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Psychology at University of Buckingham - UCAS

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

The School of Psychology fosters a culture of collaborative, multidisciplinary research and you will join a vibrant community that includes regular work-in-progress seminars to foster an active research environment. You will join this environment and have the opportunity to engage with the postgraduate research group and attend seminars with external speakers. We hold an annual postgraduate conference, giving you the chance to showcase your research and further connect with other students and staff. There are also opportunities to connect with the wider research community by presenting at national conferences. We are happy to consider research proposals on a wide range of topics relevant to our staff interests. Click on the link to each research area below to find out more. Study can be on either a full-time or a part-time basis. The minimum period of study for achieving your PhD is three years full-time and six years part-time For study at PhD level a MSc in psychology or a closely related subject is desirable but not essential. If you do not have a MSc then you would need a very good undergraduate degree and be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of psychology research methods and statistics. Our research areas Our research spans a wide range of psychological areas, using a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods. These can be broadly aligned with the following: Social and Cognitive Experiences; Creativity and Performance; Self and Identity. Further details about this can be found below. Cognitive and Social Experiences This research area explores social and cognitive experiences in a variety of populations including those with a religious identity, and those with expertise in problem solving. Some specific areas of interest include a focus on human-robot interactions, spatial and temporal attention, the way time is perceived and the cognitive appraisals made following serious spinal cord injury. These areas are researched by focusing on both individual experiences and group processes. Click on the names below to find out what our lecturers’ specific research interests are.

  • Dr Philip Fine
  • Dr Gillian Hill
  • Dr Alan Martin
  • Dr Sofia Petisca
  • Dr Charmaine Sonnex
  • Dr Karl Wereszczynski
CREATIVITY AND PERFORMANCE Our research is at the forefront of the exploration of creativity in the UK. We have a strong focus on applied aspects of creativity and performance. This includes research into psychological correlates to dance performance, the development of expertise in areas such as music, quizzing and cryptic crosswords, performance in sport, and the use of everyday creativity. Additionally, creativity is looked at through the lens of cyberpsychology exploring its relationship with artificial intelligence. Click on the names below to find out what our lecturers’ specific research interests are.
  • Dr Helen Clegg
  • Dr Philip Fine
  • Dr Kathryn Friedlander
  • Dr Gillian Hill
  • Chloe Ward
  • Sofia Petisca
Self and Identity As researchers, we explore the ways our selves and our identities are constructed through individual experiences and through social norms. This includes how we identify ourselves through religion, through dance, through gender, through our experiences of injury, pain, and health conditions, and how these identities are created with the use of technology. Additionally, we explore how people experience different versions of themselves and how these different versions may be better integrated into the whole “Self” for both therapeutic and performance purposes. Click on the names below to find out what our lecturers’ specific research interests are.
  • Dr Helen Clegg
  • Jenna Gillett
  • Kirsty Lowe-Brown
  • Chloe Ward
  • Sofia Petisca
  • Dr Charmaine Sonnex

Assessment method

Candidates spend a considerable part of their studies undertaking supervised research, at the end of which they submit a thesis demonstrating the research they have completed. This thesis must demonstrate familiarity with, and an understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities. It should display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the judgements of others. The subject should be dealt with in a competent and scholarly manner. In addition to this:

  • All postgraduate research students must attend supervisory meetings.
  • All postgraduate research students must attend any other training required to assist with the completion of the MSc or PhD.
- Students must be able to attend the university in person when required.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

International applicants

With staff and students from over 90 countries around the world, the University enjoys a wonderful and culturally diverse atmosphere. Voted top for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey since 2006, we provide support for students from outside the UK including: assistance with visa application and renewal; guaranteed accommodation in halls of residence; and a personal tutor to support your academic studies. Academic staff are available to help and advise, and operate an open-door policy. We have the best staff to student ratio of any university in the UK. Our students have formed a number of overseas clubs, and there is a sports and social programme each term to ensure you enjoy your time with us. Our idyllic setting between Oxford and Milton Keynes offers access to a range of cultural and social activities and Bicester Village, the renowned shopping outlet is a short bus ride away. English Language requirements: it is very important that your English level is of a good standard for you to be successful in your studies. All applicants must achieve specific requirements in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing). Please check our website for more details of the undergraduate or postgraduate language requirements for your course. https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have the minimum of a 2:1 degree in Psychology or related discipline. Mature students Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students. International students We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country. The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £24800 Whole course
Northern Ireland £24800 Whole course
Scotland £24800 Whole course
Wales £24800 Whole course
Channel Islands £24800 Whole course
EU £43500 Whole course
International £43500 Whole course
Republic of Ireland £43500 Whole course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

The University would like to encourage students – both undergraduates and postgraduates – to come to Buckingham regardless of their financial circumstances. The bursaries and scholarships we offer are awarded on merit and/or on financial need. You may only accept one University award. All awards are subject to your meeting the University’s academic entry requirements and abiding by the University’s rules and regulations. To be eligible to apply for a scholarship you will need to have been offered a place to study at Buckingham. For details of our current range of scholarships and bursaries please see our website: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/admissions/scholarships

Psychology at University of Buckingham - UCAS