PROGRAMME AIMS:
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) trains you as a researcher and allows you to develop advanced techniques and in-depth knowledge in a specialist area. You will develop an all-round knowledge of your discipline, and a broad range of transferable skills.
You will carry out independent research, resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area. You will work under the guidance of your supervisors. To be awarded a PhD you will submit a thesis and successfully defend this thesis in an oral examination (assessed according to the University's regulations).
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE:
The prescribed period of study for a full-time PhD study is 36 months, and the PhD thesis is expected to be submitted towards the end of the third year. While the University does allow a further twelve months for thesis completion, students are recommended to do it within three years. Progress is assessed by annual reviews, and continuing the program requires passing each annual review. A psychology PhD thesis is a coherent body of empirical work, containing the equivalent of at least three research articles alongside introductory and concluding paragraphs. The work is expected to be at the level of international peer-reviewed journal articles. For a high-quality thesis and timely completion, it is important to map out planned work early and in as much detail as possible, while allowing for necessary changes throughout the studies.
Below are listed actions expected at each year and further suggestions that most students may find useful.
YEAR 1:
- Attend the induction for PhD students at the start of the academic year.
- Submit a monthly activity report to the PG office summarising their PhD related activities each month.
- Participate in departmental professional development seminars.
- Work with supervisors to develop and update a detailed plan with specific research projects to be included in the thesis, and specific tasks and timelines needed to complete them. These tasks can vary from project to project, but often include: becoming an expert in thesis-relevant literature; drafting study introductions and pre-registrations; designing and carrying out experiments, surveys and/or interviews; analyzing data and presenting results; and writing and submitting work to academic outlets, among other activities. The plan must be realistic, addressing any ethical concerns and other risks and ensuring access to the required participants and equipment. The plan should be described in the self-assessment annual review form.
- Start carrying out the plan.
- Complete the annual review, which involves completing self-assessment forms (typically in the spring) and organizing a meeting (typically in the summer) with supervisors and an external staff member to discuss the form and feedback on it provided by a staff panel in the interim period. Supporting documents such as an updated research plan may be requested at the review meeting.
ENCOURAGED ACTIVITIES:
- At least once each year, students are strongly encouraged to lead a discussion or present their plans or in-progress/completed work in their research area seminar series or journal club.
-- This is an opportunity to receive feedback on plans and work, and practice presentation skills.
- Aim to publish research projects in academic outlets.
-- This can strengthen the work's impact and improve competitiveness in the job market.
-- The publishing process may take time, from submission to acceptance. To make submitted work publicly available, it can be submitted as pre-prints (e.g., in PsyArxiv).
- Maintain and update an outline of chapters, potentially publishable research articles and possible additional and/or back-up studies.
-- This can help to ensure that there is enough material for a complete PhD thesis and that the work is submitted for publication.
-- Back-up studies may be needed if some of the initially planned work cannot be completed.
- Attend seminars, workshops and other relevant events in the department and School.
-- These can help build social connections and widen knowledge.
-- The three-minute thesis competition can help to disseminate work and practice presentation skills.
- Apply for teaching opportunities within the School.
-- This can improve and widen knowledge and skills, provide additional income, and strengthen the CV.
- Participate/present work at relevant academic conferences or workshops.
-- This can widen knowledge and academic network and provide opportunities for feedback.
- Learn about other training courses, placements and/or career advice.
-- Potentially useful courses are provided by Institute of Academic Development (IAD), the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSSS), and others within and outside the university.
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