Edinburgh has one of the top-ranked Psychology departments in the UK for research
Psychology at Edinburgh brings together world-class researchers approaching the scientific study of mind and behaviour through a range of topics - from language development to dementia, personality to paranormal beliefs. The department benefits from a vibrant postgraduate community and strong interdisciplinary links with colleagues in medicine, informatics, linguistics, education, biology and public health.
The Psychology unit is rapidly establishing itself as a centre of excellence for interdisciplinary research. We host five major research groups:
- Developmental Science
- Human Cognitive Neuroscience
- Language, Cognition and Communication
- Differential Psychology
- Social Psychology
We also have strengths in the supervision of projects in history and theory of psychology and visual cognition.
Why study Psychology at Edinburgh?
- Psychology is rated 3rd in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
- We're ranked 6th in the UK and 30th in the world for psychology (QS World University Rankings by subject 2025).
- Opportunity to specialise in prominent research areas of our department including; social psychology, cognitive neuropsychology, individual differences or language psychology.
Showcasing Psychology at Edinburgh
Funding opportunities
A full list of funding opportunities can be found on the University Scholarships website. The scholarships funding search allows you to filter results to your requirements.
Scholarships & Student Funding
Deadlines for funding applications vary for each funding source - please make sure to check the specific deadlines for the funding opportunities you wish to apply for and make sure that you submit your application in good time.
When to apply
We operate a gathered field approach to applications. You may submit your application at any time.
All complete applications that satisfy our minimum entry requirements will be placed on a shortlist and held until the next batch processing deadline. Applications will then be ranked and offers made to the top candidates.
Find out more about the degree programme and how to apply:
How to apply
References
You must submit two references with your application.
Research area
It is often a good idea to contact potential supervisors prior to making an application, and we strongly encourage you to do so, and to indicate potential supervisors in your application.
Research proposal
In addition to the supporting documents requested on the application form, you should include a research proposal.
Your prospective supervisors, in conjunction with the relevant subject Postgraduate Adviser, will consider your research proposal to assess whether they are able to take you on as a student.
Connect with us
f you have any programme-specific enquiries please get in touch with the Postgraduate Research Director:
Dr Dan Mirman (Postgraduate Research Director)
Feel free to get in touch with our friendly Postgraduate Team with any questions you might have about academic or English language requirements, course information, enquiries about your application and information on arriving at the University.
Postgraduate Research Administration Team (MScR/PhD enquiries):
Email: pplspgoffice@ed.ac.uk
Visit the PhD Psychology webpage:
How to apply and fees & funding information:
Degree Finder for PhD Psychology
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