Michelle Pyer
Associate Professor in Child & Family Wellbeing
level:PG;top_up:false;international:true;foundation:false;clearing:false;full_time:true;part_time:true;start_month:October, March;location:Waterside
Psychological and Sociological studies MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published works
Key Facts
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Duration
MPhil:
Full time 12 months - 3 years
Part time 30 months - 5 years
PhD:
Full time 2 years - 4 years
Part time 3 years - 6 years
PhD by Published Works:
1 - 2 years -
Level
PostgraduatePG PhD
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See Fees and Funding
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See Fees and Funding
Updated 10/12/2025
Updated 10/12/2025
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Overview
All of the Academic Divisions in the Faculty of Health, Education and Society invite Research applications from graduates in Sociology, Psychology, or similar disciplines. This MPhil/ PhD / PhD by Published Works programme offers an excellent route to expand your knowledge and research skills.
Undertaking a Research degree is an exciting opportunity but can also be quite daunting as there are lots of stages to think about including application, arrival, admission, expectations, and progression to name but a few. At the University of Northampton, we believe it is important that, although our research students are working on individual projects, they are not working in isolation. We offer a range of opportunities for training and developing skills.
You will be supported by a team of supervisors and ongoing peer support. Successful defence of the final thesis will provide you with the highest level of degree that any UK university can award; a PhD qualification is respected around the world and can offer an excellent opportunity for career progression in a range of fields.
Application deadlines: October intake is 1 August and March intake is 11 December
Highlights
- Our research students work on individual projects.
- Research degree candidates engage in original research, conducting studies that contribute to knowledge.
- Students have the freedom to explore their research questions, design methodologies, collect and analyse data, and draw meaningful conclusions. This hands-on research experience is a hallmark of a Ph.D. program.
- Research degree programs foster intellectual stimulation through engaging fieldwork, seminars, and discussions with faculty and peers. Students are exposed to a diverse range of theories, research methods, and empirical studies, challenging their thinking and broadening their perspectives.
Entry Requirements
You’re normally expected to have a first or upper second-class honours degree or Masters Degree from a UK university or international equivalent.
Your qualification should be in a subject area relevant to your chosen area of research. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Individual consideration will be given to students with lower-level degrees or qualifications in a different subject area, but relevant experience is required.
As part of the selection process, all qualified candidates will be expected to attend an interview.
All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:
- successful interview outcome.
- availability of suitable Research Supervision Support.
If you are applying for Research study, you will need to write a research proposal. Find out how to write a research proposal.
More detailed information about the research degrees is available on our Graduate school page.
If you’d like to join us as a research student, then please review the webpages below:
- browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.
- Find out how to apply for a MPhil/ PhD/ PhD by Published Works at the University of Northampton.
- IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component including writing. We will also consider equivalent English language qualifications.
We are unable to consider applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components from a test taken within the last two years
What You'll Learn
In this subject area, we particularly welcome applicants who wish to focus their research on the following:
- Exceptional experience and consciousness studies
- Identity and communities in a diverse society (social psychology and sociology)
- Health Education and behavioural change
Research degrees allow you to specialise while also improving your technical abilities. They allow you to specialise in a specific area of interest within your subject, allowing for in-depth investigation and comprehension. Candidates for a research degree perform original research, undertaking investigations that add to our current knowledge. You will get general, discipline-based, and project-specific training while creating and establishing research projects, allowing you to conduct your research work successfully and autonomously. We will help you network with respected academics, researchers, and professionals in your sector. Conferences, seminars, and workshops provide opportunities to meet like-minded people, possible collaborators, and future mentors.
All students are supported by a supervisory staff chosen for their competence and experience. Wherever feasible, your team will be involved in your growth from recruitment through graduation, providing you with stability and consistency as your study progresses. Our Waterside campus provides postgraduate research hot-desking office space for you to utilise while on campus, as well as a substantial library resources.
What is the difference between a full PhD and a PhD by Published works?
A PhD involves conducting original research and writing a thesis, while a PhD by Published Works is awarded based on a collection of previously published papers demonstrating significant contributions to the field. Additional information about choosing your type of research degree can be found on our How to apply for Research degree study page.
Fees and Funding
2025/26 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees
- UK – Full Time: £5,700
- UK – Part Time: £2,845
- International – Full Time: £16,350
- International – Part Time: £7,640
Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works
Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.
- UK – Part Time: £3,600
- International – Part Time: £7,840
Please visit the funding page for more details on how to fund your study.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees
- UK – Full Time: £5,500
- UK – Part Time: £2,775
- International – Full Time: £15,950
- International – Part Time: £7,450
Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works.
Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.
- UK – Part Time: £3,500
- International – Part Time: £7,650
Staff
