Postgraduate research

Division of Psychiatry MPhil/PhD

We offer a broad range of possible PhD supervisors to help you gain the skills you will need for a career in mental health research - from bench and biology to neuroscience, psychology and applied clinical research. 

The UCL Division of Psychiatry PhD program is designed to extend over three years full-time or five years part-time. Our students come from a range of academic backgrounds including nursing, medicine, psychology and social sciences.

How to apply

1. Initial Preparation

• Identify a Supervisor: Review the list of potential supervisors and their research interests on the Division’s website.
• Develop a Research Idea: Prepare a brief outline of your proposed research project.
• Expression of Interest: Submit an informal expression of interest form, including your CV and research idea, to initiate discussions with a potential supervisor.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and an Expression of Interest form should be submitted at least four months prior to any deadline for funding or (if you have funding) four months before your preferred start date.

2. Discussion and Refinement

• Supervisor Contact: Engage in discussions with your chosen supervisor to refine your project idea and assess fit.
• Graduate Tutor Consultation: You may also be advised to speak with the Graduate Tutor to ensure alignment with the programme’s goals.

3. Formal Application

• Online Application: Submit your application via UCL’s online portal.
• Required Documents:
  • Academic transcripts
  • Two academic references
  • Personal statement (please read the general guidance on writing your personal statement)
  • Research proposal (typically 1,000–1,500 words)
  • Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)

4. Entry Requirements

• A Master’s degree or a UK upper second-class Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent).
• Relevant academic or professional background in a related field (e.g., psychology, medicine, social sciences).

5. Application Timeline

• Rolling Admissions: Applications are accepted throughout the year.
• Start Dates: October, February, or May.

PhD Structure

All PhD students at UCL are initially registered as MPhil students, and must go through the process of an upgrade to PhD status.

For full-time research students, this happens between 9 and 18 months, and for part-time students, this is between 15 and 30 months after starting. This involves submitting an upgrade report, presenting your work and future plans to the department and taking part in an upgrade viva.

Supervision

All research students must have:

• A Principal Supervisor, whose area of expertise is closely aligned with the student’s chosen research topic and who is responsible for directing their research training.
• A Subsidiary Supervisor, who is there to help assess progress, provide continuity of supervision and additional expertise.
• At least two additional supervisors with relevant academic experience. Only one of the three non-primary supervisors can be from the same team as the Primary Supervisor. These members may be UCL staff or external to UCL, but at least one of your subsidiary or additional supervisors should be a member of UCL academic staff.
• Your Principal and Subsidiary supervisors will discuss the composition of your thesis committee when you start and this will be approved by one of the Graduate Tutors.

Supervisors do not necessarily need to come from the same division and can even be drawn from different institutions.

Supporting your studies

Funding

We have over 70 PhD students in the division. Some are self-funded (often combined with part-time work in the Division), while others have been awarded funding to cover fees and a stipend for living costs. 

Key funding sources include:

• Soc-B Centre for Doctoral Training in Biosocial Research
• UCL-Birkbeck MRC DTP
• ESRC, MRC and UBEL DTP (for UK/EU applicants only)
• Charitable funders: Wellcome Trust, NIHR, Cancer Research UK
• International students can apply for British Council, Commonwealth, and WHO scholarships.

Early application is essential—some deadlines are up to a year in advance. 

For more fees and funding details: UCL MPhil/PhD Prospectus and FindaPhD.com

Training & Development

PhD students benefit from a supportive and engaging environment, including:

• Social activities: Termly socials, writing retreats, and online co-working sessions.
• Community events: Monthly coffee mornings and seasonal gatherings.
• EDI involvement: Opportunities to join working groups on gender, ethnicity, LGBTQ+, and disability equity.
• Research seminars: Covering neuroscience, epidemiology, qualitative methods, Open Science, and Co-production.

Personal & Professional Development

• Access to UCL’s Doctoral Skills Development Programme, offering workshops on emotional resilience, mindfulness, and supervisory relationships.
• One-to-one support and problem-solving sessions available.

Doctoral School Induction

• Mandatory Term 1 training introduces UCL’s skills development policy and the national Researcher Development Framework.

Support and wellbeing

UCL offers a wide range of support services for student wellbeing:

• 24/7 Student Support Line: Free, confidential help available anytime.
• Student Support & Wellbeing: Expert advisers offering drop-ins, one-to-one meetings, and guidance on extenuating circumstances. You can call 0207 679 0100 or email student.wellbeing@ucl.ac.uk
• Counselling Services: Free short-term therapy, CBT, and psychiatric support.
• Financial Advice: Confidential help with funding and money management.
• Quiet Room: Available in the Division for prayer, breastfeeding, or quiet reflection.

More info on other support and assistance at UCL: UCL Student Support and Wellbeing