend part of their time at the University working for their degree projects or attending courses. The minimum study time is lengthened to take account of this. It is sometimes possible for individuals to work as Research Assistants on grant-aided projects. In that case they may sometimes be allowed to register part-time for higher degrees. This is not an automatic right, and depends on the nature of the project and the student's own qualifications.

Funding for higher degrees is highly competitive. In the past our postgraduate students have obtained funding from various organisations, including the various UK-research councils, the European Union, and from charitable organisations. We encourage you to discuss funding options with your potential supervisor.

If you have any questions about our PhD programme please contact Professor Patric Bach for further information.