Clinical Psychology PhD Level: Postgraduate research Subject: Clinical Psychology Year of entry: 2027 Study options Part-time PhD | 6 years | Start date: multiple dates Full-time PhD | 3 years | Start date: multiple dates Key facts School School of Health in Social Science College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences PhD by Distance Available School location Central Area Apply now 17 to 19 November 2026: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Browse sessions and register Overview About the degree programme The PhD Clinical Psychology programme is a research-training degree that provides the opportunity to do a substantial piece of independent research in an area linked to clinical and health psychology and to develop excellent research skills in the process.The PhD programme offers the possibility to work with and be supervised by a range of clinical academics across many areas of applied psychology, who have international reputations and outstanding publications in their areas of expertise.Our programme offers the opportunity to gain an advanced understanding of a range of research designs, approaches to data collection and data analysis within qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies in the context of clinical and health psychology. This programme will enable you to develop your understanding of debates about research, evidence, and practice in relation to clinical psychology and related disciplines.Alongside optional taught courses, the PhD programme allows you to conduct an independent research project that makes a significant contribution to your chosen field of study and to further develop your research skills. Over the course of your studies, you will gain extensive experience in designing and conducting research and writing up and critically reflecting on your work and that of others in the field.The expertise of our academics in Clinical and Health Psychology cover the whole of the lifespan, focusing on childhood to adult and older adult mental health and emotional wellbeing as well as the psychological impact of chronic physical ill health. Our research has an applied focus whereby we are active in knowledge exchange and we conduct research that makes a real-world impact. Our research involves national and international collaborations, with many projects involving charities, third-sectors, NHS partnerships, and industry. Many staff and students also participate in public engagement activities such as interviews with the media, appearing on national radio and TV, podcasts, or hosting science festivals.We provide expertise in a variety of research methods including qualitative and quantitative approaches.Find out more about our supervisors' specialties Study options This PhD programme is normally undertaken over either: 3 years full-time6 years part-timePhD study involves substantial independent research supported by at least two academic supervisors.If you are unsure about committing to this kind of study, you might prefer to consider completing the MSc by Research in Clinical Psychology first.MScR Clinical PsychologyHowever, an MScR degree is not a prerequisite for PhD study.If you have previous research experience or a high degree of motivation, you may wish to proceed direct to this PhD programme pathway. PhD by DistanceThe PhD by Distance is available to suitably qualified applicants in the same areas as our on-campus programmes: Clinical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Health in Social Science and Nursing Studies (see our website for further information).A PhD by Distance may be appropriate for a wide range of candidates who cannot commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh for the duration of their programme, to study either part-time (6 years) or full-time (3 years).It is recommended (but not a requirement) that students enrolled on the PhD by Distance programme will come to Edinburgh at least once per year of study in order to meet with supervisors. The visit could also be for the annual review process, or to attend research training courses. It is also recommended (but not a requirement) that PhD by Distance students return to Edinburgh for their oral examination.More information on our PhD by Distance options Applying How to apply Before you applyCheck that you meet the entry requirementsContact your potential supervisor(s)Discuss a draft version of your research proposal form with your proposed supervisor(s) and/or with the Programme DirectorApplication processTo apply for this programme you must submit the following:a completed research proposal form (Word)2 referencesan online application formAfter you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant. When to apply The School of Health in Social Science operates a gathered field approach to postgraduate research applications. This means that all complete applications which satisfy our minimum entry requirements will be held until the nearest deadline, at which point applications received will be considered on a competitive basis by our subject area specific academic review panels.The application deadlines and dates for decision are listed below. In order to ensure full consideration of your application we ask that you submit your complete application including all supporting documentation by these dates.If you are planning to apply for the University’s funding opportunities, you must apply before the first deadline in November.RoundApplication deadlinePlaces awarded19 November 2026mid-January219 April 2027mid-June Application fee There is no fee to apply to this programme. What you need to apply As part of your online application, you will need to provide:a personal statementrelevant knowledge/training skillsname of supervisorand, if applicable:your research topicdetails of any published workDocuments you will need to provideYou will need:copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksResearch proposal based on the criteria for the programme you are applying for. You must use the form template below for your proposal, otherwise it will not be considered.Research proposal form (Word document)Research proposal guidancetwo referencesevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishIf you are applying for the PhD by Distance you must also submit the PhD by Distance application formPhD by Distance application formReferencesYour references must be specific to your application, on headed paper, signed by the referee, and dated within the last 6 months. Your references can be uploaded directly by your referee, or you can upload it yourself.Guidance on uploading a reference to the Applicant HubIncomplete applicationsWe must receive all the information before the deadline for your application to be considered.If your online application is not ‘complete’ by the application deadline it will be rejected. If this happens, you can submit another application for a later application deadline. Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme - PhD Clinical Psychology (6 years) PhD Clinical Psychology by Distance (6 years) PhD Clinical Psychology (3 years) PhD Clinical Psychology by Distance (3 years) After you apply After you apply, we will evaluate your application. If we are able to progress your application beyond the online stage, you will be invited to participate in an interview with your prospective first supervisor. Funding, fees and costs Funding Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:borrowing moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study Featured fundingHealth and social sciences scholarships and funding Search for other funding opportunities You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.Postgraduate funding opportunities Tuition fees Tuition fees by award and duration Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year. Part-time PhD Clinical Psychology (6 years) tuition fees PhD Clinical Psychology by Distance (6 years) tuition fees Full-time PhD Clinical Psychology (3 years) tuition fees PhD Clinical Psychology by Distance (3 years) tuition fees Graduate discount If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.Find out how to receive your graduate discount Costs Accommodation and living costs You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.Living costs: estimates explained Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027. Qualifications A UK 2:1 honours degree and a UK masters degree, or their international equivalents, in a relevant subject area. We may also consider your application if you do not have a masters degree, but have other relevant research experience. International equivalent qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region - Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia Democratic Republic of Congo Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Finland France Gabon The Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guatemala Guinea Haiti Honduras Hong Kong-SAR China Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau-SAR China Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Mali Malta Mauritius Mexico Moldova Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands, The New Zealand Nicaragua Nigeria North Macedonia Norway Oman Pacific Islands Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Togo Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam West Indies and Caribbean Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe My country or region is not listed English language requirements You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:an English language test (restrictions apply)a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)certain professional qualifications English language tests we accept We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher: IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 5.0 with at least 4.5 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 7 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 8 with at least 7 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 145 in each component. How old your English language tests can be Tests no more than two years oldThe following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:IELTS AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Oxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality. Degrees taught and assessed in English We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.UKVI list of majority English speaking countriesWe also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).Approved universities in non-MESCHow old your degree can beIf you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.English language requirements Programme details Research profile Our PhD in Clinical Psychology offers the chance to work with, and be supervised by, a range of clinical academics across many areas of applied psychology.The University of Edinburgh is a world leader in research and innovation and an international centre of academic excellence. Our research involves national and international collaborations, with many projects involving NHS partnerships, charities, third-sector partners, and industry.Our research interests include:Clinical psychologyDevelopmental psychologyForensic psychologyHealth psychologyExperimental psychologyFind out more about our supervisors' specialties Our research community We have a vibrant research community made up of over 170 students from all over the world, across our four disciplines: Clinical psychologyCounselling studiesHealth in social scienceNursing studiesStudents on this programme will become part of an active and diverse research community in the School of Health in Social Science and will have access to the wide-range of learning environments and outstanding resources that the University has to offer.Our postgraduate researchers work in close proximity to each other, enabling them to pool their expertise and knowledge to tackle complex challenges and push the boundaries of discovery. You will be encouraged to engage with a wide range of seminars, talks, and events, and often have the opportunity to present your own research at national and international conferences.Current PhD student researchIn addition, we have appointed Postgraduate Research (PGR) Reps who facilitate training events, working breaks, writing retreats, as well as the annual School PGR conference. They also arrange a number of social activities throughout the year, so research students have an opportunity to socialise away from their studies. Online and hybrid events and social activities are also organised for online distance PhD students. Programme structure In the first year, students typically refine the focus of their research, conduct a literature review, gain ethical approval, and begin data collection and analysis for their first empirical project. Some PhD students also choose a number of optional taught postgraduate courses from within the School of Health in Social Science, or other Schools within the University, as appropriate to their research programme, and as agreed with their supervisor. Subsequent years of the PhD programme primarily focus on data collection, analysis, and write-up of a series of inter-linked studies that make a novel and significant contribution to their chosen area of study, with the final thesis being completed by the end of the third year. PhD students are strongly encouraged to publish their research throughout their PhD and are given wider opportunities to develop as a researcher and academic, such as through tutoring, attending a range of training workshops, and presenting at national and international conferences and events.ProgressionNormal progression for the PhD Clinical Psychology involves spending the first year preparing and getting started for the main research work:taking research training coursesreviewing literaturedeveloping your research proposalgaining ethical approvalcarrying out data collection and analysis for the first of a series of inter-linked studies Progression to year two of the programme is dependent on a satisfactory outcome from a review board. Typically, if taking the programme full time, the second year is spent doing the main body of the research, usually empirical data collection and analysis, and the third year is spent completing this work and writing the thesis.You will have the opportunity to attend other courses in Clinical and Health Psychology as well as a wide range of postgraduate seminar courses within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and related disciplines across the University. Find out the aims and structure for each year of study on this programme. Part-time PhD Clinical Psychology (6 years) (2026-2027) PhD Clinical Psychology by Distance (6 years) (2026-2027) Full-time PhD Clinical Psychology (3 years) (2026-2027) PhD Clinical Psychology by Distance (3 years) (2026-2027) We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative. Support You will be assigned at least two supervisors for your PhD and you will meet with your supervisors regularly.Workshops, seminars and courses in research methods are available to postgraduate students undertaking a higher degree by research.With close ties with other social science and humanities disciplines, and with colleagues in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, we offer PhD students excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary supervision and research project development.Along with your supervisors, the School Postgraduate Research team (including the PGR Director, Programme Directors and the administration team) will support you throughout your PhD journey. Facilities As a postgraduate student you will have access to a wide range of research resources and first-class facilities, including:our dedicated Postgraduate Research study space (located on central campus in the heart of Edinburgh)research labs (including access to behavioural observation suite, physical cognitive neural suite, and testing cubicles)research centresclinical facilities More about our facilities Careers Career opportunities The PhD Clinical Psychology programme is a research-training degree, and is designed to help you develop your skills for a successful future in research, as an academic or in a related profession.The programme is typically suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in academia or research. However, graduates from PhD programmes are also increasingly sought after in private, public and third sector organisations.The PhD Clinical Psychology is an academic/research-based qualification. The training for it does not entail clinical work, or training in therapeutic interventions and therefore does not entitle graduates to work as a psychologist in any clinical or applied capacity. Applicants interested in an applied career should consider the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. With the Careers Service, you can: access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Life at Edinburgh Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSport Clubs The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and active wellbeing facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include: a student counselling service a health centre (doctor's surgery) support if you're living in University accommodation dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries Contact our Postgraduate Research Admissions Administrator about your eligibility or how to apply. PGRAdmissions.Health@ed.ac.uk Phone:+44 (0)131 651 5144 Academic contact Dr Roxanne Hawkins Programme Director School of Health in Social Science College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences University of Edinburgh
