Psychiatry PhD, MScR

Level: Postgraduate research

Subject: Medicine

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Part-time
  • MScR | 2 years | Start date: multiple dates
  • PhD | 6 years | Start date: multiple dates
Full-time
  • MScR | 1 year | Start date: multiple dates
  • PhD | 3 years | Start date: multiple dates

Key facts

Programme website
PhD by Distance

Not available

School location

Edinburgh BioQuarter

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About the degree programme

The Division of Psychiatry is internationally recognised for its research and teaching.

We focus on the mechanisms underlying the development of major psychiatric disorders, including:

  • autism and learning difficulties
  • bipolar disorder
  • depression and mood disorders
  • dementia
  • schizophrenia
  • cognition and behaviour

Research expertise

We have a particular expertise in longitudinal, clinical and biological studies of clinical and population-based cohort studies of people with or at high risk of mental disorders. The studies we have recruited or have worked on include:

  • Edinburgh High Risk Studies of young people at high genetic cognitive risk for schizophrenia
  • bipolar disorder and other related conditions
  • Generation Scotland - a family and population-based study of 24,000 individuals recruited from the general population of Scotland
  • UK Biobank - a UK- and population-based study of more than half a million people from across England, Wales and Scotland

In psychiatric genetics, we take part in international genome-wide association studies of psychiatric disorders - including the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) and ENIGMA that seeks to identify the genetic causes of psychiatric disorders.

Our work then uses the findings in order to identify the environmental risk factors and neurobiological mechanisms of mental disorders, using genetic factors as causal anchors.

Research methods

Our work relies on a number of genomic technologies, including:

  • genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
  • DNA sequencing
  • DNA methylation and expression analysis
  • proteomics
  • structural and functional neuroimaging

In collaboration with others, we also work on stem-cell, cultured tissue (including organoids) and in vivo models of psychiatric disorders and we are also involved in a number of clinical trials of novel interventions.

Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences

The Division of Psychiatry is a part of the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (CCBS) in the Edinburgh Medical School. CCBS integrates laboratory and clinical research to study the causes, consequences and treatment of major brain disorders.

Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences

Study options

The MScR and PhD programmes are on-campus and 100% research-based.

You can choose to study the PhD full-time (3 years) or part-time (6 years). The PhD programme has an additional year at the end to allow you to complete the writing-up and submission of your thesis.

You can choose to study the MScR full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years).

My research project has taught me such a huge and diverse set of skills, I feel I will be able to rely on what I’ve learned during my PhD no matter where my career takes me, whether it is in academia or not.

Bérengère Digard PhD Psychiatry, graduated 2020

How to apply

To apply for a PhD or MScR with CCBS you need to:

  1. identify a primary supervisor
  2. identify a research project

Applying for a CCBS research degree

You must not apply before identifying a primary supervisor and a research project.

If you apply without completing these required first steps, CCBS will not be able to accept your application.

Further information on making a research degree application can be found on the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine's website:

How to apply for a research degree

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
There is no EUCLID data available for this programme.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

Applications can be accepted throughout the year as there are no programme-wide deadlines. However, individual funded projects can each have an application deadline, which will be stated on the project advertisement.

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: 

and, if applicable:

  • your research topic
  • details of any published work

You will also need to provide some or all of the following supporting information and documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You must submit two referees' contact details or two references with your application.

Interview

You will be formally interviewed, either in-person or online.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

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 money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Funded studentships

A funded PhD or MScR project studentship will generally provide:

  • a stipend, to cover modest living costs
  • tuition fees
  • additional funds for research consumables
  • travel funds

The amounts provided do vary depending on the project and its funding source, so please check the provision carefully.

Other sources of funding

If you wish to do an MScR or a PhD project that is not already funded, it is your responsibility, in conjunction with your supervisor, to secure sufficient funds.

There are many funding opportunities available, however securing a scholarship can take some time.  We recommend that you make funding applications well in advance of your intended start date.

Your supervisor is likely to be the best initial source of information about funding opportunities for your particular project.

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
Full-time

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 need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

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
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • 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 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The 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 Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All 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 countries

We 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-MESC

How old your degree can be

If 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

Our research community

You will join a diverse community of researchers and clinicians. PhD/MScR meetings and the annual Centre Away Days provide valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Programme structure

The MScR and PhD programmes are on-campus and 100% research-based. There are no compulsory taught components, however you can enrol on relevant courses after discussion with your supervisor.

For the PhD, there are formal assessment points at Week 10 and annually, together with regular meetings with the supervision team.

The standard 3-year (full-time) or 6-year (part-time) PhD programmes have an additional one year added to them to allow you to complete the writing-up and submission of your thesis.

Support

As a postgraduate research student, you will be mentored and supported by at least two supervisors and receive long-term guidance from your Thesis Committee. 

The Thesis Committee comprises your supervision team and at least two independent members (a Chair and a minimum of one External Expert).

There are many opportunities for you to attend seminars and take courses in a wide variety of transferable or specific research skills. This includes opportunities to become involved in science communication and public engagement.

Facilities

Many of our researchers are NHS consultant psychiatrists. With these direct clinical links we offer direct routes to well-characterised cohorts of patients.

We have expertise in a wide variety of techniques to study biological aspects of psychiatric disorders including:

  • neuroimaging
  • epidemiology
  • clinical research and trials
  • laboratory research

Our collaborating laboratories are fully equipped for molecular biology, protein biochemistry and cell biology research, including large-scale studies, for example molecular analyses of multiprotein complexes at the synapse.

CCBS researchers use patient-derived (induced pluripotent) and human embryonic stem cells to model disease processes using:

  • confocal microscopy
  • electrophysiology
  • Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)
  • biochemistry.

Edinburgh Imaging

The Division of Psychiatry is part of Edinburgh Imaging, which provides state-of-the-art imaging for preclinical and clinical studies, including:

  • 1.5T research MR scanner
  • 3T MR scanner
  • PET MRI, PET-CT
  • 7T animal MR
  • image analysis suites including fMRI compatible EEG

 Edinburgh Imaging

Philanthropic hubs

Through our philanthropic hubs, we link with academics in different disciplines across the University and beyond, as well as with patients, families, charities and supporters. For more information, visit the hub websites:

Career opportunities

An MScR in Psychiatry provides a solid foundation for PhD entry or it can be a standalone degree.

A PhD in Psychiatry provides an excellent springboard for a career in academic or clinical research into all aspects of the brain.

Most of our graduates progress to postdoctoral positions in top academic labs in Scotland, other regions of the UK and worldwide. Many of our graduates also go on to complete clinical academic training.

Graduates who do not wish to pursue an academic career have found employment in other sectors, for example in:

  • industry
  • managerial roles at universities
  • science communication and public engagement
  • charities

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 strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

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 programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If 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.

Societies

Sport 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

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 adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Postgraduate Administrator

Contact us

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