Research overview
Over the past two decades, psychology has become one of the most popular degree topics in the world. It is a fascinating subject that helps us to understand the ways in which our mind, brain, relationships and societies work. Here at UNM, we offer high-quality doctoral training to postgraduate students who wish to pursue an MPhil or PhD. As a research student, you will work with two members of our academic staff and become a member of one of our seven research groups. Due to the diverse nature of research within the school, there are many different possibilities for MPhil and PhD projects. Postgraduate training at The School of Psychology is designed to provide you with essential research skills and equip you with communication, information technology, personal development and employment-related skills. This training can be tailored to meet your individual needs.
Why choose this programme?
The School of Psychology is consistently ranked amongst the top schools in the United Kingdom and is among the leading centres for research and teaching in the world. At our Malaysia Campus, we have first class facilities and talented scholars working on cutting-edge research. We also enjoy connections with other leading universities across the world and undertake collaborative research with a range of partners both locally and internationally.
Course content
Due to the diverse nature of research within the school, there are many different possibilities for MPhil and PhD projects. Progression through both programmes involves satisfactory completion of annual research activity reports as well as some optional taught courses. This rigorous training is designed to provide you with necessary research skills and equip you with communication, information technology, personal development and employment-related skills. This training can be tailored to meet your individual needs. You will also be expected to attend the school’s research seminars.
Research spans nine themes :
- Active Vision
- Animal Behaviour
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
- Face and object processing
- Human-computer Interaction
- Language and development
- Memory
- Social psychology and affective science
- Vision and attention
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Entry requirements
PhD
A good master’s degree (usually merit or higher) in psychology and at least an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) (or international equivalent) in psychology or a related discipline. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.
Or
A first-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in psychology. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.
MRes and MPhil
An upper second-class honours degree (2:1) (or international equivalent), either in psychology or a related discipline. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.
Applicants must hold a degree from a recognised university. We welcome students from all academic backgrounds and consider a wide range of qualifications. For certain programmes, prior qualifications must be in related fields. As part of the admissions process, applicants may be invited to attend an interview if further evaluation is deemed necessary.
Eligibility can only be confirmed upon submission of a complete application
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic): |
6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element) |
TOEFL (iBT): |
90 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking) |
PTE (Academic): |
71 (with no less than 65 in each element) |
| MUET: | Band 4.5 |
- IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old.
- IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
- IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
- MUET results are valid for five years from the release date.
