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PhD by Distance Learning

Student with books

The University of Birmingham's College of Life and Environmental Sciences now offers PhD by Distance Learning.

This means that wherever you are in the world, you may now be able register with the University of Birmingham for your Doctoral qualification but undertake the majority of your studies in your home location.

Why study by distance learning? 

The main advantage of studying by distance learning is the flexibility. Financial and practical implications of moving closer to the campus make distance learning a more feasible option and could allow you to combine study with other commitments, including work and family.  Similarly, your research could be related to your area of residence and therefore moving would be detrimental to your capacity to carry out the research.

Is the distance learning route for you? 

The distance learning route to PhD study is not for everyone.  You have to have a very clear idea of your project and be able to motivate yourself.  Undertaking PhD study off campus can sometimes be quite isolating, so the ability to proactively seek out connections from within relevant research communities is important.  This route is well-suited to those who have a research project associated with their work or particular interests and where resources are available locally, over via the internet, to support your research e.g. appropriate archives and data collections.

How will I be supported? 

You will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students.  The only difference is that supervisory sessions will take place via audio and visual communication services such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person.

What is the cost?

We charge an annual tuition fee which is the same as our standard on-campus PhD but includes:

  • Economy class flights to and from Birmingham for the compulsory two-week campus visit in September
  • Accommodation at the University for the compulsory two-week campus visit in September
  • Economy class flights to and from Birmingham at the end of the study period for the three-day PhD viva examination
  • Accommodation at the University for the three-day viva examination

How often will I need to be on campus?

Although you may be able to undertake the majority of your study at an off campus location, you will be fully funded to make one compulsory visit to the University.  This will enable you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies. You will then be invited to attend the University for annual ‘in-person’ meetings which give you the opportunity to interact with other doctoral students both socially and academically, undertake important progress meetings and carry out necessary training. You will also generally be required to be present on campus for your viva voce.

Am I eligible?

Before we can offer you a place it is important that you have agreement from your potential supervisor and that they are satisfied that you will be able to undertake the PhD on an off campus basis. This may mean that slightly different entry requirements apply, such as English language and more extensive research skills training. Agreements will also need to be reached regarding some of the more practical aspects of undertaking the PhD in this way (for example attendance requirements, suitability of the chosen residency etc). It is important that arrangements are discussed early so that all parties involved know what to expect and to ensure you are able to successfully complete your studies. 

Can I study by distance learning anywhere?

Distance Learning courses can be undertaken from anywhere in the world, including the UK. 

However, it is worth noting that supervisory sessions for Distance Learning students will take place via audiovisual communications, such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person. 

While we have found that these 21st Century methods have proved popular, for those applicants who would prefer to visit the campus for face-to-face meetings with their supervisor, the traditional part-time study option may be more appropriate. 

How to apply?

Find the programme that you wish to apply for in our course finder and click on the 'Apply' button. 

As part of the application process, we will ask you to provide evidence to demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study for a PhD by Distance Learning. Please be prepared to provide evidence, and details, of the following:

  • Examples of your postgraduate research experience and ability to work independently e.g. papers/presentations at professional and academic conferences or publications in professional journals or previous completion of an independent research project, etc. 
  • Full reasons (academic and personal) for registering for the distance learning mode of study rather than by standard full or part-time on-campus options. In particular, how you will be able to carry out your project in your chosen location. 
  • Access to local library facilities (where needed)
  • Access to IT facilities
  • Access to communications, including e-mail, and audiovisual communication media e.g. Skype and Facetime
  • Access to facilities to support any study-related disability (where appropriate)

Please visit the course finder for a full list of subject areas available to study via distance mode.

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University of Portsmouth logo

Distance Learning PhD

What is a distance learning phd.

A Distance Learning (DL) PhD allows you to undertake your postgraduate research degree at a location and time that fits with your current commitments. The DL PhD has the same outcome, and is conducted and examined with the same rigour and quality measures as those taking place on campus.

Whilst enrolled as a DL PhD Student you will not usually be required to visit the campus, and will instead meet with your supervisory team and other members of the University Research community via virtual means. You will receive a similar level of support as our on-campus PhD students, including supervision, training and development, seminars and access to support staff.

Distance Learning PhD requirements

Fitting part-time study into a busy life requires careful planning. You will need to work with your supervisory team from the outset to establish a weekly schedule, and you should plan to access the resources you need in good time. To support achievement, the University provides specialist resources, bespoke training and key events for distance learners.

Your DL PhD will take 6 years (part-time), and you will be required to meet certain milestones during each stage of your PhD, including the Annual and Major Reviews, submission of your Thesis, and the Viva Voce examination. These will all be completed using electronic means, and the Graduate School Development Programme offers training and guidance for these important milestones.

You will need to ensure that you have access to the required resources for your research project, and any specific arrangements for this must be agreed, for the duration of your study, in advance. You will also need access to an electronic device with internet access and video conferencing capabilities, in order to fully participate in online meetings and events.

Help and support

The Graduate School and your faculty will provide many opportunities to attend training and events; some of these will be vital for your research, and some will help you meet people and feel connected. You can also use the University Library's extensive electronic library and services for distance learners.

Although you will be based off campus, you can still access the University’s academic support and health and wellbeing support via email, phone, online chat or video call. Our IT support team can also help if you have questions about working online or accessing materials remotely.

The cost of a Distance Learning PhD in most of our subject areas is £2,250 a year (part-time) for UK/EU students, and £7,800 a year (part-time) for international students.

Check your research subject area page area page for more details.

How to apply

If you have an original idea for a research, you can find a PhD supervisor among our academics, whose expertise matches your own. You can also apply for one of our pre-approved PhD projects or explore our PhD subject areas and make an initial enquiry to our postgraduate research team.

When you apply for a research degree with us, you will need to submit a research proposal that outlines – among other things – how your project will be successfully undertaken at a distance, and demonstrate that you have access to the required resources, including IT equipment.

Apply from the relevant subject area page.

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Psychology and Human Development MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

This MPhil/PhD programme provides a route for students to carry out their own research project: an investigation that will eventually contribute to the field of knowledge within the educational and social sciences. Students will work closely with their supervisor(s) to develop each stage of research. Supervisors will also help put together a programme of additional courses and activities to support students' progress towards the completion of their thesis.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

  • Entry requirements

The normal minimum requirement is a Master’s degree from a UK university in a subject appropriate to the programme to be followed, or a qualification of equivalent standard appropriate to the programme to be followed awarded by a university (or educational institution of university rank) outside the UK. The majority of our successful applicants hold a Merit at Master’s level, and may have additional relevant experience. Students without a Master’s degree who have completed the UCL PGDip in Social Science Research Methods, obtaining a grade B or above in any two or more modules, may also be considered for admission to this programme.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Students on the MPhil/PhD programme carry out research in the areas of developmental psychology (particularly in relation to education), mental health, special educational needs (SEN) and educational neuroscience. Potential candidates are advised to explore UCL IRIS and the Psychology and Human Development department website to identify appropriate supervisors before submitting an application.

We offer the largest group of psychologists in the UK dedicated to research in education, child and adolescent development. Neuroscience is at the cutting edge of psychology and we work in partnership with colleagues in UCL Psychology & Language Sciences and Birkbeck to extend our reach in this area.

Who this course is for

The MPhil/PhD is for applicants with a strong interest in an aspect of educational and social research, which may be understood broadly across the life course, in relation to other subject areas and wider social, economic, political and cultural changes. You should normally have completed an MA to merit level and want to develop a specific area of research. You may have a background in education or a cognate area of study. It is suitable for both recent graduates and those progressed in a career.

What this course will give you

IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society is a world-leading centre for research in education and related social science. We host the UK's largest doctoral cohort in these areas. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2023), the Institute was ranked first for education for the tenth year running, ahead of Harvard, Stanford, Oxford and Cambridge. In the UK's recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), we were ranked first for research strength and research power in Education, according to the Elsevier REF 2021 Results Analysis Tool. We attract extensive research funding each year and host many prestigious research centres and projects.

Doctoral students at IOE have access to the wider UCL community as well as the education cluster constituting the ESRC  UBEL Doctoral Training Partnership . The Institute's programme has been designed to provide comprehensive and broadly based research training and to meet the requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the UK Researcher Development Framework.

Students will work closely with one or more specialist supervisors and in some cases be part of a group (Lab or Centre) which will support them to develop each stage of their research; have access to specialist research seminars across all IOE and UCL departments; and join a vibrant and active community of doctoral students.

The foundation of your career

Students will develop general and specialist skills in research methodology, academic writing and presentation, as well as gaining experience of engaging with a wide range of practitioners across different sectors of education.

The best thing about my course is the chance to conduct my studies under the supervision of a leading expert in my field of interest, as part of a large research team, on such an interesting and important project. I feel incredibly grateful for and excited about this opportunity. Keeley Dobinson Psychology and Human Development MPhil/PhD Q&A with Keeley Dobinson

Employability

Psychology doctoral graduates progress to a range of career paths in: academia (both as university teachers and researchers); local and national government contexts supporting work related to education and psychology in the fields of policy and planning; school leadership; public sector research.

The Department of Psychology and Human Development offers a regular seminar series on a wide range of topics and each of the centres have separate specialist seminars. Doctoral students participate in active student seminar groups and we also hold specific support working seminars for doctoral students to enhance presentation skills before upgrades and vivas. We encourage our students to present at the two annual conferences for IOE doctoral students as well as other specialist conferences outside the UCL and IOE.

Teaching and learning

In addition to UCL's Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE's Centre for Doctoral Education provides a comprehensive Research Training Programme.

The Core Course aims to meets the needs of early stage doctoral students.

There is also a wide range of introductory, advanced methods, advanced theoretical, and generic academic skills courses, as well as student-led workshops and reading groups.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) consists of a piece of supervised research, normally undertaken over a period of three years full-time or five years part-time. Assessment is by means of a thesis, which should demonstrate your capacity to pursue original research based upon a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline. It must also represent a distinct and significant contribution to the subject, whether through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of new theory, or the revision of older views. It should reflect the exercise of critical judgement with regard to both your own work and that of other scholars in the field.

For those who decide not to pursue the full PhD, or are unable to do so, the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) consists of a piece of supervised research, normally undertaken over a period of three years full-time or five years part-time. Assessment is by means of a thesis, which should represent a contribution to the subject, either through a record of your original work or a critical and ordered exposition of existing knowledge.

You must ensure you have adequate time to devote to this research, at least six hours a day (2-3 days a week part time).

Research areas and structure

Our core areas of expertise include:

  • Mental health in relation to education and SEN
  • Psychology and typical development, including classroom practices and their relationship with learning and the role of families, schools and neighbourhoods in emotional and behavioural development
  • SEN and atypical development areas of autism, eating disorders, hearing and visual impairment, perception disorders, Williams and Downs syndromes, sleep disorders, language, literacy and numeracy difficulties, learning difficulties and youth offending
  • Educational neuroscience, with a focus on neurocognitive processes underpinning learning
  • International education development in collaboration with the London International Development Centre
  • Behavioural genetics 
  • Methodological expertise in experimental designs, longitudinal secondary data analysis, quantitative and qualitative methods

The following research centres are of particular relevance: 

  • Centre for Research in Autism and Education
  • Centre for Education in the Criminal Justice System
  •   Centre for Educational Neuroscience
  • Centre for Language, Literacy and Numeracy: Research & Practice

We also have high-profile research labs including:

  • The Nurture Lab
  • Multilanguage & Cognition Lab

Research environment

As a research student at the Department of Psychology and Human Development, you can participate in the department's seminar programme which further enriches learning.  There are also seminars organised by research centres or according to interest groups. 

Since October 2014, we have also – in addition to the campus-based mode - offered the option to study online in a distance-learning mode. Choosing the distance-learning mode means that there are no residency requirements and it is not necessary to attend during doctoral study, the viva examination take place in-person at UCL or online. However, you are welcome to visit and use campus facilities including the library, attend seminars etc. In the first year of full-time study (and first two years of part-time study), distance learners take a series of compulsory research methods modules that are studied online. This typically involves provision of materials (articles, eBooks, videos etc.), forums to facilitate discussion of various tasks, and synchronous sessions to discuss the activities. Alongside these you will work with your supervisors on your research (e.g., using Teams/Zoom and email). In addition, there are other resources and training opportunities to support distance-learning students, e.g., sessions to develop generic skills.

The length of registration for the research degree programmes is 3 years for full-time.

You are required to register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transfer to PhD after successful completion of an upgrade viva 9-18 months after initial registration.

IOE Centre for Doctoral Education provides an extensive Research Training Programme. A mandatory core course is provided that aims to meet the needs of early-stage doctoral students. There is also a wide range of introductory, advanced methods, advanced theoretical, and generic non-credit bearing academic skills courses, as well as student led workshops and reading groups which you can attend.

Full-time MPhil/PhD students are required to fulfil minimum 20 ‘points’ of training activity in their first year, and are encouraged to fulfil the same in their subsequent years of study. This training can be selected from the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE faculty’s Research Training Programme, the multi-institutional Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network, and from other sources. Each point is worth approximately a half-day of face-to-face training, or an online equivalent. Other activities such as attending and presenting at conferences also count towards research training. Students may undertake additional training beyond these minima, as relevant to their research and/or as agreed with their supervisors.

You are expected to upgrade from MPhil to PhD status towards the end of your first year of study if full-time. Students whose performance is satisfactory will transfer from MPhil to PhD status.

Processes aimed at assisting you during your course of study include the Research Student Log (an online project management tool), and periodic reviews of students’ progress.

Upon successful completion of your approved period of registration you may, if necessary, register as a completing research status (CRS) student while you finish writing your thesis.

The length of registration for the research degree programmes is 5 years for part-time.

Part-time students are required to fulfil minimum 12 ‘points’ of training activity in each year of study. This training can be selected from the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE faculty’s Research Training Programme, the multi-institutional Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network, and from other sources. Each point is worth approximately a half-day of face-to-face training, or an online equivalent. Other activities such as attending and presenting at conferences also count towards research training. Students may undertake additional training beyond these minima, as relevant to their research and/or as agreed with their supervisors.

You are expected to upgrade from MPhil to PhD status at around 18 months if part-time. Students whose performance is satisfactory will transfer from MPhil to PhD status.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Students should take into account any travel, accommodation and expenses involved in their thesis.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding webpage: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/funding-students-postgraduate-research-courses

UCL's Research Excellence Scholarships (RES) are available annually to prospective and existing UCL research students from any country: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/research-excellence-scholarship . The UCL, Bloomsbury and East London Doctoral Training Partnership offers studentships annually. More information is found here: https://ubel-dtp.ac.uk/

UBEL, RES and other funding programmes are not available to online and non-resident students.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

After choosing a programme to apply for, you should develop a research proposal and identify a potential supervisor. For more information, visit our website to find a supervisor and get in touch with departmental graduate tutors.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Year of entry: 2023-2024, got questions get in touch.

Psychology and Human Development

Psychology and Human Development

[email protected]

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PhD in Psychology in Education

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Programme Leader:   Sebastian Suggate

The PhD in Psychology in Education is available to be studied in 3 modes: part-time, full-time, and  distance learning . 

In order to apply for a PhD place, we ask that you first submit an application form.  We cannot accept a CV or any other documentation in place of a formal application.  When you apply for a PhD place, you must submit a research proposal about 1,500 words in length. Apply now for the PhD in Psychology in Education Apply now for the PhD in Psychology in Education (Distance Learning)

The PhD in Psychology in Education is designed to enhance specialised knowledge through academic study and research.

The programme aims to enable students to gain a solid grounding in research methodology, and to successfully carry out a substantial piece of academic research.

We are interested in hearing from students doing projects in the following broad research areas:

  • Causes and consequences of individual and group differences in learning abilities and attainment
  • Assessment of individual differences in attainment
  • Developmental disorders (e.g., autism, developmental language disorder, dyslexia and mental health and wellbeing in children with developmental disorders)
  • Genetics in education
  • Mental health and wellbeing in education (e.g., bullying (including sibling bullying), self-harm, social media use, positive approaches to wellbeing)
  • Preschool education
  • Teachers (e.g., personality and wellbeing, selection and development, and teacher-pupil relationships)
  • Personalised education

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a good honours degree or a master's degree (MA, MSc or MEd) in a relevant discipline although candidates with other evidence of ability to succeed at PhD level will also be considered.

If English is not your first language, we do expect you to be able to demonstrate a high level of proficiency.  The minimum requirement for PhD in Psychology in Education is IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.  For further information please see  English language requirements .

As part of the application process, you will be invited for interview (face-to-face or via Skype). 

You must submit a  research proposal ; we are unable to consider your application without one. 

Information on the application procedure can be found at the  University postgraduate pages .

Apply now for the PhD in Psychology in Education

Apply now for the PhD in Psychology in Education (Distance Learning)

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  • MSc by research

PhD, MSc by research Psychology

Studying human behaviour in the School of Psychological Science will give you the opportunity to be part of a vibrant postgraduate community and a world-class research department with more than 30 internationally recognised academic staff.

The programme aims to provide students with outstanding and cutting-edge training from the purest research into psychology to interdisciplinary research in a wide range of areas. These include advancing the frontiers of cognitive science into engineering or educational applications, investigating the neural mechanisms underlying human behaviours, and developing integrated interventions to improve health and wellbeing. Our postgraduate students are a very important part of the School’s research culture and a key component in maintaining our international research reputation.

Current research areas can be found on the School of Psychological Science Research page .

Programme structure

This research degree is also available via online learning.

World-leading research

The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK ( Times Higher Education ).

94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in psychology or a related discipline.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our  profile level C.

Further information about  English language requirements and profile levels .

Fees and funding

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support .

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.  Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Students may be eligible to apply for funded scholarships, for example, doctoral training centre scholarships and University of Bristol scholarships. Details of these and other scholarship opportunities, such as the China Scholarship Council programme, are published on the School of Psychological Science website .

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Many of our PhD graduates continue with a career in academia; others work in the private sector or in government institutions.

Research groups

Research activity in the school is organised into research themes . Within each theme, there is a set of focused research groups.

An important feature of this research structure is the extent of collaboration across research groups and across themes. All groups address fundamental questions and look at the impact of their work more broadly in industry, healthcare, education and society. Across these thematic research groups, there are particular strengths in computational neuroscience and neuropsychology.

How to apply

Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.

Before submitting an application, we strongly recommend that potential applicants make informal contact with a member of academic staff who has expertise in the research area applicants wish to pursue.

We welcome applications at any time of year.

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Online distance learning

The IoPPN offers a number of distance learning courses which are delivered 100% online. Students work in small, interactive classes with academic staff, and also receive additional support and guidance.

Psychology and Neuroscience Mental Health MSc, PG Dip, PG Cert

Welcome to the cutting edge of mental health research. The 100% online Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health MSc/PGDip/PGCert allows you to benefit from the world-renowned teaching of King’s College London wherever you are. You will gain an unrivalled knowledge of mental health theory, practice and research methods from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), Europe’s largest centre for postgraduate education in its field. The programme is taught online, meaning you can advance your education without taking a break from work or other commitments. There are six entry points throughout the year, allowing you maximum flexibility.

Applied Neuroscience MSc / PG Dip

This innovative qualification from King’s is taught 100% online over two years, and is therefore designed to fit around your work and life commitments. This postgraduate course will allow you to apply your neuroscience knowledge to real world settings. From the research lab to marketing and games design, the application of neuroscience has the potential to deepen your understanding of how the brain and the nervous system serves to drive our every thought, sensation and emotion.

Find out more and apply

MSc International Programme in Addiction Studies

The International Programme in Addiction Studies (IPAS) is a unique collaboration of three of the world's leading research universities in the field of Addiction Science: The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London, the University of Adelaide, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

This partnership offers three nested graduate programme options available (PG Cert, PG Dip, MSc) to students from around the globe via distance learning technologies. Students are exposed to cutting edge research on subjects ranging from the biological basis of addiction to addiction treatment, prevention and policy, covering key issues from an international viewpoint.

The programme is fully online and does not require any campus visits. Students benefit from access to the online resources of all partner universities. Upon completion of the curriculum, students receive a triple-badge diploma jointly conferred by the three institutions. 100% overall student satisfaction in the 2014/2015 UK Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES). Watch our video on the MSc International Programme in Addiction Studies by visiting the link to the course page below.

Psychology BSc from University of London

This flexible online programme offered by the University of London provides you with a contemporary approach to the study of the human mind. You will gain a thorough understanding of human behaviour and learn to apply psychological science to a variety of contemporary and social challenges.

The content enriched by the IoPPN will have an emphasis on quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistical analysis. Your learning experience will be enhanced with an accessible and attractive learning platform as well as opportunities for self-assessment.

Students can complete the BSc Psychology in a minimum of three years (subject to module availability) or a maximum of six years. Your bachelor’s degree with honours will be awarded by the University of London with academic direction from King's College London. Find out more and apply

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13 Distance learning PhD Programmes in Psychology 2024

Doctor of philosophy (ph.d.) in clinical psychology, selinus university of sciences and literature.

Selinus University of Sciences and Literature

  • London, United Kingdom
  • Bologna, Italy

Research within this academic programme should reveal the enormous potential of clinical psychology to help individuals, groups and society. Students should prove a broad understanding of this challenging field from a clinical perspective that integrates psychology, biology and chemistry focused on the treatment of various disorders. Besides, interesting issues to discuss are the roles and responsibilities of contemporary clinical psychologists, their scientific foundations and theoretical orientations.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis aims to change a person's personality through the study of the unconscious mind. Psychoanalysis was founded in the early 1890s by the Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology

A Ph.D. by Research via Distance Learning is ideal for people engaged in the world of work who cannot attend a traditional university. Selinus University is a private and accredited international institution: an alternative that helps adult students around the world achieve their academic goals.

Doctor of Psychology in Christian Counseling

St. marcos theology university.

St. Marcos Theology University

Doctor of Psychology in Grief Counselling

American international theism university.

American International Theism University

  • Englewood, USA

Full time, Part time

Distance learning, On-Campus

American International Theism University has something for everyone. Now with our Accelerated Degree Programs, you can complete your Master’s or Doctorate Degrees in up to three years. Each course offers six credit hours and lasts for six weeks. Let your hard work and dedication pay off by achieving your degree in half the time. Enrollment is open, and students may begin the program at any time. All courses take place in classrooms, with a faculty member that provides one-to-one mentoring. Students also have free access to our comprehensive Study Tactics and Resources Center, which offers links to subject-related websites, libraries, articles, and research assistance.

Doctorate in Psychology

Atlantic international university.

Atlantic International University

  • Honolulu, USA

English, Portuguese, Spanish

The Doctor of Psychology (Ph.D., DPsy) goal is to prepare students for the general practice of professional clinical psychology including education and training regarding the broader social and systemic factors that contribute to human dysfunction such as poverty, oppression, and marginalization. The program will help students develop evaluation techniques and assessment, psychological foundations, remediation and intervention procedures, and program evaluation and research.

Ph.D. in East-West Psychology

California institute of integral studies.

California Institute of Integral Studies

  • California, USA

The mission of the PhD in East-West Psychology at CIIS is to explore the convergence of Eastern, Western, and Indigenous psychologies and spiritualities in the spirit of dialogue and integral inquiry. Our students engage in research subjects that explore the meaning of this convergence for a diverse, multicultural, and peaceful world. Our graduates are prepared for professional careers in academia and research, activism and organizational leadership, and spiritual counseling or coaching. Our faculty have a wide range of research interests, among them: Asian wisdom traditions, yoga studies, Integral Yoga, traditional Chinese medicine, Depth and archetypal psychologies, Western religious and esoteric traditions, folklore and mythology, ecopsychology, indigenous psychospiritualities, plant medicines, non-ordinary states of consciousness, and transpersonal and existential psychologies.

Ph.D. in Psychology, concentration in Integral Transpersonal Psychology

Transpersonal psychology is transformative psychology of mind and body, and of the individual in felt connection with a diverse, interconnected, and evolving world. The field pays particular attention to mystical, spiritual, and other exceptional human experiences associated with healing and transformation—encounters that disclose a vibrant reality that enfolds our seemingly individual minds. We offer a whole-person approach to transpersonal psychology that includes learning and research structured to meet the needs and goals of working professionals. This approach includes affiliation with a planned research laboratory; a peer-reviewed journal produced in part by student interns; and senior scholars in the field who are available to guide student research. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, embodied tools for scholarship, and systematic approaches to building transpersonal areas of knowledge. Our program is offered as a part-time course of study, where online learning is supplemented by residential intensives.

PhD Programme in Applied Transpersonal Psychology

Alef Trust

  • Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, United Kingdom

PhD in Psychology

Meridian university.

Meridian University

  • Petaluma, USA

Blended, Distance learning

The Ph.D. in Psychology curriculum offers coursework in Psychology drawing on spiritual traditions, somatic practices, creative arts, mythology, indigenous wisdom, literary and poetic imagination, deep ecology, mystical philosophy, cultural history, and social critique. The Ph.D. program emphasize research, clinical, and cultural praxis skills as well as acquiring the knowledge base of psychology as a profession. The research coursework prepares students for the completion of an original research dissertation. The Ph.D. in Psychology is designed to meet the educational requirements for the state of California Psychologist license. The Ph.D. in Psychology also meets the educational requirements for the state of California MFT license (Board of Behavioral Sciences, Senate Bill 33, Section 4980.36, Business and Professions Code), and the state of California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), (Senate Bill 788, Section 4999.33, Business and Professions Code), provided that fieldwork is done in accordance with BBS requirements.

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology curriculum offers innovative coursework in Psychology to prepare students for professional practice, including core, clinical, and research courses. The core curriculum provides a foundation for the clinical and research courses, supporting the student’s evolving relationship to clinical engagement. The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is designed to meet the educational requirements for the state of California Psychologist license. The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology also meets the educational requirements for the state of California MFT license (Board of Behavioral Sciences, Senate Bill 33, Section 4980.36, Business and Professions Code), and the state of California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), (Senate Bill 788, Section 4999.33, Business and Professions Code), provided that fieldwork is done in accordance with BBS requirements.

Doctorate of Psychology

Mind development academy.

Mind Development Academy

  • Cape Town, South Africa

PhD in Integral Transpersonal Psychology

Ubiquity university.

Ubiquity University

  • Mill Valley, CA, USA, USA

This program takes an integral, transpersonal approach to psychology. It proposes an innovative way of learning and thinking, which goes beyond the basic structures of the rational mind to include the larger environment. It emphasizes the interconnections between all aspects of reality and focuses on deep empathy that relates to the experiences of all people.

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Distance learning PhD Programmes in Psychology

The PhD is a doctoral degree, specifically called a "doctor of philosophy" degree. This is misleading because PhD holders are not necessarily philosophers (unless they earned their degree in philosophy!). That said, PhD recipients are able to engage in thought experiments, reason about problems, and solve problems in sophisticated ways.

Online or distance learning refers to the use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. With online learning, one can access education at any time and from any location with an available internet connection.

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The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the Department's principal research degree for postgraduate students and the majority of our students are registered for this degree. The PhD is intellectually demanding and applicants will need to have a high level of attainment and motivation to pursue this programme of advanced study and research. 

Completion normally requires three to four years of full-time study, including a probationary period. Students will normally be required to be resident in Cambridge during that time.

The examination involves the submission of a 60,000-word thesis and subsequent oral examination.

The PhD represents a significant and original contribution to the understanding of Psychology. This may be through the discovery of something new, the connection of previously unrelated facts, or the development of a new theory, taking into account all previously published work on the subject.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, doctor of philosophy, department of psychology, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, michaelmas 2024.

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Funding Deadlines

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

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Clinical Psychology

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PhD Clinical Psychology / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Full entry requirements

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our websi te . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

  • January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
  • April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
  • September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

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Programme overview.

  • Learn from some of Europe's leading researchers while undertaking your own project.
  • Access some of the best research facilities in the world at both the University and in hospitals around Greater Manchester.
  • Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme.
  • Conduct research at a university ranked 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023).

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
  • PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

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Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

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You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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PhD Psychology

PhD Psychology

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Entry requirements

Fees and funding.

  • What's next?

Supervision for PhD Psychology within our Department of Psychology is available in diverse fields of psychology including (but not limited to) cognitive psychology, social and cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and developmental psychology. You study in a stimulating and vibrant research environment, and we provide excellent research facilities. In general, our PhD students enjoy the same access to neuroscience and other research equipment as our academic staff, and access to our research participant pool, which is essential for your experimental research. You also benefit from the supportive supervision given by our staff, and the friendly and collegiate atmosphere provided by fellow students. This ensures that we have an exemplary record in supporting our PhD students to produce high quality theses within three years.

Please note, part-time research study is also available.

We also offer an Integrated PhD in this subject, which enables you to spend your first year completing a Masters-level qualification followed by a full-time PhD studied over 3-4 years.

  • We offer a range of PhD studentships and funding opportunities.
  • We provide excellent state-of-the-art facilities for study, with extensive laboratory space for experimental psychology and special facilities for visual and auditory perception, developmental psychology and social psychology, with our Hearing Research Laboratory and our Visual Perception Unit.
  • We also have our Centre for Brain Sciences (CBS), a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to the study of brain activity in relation to psychological processes. This provides a dynamic resource for psychology and neuroscience, with specialised laboratories for investigating brain activity.

Our expert staff

Our psychology lecturers include award-winning teachers and prize-winning researchers who are international experts in their own research areas.

Our staff carry out research into areas of psychology that fall under our three key themes: thinking about the world , interacting with the world , and experiencing the world . These three themes help tie your knowledge together as they directly feed into our modules, where you can study how we remember things, what captures out attention, how relationships work, what our emotions do with us, or the impact of culture on ourselves and others.

Within our Department of Psychology, you will be allocated a supervisor whose role it is to guide you through the different stages of your research degree. In some cases, you may have joint supervision by two members of our staff.

The support provided by your supervisor is a key feature of your research student experience and you will have regular one-to-one meetings to discuss progress on your research. Initially, your supervisor will help you develop your research topic and plan.

Twice a year, you will have a supervisory panel meeting, which provides a more formal opportunity to discuss your progress and agree your plans for the next six months.

Specialist facilities

Within our Department of Psychology, we provide excellent state-of-the-art facilities for your study, with extensive laboratory space for experimental psychology and special facilities for visual and auditory perception, developmental psychology and social psychology.

We also have our Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to the study of brain activity in relation to psychological processes. This provides a dynamic resource with specialised laboratories for investigating behaviour and brain activity including: two eye tracking labs for recording eye movements, four electroencephalography (EEG) labs for recording cortical oscillatory activity, event-related potentials (ERP) and functional connectivity; two near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) labs for measuring changes in blood oxygenation levels; four neuromodulation labs including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), repetitive TMS (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and neuro-navigation facilities.

Your future

With the skills and knowledge you acquire from studying within our Department of Psychology, you will find yourself in demand from a wide range of employers. Our graduates have been employed in clinical psychology, educational psychology, criminal and forensic psychology.

We also have excellent links with the research community and our PhD students have taken up post-doctoral positions in other top UK universities and internationally (including in the US, Italy and Australia), as well as being appointed to lectureships.

UK entry requirements

International & eu entry requirements.

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please select your country page where you'll find this information.

English language requirements

Course structure.

A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving you the chance to investigate your chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding. In communicating that understanding, through a thesis or other means, you have a rare opportunity to generate knowledge. A research degree allows you to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build new networks. It can open doors to many careers.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code . For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

This module is for PhD students who are completing the research portions of their theses.

View Psychology - Research on our Module Directory

The award of a PhD signifies an original and substantial contribution to knowledge that means you can be considered an expert in your field. The majority of your learning comes from ‘hands on’ experience of designing, conducting and analysing your original research, as well as from the demanding process of writing and submitting a PhD. To help in this process, you attend several taught courses in your first year and all our research students are required to undertake postgraduate research training modules as part of their studies.

At the end of your first and second years you will prepare a 10,000 word document that contains a review of relevant literature and summarises findings from your empirical work conducted in that year. You will also take part in a Post Graduate Research conference in which you make an oral presentation of this work to the Department. The submission of the 10,000 word document in particular helps you prepare for the writing of your thesis.

Dissertation

Students within our Department of Psychology submit a dissertation of up to 80,000 words. We take pride in our completion record with our PhD students. We achieve this, in part, by ensuring from the outset that you follow a clear path to ensure completion within three years – with specific appropriate milestones at the end of your first and second years.

Home/UK fee

£4,712 per year

International fee

£20,700 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Masters fees and funding information

Research (e.g. PhD) fees and funding information

What's next

We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:

  • tour our campus and accommodation
  • find out answers to your questions about our courses, graduate employability, student support and more
  • talk to our Fees and Funding team about scholarship opportunities
  • meet our students and staff

If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing [email protected] and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.

phd psychology uk distance learning

You can apply for this postgraduate course online . Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we'll ask you to provide as part of your application.

We encourage you to make a preliminary enquiry directly to a potential supervisor or the Graduate Administrator within your chosen Department or School. We encourage the consideration of a brief research proposal prior to the submission of a full application.

We aim to respond to applications within four weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.

For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘ how to apply ' information.

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The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications . The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

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PhD by distance learning

The faculties of Environment and Arts, Humanities and Cultures offer PhD by distance learning across most schools.

PhD by distance learning allows you to study at a time and place that suits you and, with a part-time option available, you'll have the flexibility to gain an advanced degree alongside work and other commitments.

Through completing a PhD, you will become an expert in a specialist area and gain high-quality research training.

Our PhD by distance learning programmes

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BSc (Hons) Psychology (Distance Learning)

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Quick info & apply now

Stratford campus, bsc (hons) psychology (distance learning), degree.

Please answer the following questions to help us direct you to the right place.

This course is in Clearing

Call us on 020 7365 6240 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, to find out more about applying for Clearing.

UK Full-time starting Sept

How to apply applications should be made online via the universities and colleges admissions system (ucas) website..

Please ensure that you have read and considered the entry requirements for this course before you submit your application. Our applicant enquiries team can provide advice you are unsure if you are qualified for entry or have any other questions.

When to Apply Places on many courses are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. We advise you to apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of receiving an offer.

Advice and guidance Our  Information, Advice and Guidance team  provide impartial advice on courses, entry requirements, pre-entry and access programmes in person and via the telephone.

+44 (0)20 8223 4354

Already applied? You can track the progress of your application using  UCAS Hub .

Read our guide to applying via UCAS  for further information.

Need help? Contact our applicant enquiries team (Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm)

+44 (0)20 8223 3333

Live chat: Click the live chat icon in the bottom right of the screen

International Full-time starting Sept

Submitting your application please read and consider the entry and visa requirements for this course before you submit your application., for more information please visit our international student advice pages ..

How to Apply There are three ways to apply for international students. 

  • Online Direct to UEL The easiest way to apply is to apply online directly to UEL by clicking on the red apply button
  • Universities and Colleges Admissions System (UCAS) You can apply via  UCAS .
  • Common Application Applicants from the US can apply online using the  Common App . For further information, read our  Guide to Apply via the Common App .

When to apply

Please ensure that you refer to the International admissions deadline . We advise you to apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of receiving an offer.

International students who reside overseas Please ensure that you have read and considered the entry requirements for this course before you submit your application.

Our enquiries team can provide advice you are unsure if you are qualified for entry or have any other questions.

Please be sure to read about the  Tier 4 visa requirements .

Fees and Funding

Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course

Full time, 3/4 years £9,250 Per year

Part time Pro-rata full time fee

Full time, 3/4 years £14,820 Per year

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.

International Examination

If you currently reside outside the UK and prefer to take your examination in your country of residence, we can make arrangements to accommodate your request. Please note that there may be associated costs for taking an exam overseas, and it will be your responsibility to cover these expenses.

UK Examination

For those based in the UK, you have the option to sit your exam at UEL. Depending on the location of the exam, it will be held at either the Stratford or Docklands campus. We also have other venues throughout the UK that have previously facilitated distance learning exams. Please be aware that sitting an exam off-campus may incur costs, which you will be responsible for covering.

Textbooks Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

Computer equipment There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences.

Free WiFi is available on each of our campuses.

Printing In the majority of cases, coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel Travel costs are not included but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses and halls of residence.

For this course, you will be:

  • involved in processes of making, as a means of exploration, experimentation, and understanding your practice, by using a diverse range of media and materials
  • required to purchase your own copy of books, for required reading
  • required to produce physical artefacts for assessment 
  • able to participate in optional study visits and/or field trips

However, over and above this you may incur extra costs associated with your studies, which you will need to plan for. 

In order to help you budget, the information below indicates what activities and materials are not covered by your tuition fees:

  • personal laptops and other personal devices 
  • personal copies of books 
  • optional study visits and field trips (and any associated visa costs)
  • printing costs
  • your own chosen materials and equipment
  • costs of participating at external events, exhibitions, performances etc.

The costs vary every year and with every student, according to the intentions for the type of work they wish to make. Attainment at assessment is not dependent upon the costs of materials chosen.

UK/Home students

You don't need to pay the fees up front.

Find out more about paying your fees. 

Fee status after Brexit

EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course from September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees.

However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. 

Further information can be found at UKCISA .

*Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.

UK fee status holders

Find out all the ways you can receive funding for your studies:

  • Government funding
  • UEL funding
  • External funding

The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.

We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.

  • Phone: 020 8223 4444, M onday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm
  • Live chat: Click the live chat icon in the bottom left of the screen

International fee status holders

  • UEL scholarships
  • Ways to pay

Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.

This course is ideal if you're committed to living or working away from our School of Psychology in east London. Wherever you're based, our academic and administrative teams will support you. They're highly experienced in supporting distance learners.

The key advantages of this new course are that you have the flexibility of choosing when you can study and access your own personal tutor as well as online forums. It follows the format of our highly successful campus-based degree, which has been developed within our highly respected School of Psychology over a period of more than 50 years.

While other universities may require some attendance, this course is delivered entirely online through our virtual learning environment, UELDirect. There's no requirement for attendance in any of your modules. But this course requires a lot of self-discipline and time management is the key. "About a third of our students are in London, and a third live in the UK," says Course Leader Dr Antonio Fidalgo. "We have others in countries across the world, including Thailand, Guatemala, and all across Africa."

Whether you're working, you have children to look after, or you're simply looking to keep your mind active - this course is perfect for you.

What makes this course different

90% graphic

Highly rated by our students

90% of students surveyed on this course responded positively to questions on “Teaching on my Course” in the 2023 National Student Survey. (National Student Survey 2023, Results published 10 Aug 2023)

Close up view of laptops

Mirrors our on campus course

As a distance learner, you'll cover the same material as if you were doing the course on campus. This is very rare for Distance Learning courses in the UK.

British Psychological Society (BPS) logo

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

This accreditation is a mark of quality that students and employers understand and value. Studying a BPS-accredited course will allow you to gain graduate or chartered membership of the Society.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

As a distance learner, you'll cover the same material, and the same amount of material as if you were doing the BSc (Hons) Psychology course on campus.

Our psychology degree will give you a broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of modern psychology. You will develop a good knowledge of the influences on and factors involved in human functioning in all the core areas of psychology:

  • Biological foundations
  • Cognitive psychology
  • Social psychology
  • Developmental psychology
  • Individual differences
  • Conceptual and historical issues in psychology
  • Research methods

You will also develop detailed knowledge of several specialised areas through option choice, develop knowledge of research paradigms, methods, and measurement techniques, of real-life applications of theory to behaviour and experience, and knowledge of how behaviour and experience can be affected by physical and mental illness. This knowledge will be backed up by subject-based practical skills such as the ability to design and conduct research, analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, and awareness of ethical issues and principles in research on human behaviour.

Key to many careers and employers - you will also develop thinking skills, including analysis and interpretation of evidence, scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and appreciation of multiple perspectives and approaches. Furthermore, you will study other skills for life and work including communication, computer literacy (word processing, statistical software), interpersonal and group skills, numeracy and statistical competence, self-knowledge and reflexivity, and planning and time management.

We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up to date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change. 

DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS

Course specification - bsc (hons) psychology via distance learning (v22).

pdf, 175.29 KB

Thinking Like a Psychologist (Mental Wealth)

The aim of the module is to support students in their transition to Degree level study of Psychology, introducing them to new ways of thinking that have psychology at the core. Students will learn about psychological principles that have value in everyday life and learning. They will be supported in the development of critical thinking skills, prized by graduate employers. In addition, students will learn how to present psychological concepts to members of the general public, and to use on-line presentation software to facilitate such work.

Introduction to Biological and Social and Individual Differences

The main aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the core fields of Social and Biological Psychology and Individual Differences and a foundation for understanding and evaluating these approaches within the discipline of Psychology and an understanding of historical, social and cultural influences. Students will also develop a knowledge of relevant key concepts and theories, providing a grounding for level 5 study of applied topics in these fields.

Introduction to Cognitive and Developmental Psychology

In this module, we explore the mechanisms that process information about the world (such as perception, memory, and attention) and by which we develop our responses to it (e.g., by thinking, communicating, and shaping behaviour by our learning). In doing so, this module introduces core topics in cognitive psychology (which seeks to scientifically model how the mind functions) and developmental psychology (which seeks to understand change through the lifespan).

Psychology in Applied Contexts

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the ways in which psychology is used in professional roles and graduate-level employment. Module content will include an introduction to the core professional division of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and, beyond this, to the diverse ways in which psychology is used within 'real-world' settings, including well-established and emerging career opportunities. The module will provide a foundation for understanding, reflecting on and developing graduate employability which will be built on at level 5.

Researching with Small Samples

To introduce students to key approaches to research in Psychology, including research design, data analysis, evaluating and writing up research. This module will focus on research methods appropriate to questions relating to smaller sample sizes.

Researching with Larger Samples

To introduce students to key approaches to research in Psychology, including research design, data analysis, evaluating and writing up research. This module will focus on research methods appropriate to questions relating to larger sample sizes.

Individual Differences and Diversity

This module has three principle aims: (i) to develop a critical and historical awareness of theories of, and issues relating to, individual differences (ii) to instil understanding of, and foster respect for, diversity; (iii) to encourage students to be insightful and reflective about their own and others' behaviour and mental processes. An ongoing theme of the module will be to consider the implications of the knowledge imparted for real-life events and the development of professional practice. These aims are intended to help students develop into psychologically literate citizens.

Psychological Research Methods

The aim of the module is to build on material delivered in the level 4 research method modules and provide a preparation for the independent research project at level 6. The module will: present more advanced statistical methods used to analyse quantitative data from designs with one and more than one IV/factor; to ensure awareness of a range of experimental and non-experimental quantitative designs (including real-world research) and a range of qualitative designs; consider issues of internal and external validity; further consider epistemological and methodological issues, reflexivity, ethics and practicalities of conducting qualitative research; and provide students with opportunities to gain further experience designing, executing and writing quantitive and qualitative research studies.

Topics in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology

The module builds on students' learning at level 4 and explores a range of current issues and topics in cognitive and developmental psychology in greater depth. Students will learn about appropriate ways to analyse and interpret findings in these core areas of psychology. The module's aim is to encourage a more evaluative and analytical approach than at level 4 coverage of these areas of psychology.

Applications of Psychobiology and Social Psychology

The module will build upon knowledge of the psychobiology and social psychological approaches that were introduced at Level 4. The aim of the module is to develop students' knowledge and critical awareness of these major theoretical perspectives for understanding human behaviour. Current issues as well as historical debates in these two areas will be explored. Considerable focus will be placed upon the real-world application and utility of theories falling within each approach.

Work-Based Learning in Psychology (Mental Wealth)

The module is designed to further develop students' awareness of the range of careers, work and volunteering opportunities open to psychology graduates and to support their engagement with personal and professional development strategies. Based on a short period of work experience, arranged by students and completed as part of the module's student learning time, students will be able to learn about organisations and make use of networking opportunities. They will have an opportunity to integrate psychological theory with practice and to clarify their interests and goals.

The Psychology of Sleep and Dreaming

In this module, you will find out what sleep and dreaming are and why they are of interest to psychologists, and you will study the psychology of sleep and dreaming via a number of different psychological approaches (e.g. cognitive, social, developmental, biological, clinical and research methods).

During the course of the module, as well as learning about the theory and practice of the psychology of sleep and dreaming, you will have an opportunity to critically discuss the lecture material through in-depth seminars and get hands-on experience of polysomnography via practical classes held in the University of East London Sleep and Dreams Laboratory. 

Research Skills in Cognitive Neuroscience

This optional module introduces the students to the theoretical underpinnings of cognitive neuroscience and to the practical skills necessary to conduct research in cognitive neuroscience. In the first part of the module, the students will be introduced to cognitive neuroscience literature that utilises specific technologies (e.g., electrophysiology or eye-tracking). In the second part of the module, the students will be asked to pick a certain technology and will be guided in groups to develop and analyse an experiment that uses that technology. 

Introduction to Forensic Psychology

The main aims of this module are:

  • To introduce concepts and issues in forensic and criminological psychology. 
  • To provide an overview of the historical, current and potential future relationships between psychology and the criminal justice system.
  • To provide a clear overview of how psychology has been used, and can further be used, to inform practical problems arising in the criminal justice system. 

Psychology, Identity and Society

Students will be introduced to the range of debates that have led to a move away from 'positivistic' psychology and towards what is now known as critical social psychology or, 'societal' psychology. The module will introduce a variety of critical approaches and explore the limitations and constraints of individualistic, reductionist and essentialist analyses of the individual and the social in psychology. The module will foster an awareness of the importance of the 'social locatedness' (historical, community, philosophical, etc.) of psychological knowledge and 'realities' and will explore subjectivity and identity, social relations, broader cultural formations (than traditionally allowed by positivistic social psychology) and collective sense-making across a range of theories, methods and topic areas. 

Difficulties and Differences across Development

In this module, we will explore the variations and obstacles that arise during different stages of development: infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Our goal is to deepen students' understanding of theoretical explanations and important research findings related to developmental challenges and differences. This module builds upon and expands the fundamental concepts covered in earlier developmental psychology courses. Through this module, students will develop their ability to critically evaluate research on atypical development and understand its practical applications in the real world. The lectures in this module have consistently received positive feedback from students who find them stimulating and engaging.

Psychology in Communication and Social Engagement  (Mental Wealth)

This module will develop students' understanding of the range of theories and techniques involved in psychologies of social engagement. Examples include the communication of psychological knowledge to external audiences and the use of psychological knowledge to address real world issues and problems. These examples will be contextualised with reference to conceptual and historical issues in psychology. Students will be invited to develop a broad understanding of psychology and their psychological knowledge as it is relevant to the wider world, including local communities, businesses, politics and policy.

Psychology Research Project

  • To improve students' awareness of the issues involved in the formulation, execution and reporting of psychological research and theory.
  • To facilitate students' application of their skills and psychological knowledge to conduct and report an independent piece of empirical research. 

The Psychology of Mental Health

This module introduces students to a psychological understanding of the multiple factors involved in the causes of mental health difficulties in adulthood. Conceptual and historical contexts are considered. As well as considering the role of psychological factors in mental ill-health, the module also considers the relative role played by social (for example, occupation, and socioeconomic status) and biological factors (for example, aspects of neurology, physiology and genetic disposition). Thereby, the module examines the relative contribution of nature and nurture in the genesis of human misery. Implications for mental health promotion are considered. 

Drugs and Addictive Behaviours

The aims of the module are to explore the effects of both recreational and dependent (illicit and non-illicit) psychoactive drugs on the brain and behaviour; to look at the type of addictive behaviours (both drug and non-drug) there are and the theories/models accounting for different addictive behaviours and potential treatments available for some of these addictive behaviours. 

Cyberpsychology

This module aims to provide a broad introduction to the field of cyberpsychology; a subject that examines all aspects of psychology in the context of technology. Broadly speaking the module aims to: 1) Introduce students to the topic of cyberpsychology and its associated research methods; 2) Outline some of the topics and applications of cyberpsychology; 3) Develop a critical faculty whereby students consider the implications of their existing knowledge of psychology to contemporary technology. 

Advanced Forensic Psychology

The aims of the module are to educate students into the complexity of behaviour that is considered criminological; to examine psychological theory and research concerning different types of offending behaviour and for students to develop an appreciation of the role that psychologists can play in rehabilitation and desistance from offending behaviour.

Health Psychology

The module describes and evaluates biopsychosocial approaches to health and illness. It examines social and psychological processes which contribute to the occurrence of various physical health outcomes and to the maintenance of health. It discusses the role of psychosocial processes in the experience and progression of health and illness. Specifically, it examines biopsychosocial precursors and consequences which are identifiable empirically in the aetiology and progression of a variety of health phenomena. Such precursors include the role of social support, social cognitions, individual differences in coping and personality, life change events and psycho-neuro-immunological, endocrine and other physiological processes. In summary, this module explores how psychological and social factors impact out health. Implications for prevention of illness and promotion of health are considered.

Advanced Developmental Psychology

This module will provide students with an opportunity to examine and evaluate in-depth key and current methods and findings in developmental psychology. The aim is to investigate the main factors that shape development in a variety of domains (social, emotional, cognitive) and across ages, in a manner that will help students to develop the skills required to be able to critically analyse research in this area. The module will also give students the opportunity to consolidate and to explore in more depth some of the concepts previously introduced at levels 4 and 5.

Psychology of Choice

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the main concepts and theories in research on preference choices, risk perception and communication, and judgement and decision making. Students will be able to describe and evaluate research findings on how people assess risks (major hazards, terrorism etc.) and which psychological factors determine the choices and preferences made by individuals and experts.

Cognitive Neuropsychology

This module provides a broad insight into the area of cognitive neuropsychology, i.e. we try to show how the study of brain injury informs and is informed, by normal theories of cognition. The module outlines the aims and methodology of cognitive neuropsychology, the nature of brain injury and plasticity, different neuropsychological disorders and neuropsychological perspectives on subjects such as intelligence and emotion. This module also considers the future of neuropsychological and rehabilitation. 

Psychology of Belief

The aims of the module are to assist students in developing; their skills and competencies in critical thinking and the evaluation of information; their ability to understand behaviours motivated by different values and different cultural perspectives; and their ability to understand the causes of beliefs which they do not themselves ascribe to.

Students will explore the various factors (e.g., social, developmental, cognitive, cultural, and biopsychological) that contribute to unsubstantiated beliefs, look at various theories of religious belief, and explore the psychology of moral values and political affiliation.

Occupational Psychology

The module aims to introduce students to the main areas of occupational and organisational psychology and provide a critical understanding of the various ways in which contemporary psychological knowledge is applied to the workplace behaviour of people and to business management. It elucidates multiple aspects of human performance at work and ways to optimise them, considering their individual, group and organisational contexts.

HOW YOU'LL LEARN

We encourage an educational experience that is active, social, collaborative, engaging, and student-owned. You will have access to a variety of resources ensuring your learning experience goes beyond the classroom.

We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library, and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces, and a dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning. 

Students are supported with any academic or subject-related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, and former and current UEL students. 

If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths, or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions, and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the University from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.

Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater to your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).

Your overall workload consists of class and online tutor-led sessions, individual learning, and practical activities. The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module, and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year depending on your course.

The guidelines for student engagement for this course are approximately 300 hours of scheduled teaching and 900 hours of guided independent study per year.

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 100 - 120 students a year. Lecture sizes are normally 100 plus students. In the seminars, you will be taught in groups of 18–20 students. However, this can vary by academic year.

HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED

Assessment tasks are mainly spread across the year to make the workload manageable. Assessment methods include group work, exams, and individual work including essays, presentations, case studies, professional development, and practical activities depending on the nature of the course. All grades count towards your module mark. More details will be included in the student handbook and module guides.

We offer examination options for both international and UK-based students. International students can take their exams in their country of residence, with associated costs. UK-based students can choose to sit their exams at UEL campuses or other supported venues, also with potential costs.

Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.

CAMPUS and FACILITIES

Stratford Campus

Stratford Campus, Water Lane, Stratford

Our campus and the surrounding area

Our historic Stratford campus is located one of the best-connected areas of London: close to Stratford's thriving town centre, the 2012 Olympic Park, and just 15 minutes from London's West End.   Stratford’s facilities include a state-of-the-art library and learning centre, the majestic great hall and specialist laboratories and computing services. The School of Education and Communities, and Centre for Clinical Education in Podiatry, Physiotherapy and Sports Science are housed in new buildings. There is also a campus restaurant and bookshop, and a Students' Union café-bar.   Westfield Stratford City - Europe's largest indoor shopping mall - is just one of Stratford's attractions, alongside many other shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There are two multiscreen cinemas, a theatre, an arts centre and much more.

Related links

Who teaches this course.

phd psychology uk distance learning

Antonio Fidalgo

Antonio is a neurobehavioural researcher interested in social cognition and health.

phd psychology uk distance learning

Dr Anna Stone

Dr Stone is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology. She is Programme Leader for the BSc Psychology by Distance Learning course.

British Psychological Society logo

The technology used in the presentations has made the distance learning experience almost as real as being on campus. Support for distance learning students has been well planned and I've never felt left out."

Dimitris Flamouris

Psychology by Distance Learning, BSc (Hons)

What we're researching

At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.

Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.

Please visit our Research section to find out more .

YOUR FUTURE CAREER

Employers value psychology graduates because they believe they have a better understanding of human behaviour. Your understanding of how people work within organisations will be a real selling point when you apply for any managerial appointment.  On average, 80 percent of University of East London psychology graduates pursue careers outside academia. Many are now employed in social welfare, sport and leisure, education, human resource management, consumer research and advertising, media, market research, and community work. Your training in data collection and analysis, report writing and IT skills will also be useful in a range of jobs not directly related to psychology. If you are in the 20 percent of graduates wanting to continue your studies, a BSc Psychology degree is the first step towards becoming a professional psychologist, whether it is in the field of clinical, educational, occupational, counselling, health, or forensic psychology.  Your next step will be further study at master's or doctorate level. "Some people do a distance-learning degree so they can further their careers," says Course Leader Dr Anna Stone. "Some people want to keep mentally agile, and there's nothing better than studying to keep the mind active. Some of our students are in their 70s."

Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our  Career Coach portal .

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Modal

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Terms of Admittance to the University of East London

The Terms of Admittance govern your contractual relationship with University of East London ("UEL"). A contract between you, the Student, and us, UEL, is entered into once you accept an offer of a place on a programme at UEL and this contract is subject to consumer protection legislation. You are entitled to cancel this contract within 14 days of enrolment onto your programme.

1) Student enrolment

Enrolment at UEL is the process whereby you officially become a UEL student. The enrolment process requires you to:

  • Ensure that we are holding correct personal details for you
  • Agree to abide by our regulations and policies
  • Pay your tuition fees/confirm who is paying your tuition fees

You are expected to enrol by the first day of your academic year (click on "Discover") which will be notified to you in your enrolment instructions. Failure to enrol by the deadline contained in our Fees Policy (for most students by the end of the second week of teaching) may lead to the cancellation of student status and all rights attached to that status, including attendance and use of UEL's facilities. If you do not complete the formal process of enrolment but, by your actions, are deemed to be undertaking activities compatible with the status of an enrolled student, UEL will formally enrol you and charge the relevant tuition fee. Such activities would include attendance in classes, use of online learning materials, submission of work and frequent use of a student ID card to gain access to university buildings and facilities. Late enrolment charges may be applied if you do not complete your enrolment by the relevant deadline.

2) Tuition fees

Your tuition fee is determined by:

  • the programme you are studying;
  • if you are studying full or part-time;
  • whether you are a UK/EU or International student; and when you started your studies with us.

We will tell you the tuition fee that you are due to pay when we send you an offer as well as confirming any additional costs that will be incurred, such as bench fees or exceptional overseas study trips. Unregulated tuition fees (where the UK government has not set a maximum fee to be charged) are generally charged annually and may increase each year you are on the programme. Any annual increase will be limited to a maximum of 5% of the previous year's fee. Regulated tuition fees (where the UK government has set a maximum fee to be charged) may also be subject to an annual increase. Any annual increase will be in line with the increase determined by the UK government. You will be notified of any increases in tuition fees at re-enrolment onto the programme. Further information on tuition fees and payment options are contained in our Fees Policy .

3) Student ID Cards

To produce an ID card, we need a recent photograph of you that is not obscured and is a true likeness. We will either ask you to send us/upload a photograph in advance of enrolment or take one of you at the point of enrolment. The photograph will be held on our student records system for identification purposes by administrative, academic and security/reception staff. By accepting these Terms of Admittance you are confirming that you agree to your photograph being used in this way. If you object to your photograph being used in this way please contact the University Secretary via email at gov&[email protected] . You are required to provide proof of your identity at initial enrolment and prior to the issue of your UEL student ID card. This is usually a full and valid passport but instead of this you may bring two of the following:

  • A (full or provisional) driving licence showing current address
  • An international driving licence
  • An original birth certificate (in English)
  • A debit or credit card (one only)
  • A benefit book or benefit award letter (dated within the last 3 months)
  • An Armed Forces Identity card
  • A police warrant card

You are required to carry and display your student ID card whilst on UEL premises and must keep it safe so that it is not misused by others.

4) Proof of qualifications

You are required to produce evidence of having satisfied the entry requirements for your programme. Such evidence must be in the form of the original certificates or certified notification of results from the examining body. All qualifications must be in English or supported by an official certified translation. If you fail to provide evidence of having satisfied the requirements for the programme you are liable to be withdrawn from the programme.

5) Non-academic entry requirements

You may need to demonstrate that you have met non-academic entry requirements prior to enrolment by providing additional information to UEL. For example, if you:-

  • are under 18 years of age at the time of initial enrolment,
  • are applying to a programme that requires health clearance for study as stated in the programme specification,
  • have declared a relevant criminal conviction,
  • will be studying a programme that involves contact with children and/or vulnerable adults or leads to membership of a professional body that deals with children and/or vulnerable adults.

You will not be permitted to enrol and any offer will be withdrawn if UEL deems that you are unsuitable for study following assessment of this additional information in line with published policies. These policies will be provided to you when the additional information is requested.

6) Criminal convictions

UEL has a responsibility to safeguard staff, students and the wider community. You are required to inform UEL of any relevant criminal conviction you have and provide further information relating to these as requested. This includes any relevant criminal convictions received whilst studying at UEL. UEL will assess all information received in line with published policies and may remove you from a programme if the conviction makes you unsuitable for study in UEL's opinion. Failure to declare a relevant criminal conviction or provide further information about you may result in expulsion from UEL.

7) Providing false information to UEL

If you are discovered to have falsified or misrepresented information presented to UEL at application, enrolment or during your studies, you may be expelled from UEL.

8) Continued enrolment and student status

You are expected to abide by all UEL policies and regulations, both those in force at the time of first and subsequent enrolment and as later revised and published from time to time. UEL reserves the right to make reasonable changes to its policies and regulations and any substantial amendments will be brought to your attention. You are also required to take personal responsibility for your studies; this includes undertaking all study in support of your programme as prescribed by UEL. Key policies include: Manual of General Regulations This describes the general regulatory framework of UEL and gives information about how UEL confers its degrees, diplomas and certificates. It includes important information about academic performance requirements for continued study. Engagement Attendance Policy This outlines UEL's expectations of students in relation to attendance on and engagement with taught programmes. These students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and engage fully with learning materials and resources provided to them - failure to do so may result in withdrawal from module(s) and/or the programme. Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Degrees The purpose of this code is to provide a framework for the successful organisation and implementation of good practice in all matters relating to postgraduate research degrees at UEL. It aims to ensure that all students are effectively supported and supervised so that the full scope and potential of their research is realised; that their thesis is submitted within regulatory periods and that they complete their programme with a suitable and sufficient portfolio of research and employment-related skills and competencies. Health and Safety Policy This describes the structures and processes by which UEL protects the health and safety of its staff, students and visitors. It confirms that students will receive sufficient information, instruction and induction in relation to health and safety. All students should take reasonable care for their health and safety. They must abide by UEL’s rules and regulations and co-operate with supervisors to enable them to fulfil their obligations. Students must not interfere intentionally, or recklessly misuse anything provided for health and safety. UEL has consulted with its students and staff and has adopted a No Smoking Policy to safeguard the health and well-being of its community. Students are required to comply with this policy which restricts smoking to designated shelters and prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes within any UEL building or near building entrances. For further information on our Healthy Campus initiatives and support please visit the Health and Safety pages . Student Disciplinary Regulations and Procedures (incorporating the student code of conduct) This code is more than a list of things that we should and should not do: it reminds us that we should always consider how our behaviour affects others. The code applies:

  • to all students;
  • at all sites throughout our estate, and;
  • when we represent UEL on business beyond our campus, both in real (face-to-face) and virtual environments.

And outlines expectations of students:

  • verbal and physical behaviour should always be polite and respectful;
  • behaviour should not impair the engagement, learning or participation of others;
  • anti- social behaviour by individuals and groups will not be tolerated.

9) Changes to scheduled programmes

UEL will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the programme of study that you have accepted will conform to the programme specification published on our website and will ensure that the necessary resources required to enable you to meet the required learning outcomes and pass the relevant assessments are available. In order to ensure that our programmes are current and relevant, they are subject to regular review. From time to time, to ensure the maintenance of academic standards and/or compliance with professional body requirements, it may be necessary to amend a module or make adjustments to programme content. Major changes to programmes that in the reasonable opinion of UEL, will have a significant impact on students will involve consultation with students already enrolled on the programme when the changes are proposed. Once any changes are confirmed, UEL will notify all students and applicants of the changes. When UEL reasonably considers that the change may only impact one or more cohorts on the relevant programme, UEL may decide to only consult with the relevant cohort. In the event that we discontinue a programme, we will normally permit existing students to complete the programme within the typical duration of study. In these circumstances, UEL will use reasonable endeavours to continue the programme for existing students without making major changes. If this is not possible, we will support students in changing to another UEL programme on which a place is available, and for which the student is suitably qualified, or assist with transfer to another HEI to complete the programme elsewhere.

10) Changes to these terms

We may change these terms from time to time where, in UEL's opinion, it will assist in the proper delivery of any programme of study or in order to:- (a) Comply with any changes in relevant laws and regulatory requirements; (b) Implement legal advice, national guidance or good practice; (c) Provide for new or improved delivery of any programme of study; (d) Reflect market practice; (e) In our opinion make them clearer or more favourable to you; (f) Rectify any error or mistake; or (g) Incorporate existing arrangements or practice. No variation or amendment to these Terms of Admittance may be made without our prior written agreement. In the event that we agree to transfer you to an alternative programme of study, the transfer will be considered to be a variation to the Terms of Admittance, which shall otherwise remain in full force and existence. If we revise the Terms of Admittance, we will publish the amended Terms of Admittance by such means as we consider reasonably appropriate.;We will use reasonable endeavours to give you notice of any changes before they take effect.

11) Data Protection

UEL is committed to adhering to its obligations under the Data Protection Act 2018 and will act as a Data Controller when it processes your personal data. You can find our registration to the Data controller register on ico.org.uk . UEL processes your personal data fulfil its contractual and legal obligations to students. Personal data that we process about you includes:

  • Your contact details and other information submitted during the application and enrolment processes;
  • Details of courses, modules, timetables and room bookings, assessment marks and examinations related to your study;
  • Financial and personal information collected for the purposes of administering fees and charges, loans, grants, scholarships and hardship funds;
  • Photographs, and video recordings for the purpose of recording lectures, student assessment and examinations and for the purposes of university promotion that is in our legitimate interest but still fair to you;
  • Information about your engagement with the University such as attendance data and use of electronic services such as Moodle, Civitas and YourTutor;
  • Contact details for next of kin to be used in an emergency;
  • Details of those with looked after status or those who have left the care system for the provision of support;
  • Information related to the prevention and detection of crime and the safety and security of staff and students, including, but not limited to, CCTV recording and data relating to breaches of University regulations;

This is not an exhaustive list, for further information please refer to our fair processing notice pages on uel.ac.uk. In all of its data processing activities, UEL is committed to ensuring that the personal data it collects stores and uses will be processing in line with the data protection principles which can be summarised as:

  • Being processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner;
  • Collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes;
  • Adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary;
  • Accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date;
  • Kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary;
  • Processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the personal information;
  • Be accountable for, and be able to demonstrate compliance with, the six principles above.

Student Responsibilities You must ensure that:

  • All personal data provided to UEL is accurate and up-to-date. You must ensure that changes of address etc. are notified to the Student Hub.
  • Students who use UEL's computing facilities may process personal data as part of their studies. If the processing of personal data takes place, students must take responsibility for that processing activity to ensure that it in line with the data protection principles above.
  • Students who are undertaking research projects using personal data must ensure that:
  • The research subject is informed of the nature of the research and is given a copy of UEL's Fair Processing Notice and this Data Protection Policy.

12) Legal basis for use of data

By agreeing to these Terms of Admittance and enrolling at UEL, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of a contract for the use of your personal data relating to your enrolment, and if appropriate, registration and ongoing participation on a programme of study. Your personal or special category data will be collected, processed, published and used by UEL, its online learning and teaching services and/or its partners and agents in ways which support the effective management of UEL and your programme of study, to allow for the delivery of bursary schemes and to support improvements to student experience and progression, and are consistent with: The terms of the Data Protection Act 2018; Any notification submitted to the Information Commissioner in accordance with this legislation; and compliance with any other relevant legislation. You have fundamental rights associated with how organisations use your personal data. Further information on data protection and use of your personal data can be found in our Data Protection Policy and on uel.ac.uk.

13) Intellectual property

You are entitled to the intellectual property rights created during your time studying at UEL that would belong to you under the applicable law. There are some programmes where the assignment of certain types of intellectual property to UEL is appropriate. UEL will require the assignment to it of intellectual property rights relating to postgraduate research that is part of an ongoing research programme. Where the nature of the research programme means that some assignment of intellectual property rights to UEL is appropriate, we will take what steps that we can to ensure that your interests are protected. UEL will take reasonable endeavours to ensure:-

  • the scope of the assignment is narrow, and is restricted to what is necessary, for example to protect UEL’s legitimate interests in the intellectual property created as party to a research programme;
  • the application of the assignment is clearly defined, so that it is clear to you in which circumstances the assignment will apply;
  • where the assignment of the intellectual property is appropriate in the circumstances, we will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the rights of the parties are evenly balanced (for example, your work being acknowledged in a publication and, where appropriate, subject to an appropriate revenue sharing scheme)
  • where UEL claims ownership of intellectual property rights in relation to a taught programme of study, such treatment of those rights will be made clear in the published information relating to that programme.

14) How we communicate with you

UEL will communicate with you via a variety of channels, including postal letter, e-mail, SMS text message and online notices. To enable this, we request that you provide us with your e-mail address, postal address, and contact telephone number when you first enrol. Throughout your studies, it is important that you keep your contact details up to date. You can view and edit this information by logging into our student portal, UEL Direct at https://uel.ac.uk/Direct . We will create a UEL e-mail account for you after you enrol. Your e-mail address will be your student number, prefixed with a ‘u’ and followed by ‘@uel.ac.uk’ – e.g.: [email protected]. UEL will use this e-mail address to communicate with you and it is important that you regularly check and manage this mailbox for important updates and information. You can access your email account, plus information about our services, news and events by logging into our Intranet, intranet.uel.ac.uk. At the login screen, enter your email address (as above) and password. Your default UEL password will be your date of birth, formulated as DD-MMM-YY, e.g. 31-jan-84. Your UEL email account and associated UEL IT accounts will be deleted not more than 6 months after you graduate or withdraw from your programme of study (if earlier).  

15)University of East London Students' Union

The University of East London Students' Union (UELSU) represents students at UEL. By enrolling at UEL you are automatically granted membership of both UELSU and the National Union of Students (NUS). If you wish to opt out from this membership, please inform UELSU in writing at either [email protected]  or by writing to: Chief Executive, UELSU, University of East London, Docklands Campus, 4-6 University Way, London E16 2RD. UELSU provides a range of services and support to students and can provide advice and representation on any matter affecting the contract between you and UEL. For further information on this support, please visit www.uelunion.org

16) Students studying at partner institutions

If you are undertaking a programme of study at a partner institution you will need to generally abide by the above terms and also those of the partner institution. Further information and support in understanding these terms is available from the Academic Partnership Office -  [email protected] .

17) International students - additional responsibilities

All international students must also comply with UK Visa and Immigration requirements. All international students are required to hold a valid visa which permits study in the UK or hold a Tier 4 visa/have applied for a Tier 4 visa with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies issued by UEL. Students who are being sponsored under a Tier 4 student visa must also understand and comply with the responsibilities of their student visa and co-operate with UEL in fulfilling our Tier 4 duties .

18) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UEL is committed to working together to build a learning community founded on equality of opportunity – a learning community which celebrates the rich diversity of our student and staff populations and one in which discriminatory behaviour is challenged and not tolerated within our community. Within the spirit of respecting difference, our equality and diversity policies promise fair treatment and equality of opportunity for all regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability or religion/belief (or lack of). In pursuing this aim, we want our community to value and to be at ease with its own diversity and to reflect the needs of the wider community within which we operate. For further information on this inclusive approach to education please visit our Student Policies page .

19) Complaints

We welcome feedback on our programmes and services and facilitate this in a variety of ways, including programme committees, module evaluation forms and surveys. However, if you are dissatisfied with a particular service or programme or the manner in which it has been delivered, you must let the person responsible for that service know as we will always try to resolve matters at the earliest opportunity via informal conciliation. If you are unsure who to approach, please e-mail The Hub who will be able to direct your concerns appropriately. If you remain dissatisfied with a service or programme, or the manner in which it is delivered, you should refer to our formal complaints procedure to have the matter formally addressed. In addition, once you have enrolled onto your programme, you will also have access to the Advice and Information Service offered by UELSU. This access is not available to students studying at partner institutions.

20) Cancellation

If you wish to cancel this contract within 14 days of enrolment onto your programme, you must do so in writing. Any fees that you have paid will be refunded – please see Fees Policy for further information on obtaining a refund.

21) Further guidance

If any of the information in these Terms of Admittance or related policies are unclear or if you have any questions, please contact The Hub for guidance on +44 (0) 208 223 4444 .

22) Right to advice

This is a consumer contract and you are able to obtain independent advice in relation to its terms and conditions from UELSU as well as your local Citizens Advice Bureau.  

23) General

Neither you nor UEL will be liable for failure to perform their obligations under these Terms of Admittance if such failure arises from unforeseeable events, circumstances or causes outside of that party's reasonable control. Examples of such events include, but are not limited to, war, terrorism, industrial disputes, natural disaster, fire and national emergencies. Only you and UEL are parties to these Terms of Admittance. No other person shall have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of these Terms of Admittance. Failure or delay by you or UEL to exercise any right or remedy provided under this contract shall not constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor shall it prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. No single or partial exercise of such right or remedy shall prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. These Terms of Admittance are governed by the law of England and Wales and you and UEL agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, doctorate degrees in educational psychology.

11 degrees at 11 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

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Related subjects:

  • Doctorate Educational Psychology
  • Doctorate Applied Psychology
  • Doctorate Behavioural Psychology
  • Doctorate Child Psychology
  • Doctorate Clinical Psychology
  • Doctorate Cognitive Psychology
  • Doctorate Criminal Psychology
  • Doctorate Developmental Psychology
  • Doctorate Forensic Psychology
  • Doctorate General Psychology
  • Doctorate Human Sexuality
  • Doctorate Occupational Psychology
  • Doctorate Organisational Behaviour
  • Doctorate Organisational Psychology
  • Doctorate Psychological Counselling
  • Doctorate Psychology
  • Doctorate Psychology Specialisations
  • Doctorate Social Psychology
  • Doctorate Sports Psychology

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  • Course title (A-Z)
  • Course title (Z-A)
  • Price: high - low
  • Price: low - high

Psychology (Applied Educational Psychology Doctorate) DAppEdPsy

University of nottingham.

  • 3 years Full time degree: £11,195 per year (UK)
  • Professional Practice Skills in Educational Psychology 
  • Supporting Learning 1: Assessment and Intervention for Learning
  • Supporting Behaviour 1: Assessment and Intervention for Behaviour and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Needs
  • Psychology of Development in Context
  • View all modules

Applied Educational Psychology Doctor of (DAppEdPsy)

Newcastle university.

  • 36 months Full time degree
  • Professional Practice A (30 Credits)
  • Learning and Social Environment (30 Credits)
  • Inclusion and Diversity (30 Credits)
  • Frameworks for Practice (30 Credits)
  • Professional Practice B (30 Credits)

DEdPsy Educational Psychology

University of strathclyde.

  • 24 months Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)

Professional Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology DEdPsy

Ucl (university college london).

  • 3 years Full time degree: £17,795 per year (UK)
  • Applying Psychology: Creative Assessment, Interventions and Solutions in Practice Year 1 (Academic)- Core
  • Research Methods, Design and Application 1- Core
  • The Profession of Educational Psychology in Context- Core
  • Applying Psychology: Creative Assessment, Interventions and Solutions in Practice Year 1 (Professional)- Core

Doctorate in Educational Psychology - (DEdPsych)

University of southampton.

  • 3 years Full time degree
  • PSYC6070 Learning and Development (20 Credits) - Core
  • RESM6011 Applied Research Methods (ARM): Correlational Methods- Core
  • PSYC8042 Small Scale Research Projects (SSR) (35 Credits) - Core
  • RESM6010 Applied Research Methods (ARM): Statistical Analysis of Comparisons & Group Differences- Core
  • PSYC6131 Consultation, Assessment and Intervention 1 (20 Credits) - Core

PhD in Psychology in Education

University of york.

  • 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,806 per year (UK)
  • 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,403 per year (UK)
  • 3 years Full time degree: £4,806 per year (UK)
  • 6 years Part time degree: £2,403 per year (UK)

Doctorate in Educational Psychology

Cardiff university, educational psychology dedpsy, university of bristol.

  • Local Authority and School Systems (20 Credits) - Core
  • Psychological Dimensions of Interpersonal Communication (20 Credits) - Core
  • Research Methods 1 (20 Credits) - Core
  • Children in Families and Communities (20 Credits) - Core
  • Understanding and Challenging Social Barriers (20 Credits) - Core

Educational and Child Psychology DEdChPsy

University of sheffield.

  • Training and Development
  • Psychological Intervention and Evaluation
  • Transferable Skills
  • Service Delivery and Organisational Change
  • Promoting Development and Education

Professional Doctorate in Child, community and educational psychology (M4)

Tavistock & portman nhs foundation trust and tavistock consulting.

  • Professional in context
  • Psychological frameworks
  • Assessment and intervention/child development (CHAI)

Educational Psychology (Professional Doctorate) DEdPsy

University of dundee.

  • 48 months Online degree: £4,825 per year (UK)
  • 48 months Part time degree: £4,825 per year (UK)
  • Applied Research Methods as Strategic Tools (30 Credits) - Core
  • Leadership in Professional Practice (30 Credits) - Core
  • Professional Identities in a Changing World (30 Credits) - Core
  • Thesis (300 Credits) - Core
  • Research Methodologies for Interdisciplinarity (30 Credits) - Core

About Doctorate Degrees in Educational Psychology

Educational psychology is a specialised field within psychology that applies psychological principles to understand and enhance the educational process. You’ll learn to optimise learning environmen ts, conduct assessments and support of students with diverse needs, collaborate with educators and parents and contribute to the development of effective educational policymaking. You’ll explore topics such as advanced psychological theories, research methodologies, child development and socio-emotional factors affecting academic performance.

In addition to a master’s degree in a relevant field, a strong academic record is needed, as well as a research proposal aligned with the goals of educational psychology. There are currently 11 UK institutions which offer a doctorate degree in educational psychology, and courses are approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

What to expect

Studying a doctorate in educational psychology is a challenging and rewarding academic journey, where the purpose of your work is to understand and improve the learning of others. It’s a subject whose work you can immediately apply to your own educational journey; you’ll gain skills in assessment, intervention, and consultation, preparing you for a range of roles such as school psychologists, consultants and researchers.

The first year of your course will be largely university-based; in your second and third years, you’ll be working three to four days a week with a local educational service or an approved psychology organisation. There is also a final research project and dissertation. If you choose to study part-time, then you can expect to be conducting clinical work alongside your doctoral studies.

Once graduated, you can apply to become a chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) Division of Educational and Child Psychology and continue your professional practise.

Course type:

  • Distance learning Doctorate
  • Full time Doctorate
  • Online Doctorate
  • Part time Doctorate

Qualification:

Related subjects:.

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