Studying
"Psychology is a science that aims to understand the mind, brain and behaviour of human and non-human animals. It is an inherently fascinating subject: the brain, that greyish blob inside your head, is the most complex thing in the known universe, capable of amazing feats of intelligence and creativity.
Psychologists are also increasingly valued in the modern world, with growing recognition of the importance of mental health in our daily lives. In the Department of Psychology at Exeter we offer BSc, MSci and MSc degrees accredited by the British Psychological Society, as well as specialised MSc degrees in Animal Behaviour, Clinical Psychology, Psychological Research Methods and Social & Organisational Psychology and a broad range of clinical training programmes.
These degrees will equip you with the scientific skills to be a 21st-century psychologist, working responsibly to achieve a positive impact in society. We are a welcoming and thriving community of psychologists, recognised for the quality of our education and research and for our initiatives to promote equality, diversity and inclusion, so that everyone is supported in their studies. Whatever your interests in the subject, we encourage you to join us!"
Read more from Dr Tim Fawcett and Dr Hazel Mycroft
Dr Tim Fawcett and Dr Hazel Mycroft
Co-Directors of Education
Undergraduate
Our high quality and inclusive undergraduate programmes, led by internationally-recognised academics within a research-rich environment are some of the reasons why we are in the top 100 Psychology departments in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023). Our teaching is inspired and informed by our internationally-rated research and our programmes are accredited by the British Psychological Society.
We thrive on bringing out the very best in you, and recognise your degree is about more than just the time you spend with us, but also shaping you for your future career success. You will not only learn directly from world-leading academics in the classroom, but also conduct research projects or secure internships in our state-of-the-art laboratories alongside foremost experts in their field.
Our undergraduate courses
Find out more about our undergraduate courses
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Postgraduate Taught
Psychology at the University of Exeter has over 170 academic staff and over 100 postgraduate students. Our staff are recognised internationally for their academic excellence, high-quality research and applied output. Enhancing their teaching through their active research enabling their expertise to feed directly into our research-led programmes.
We place a strong emphasis on your personal and professional development, as well as academic performance, and are committed to providing a friendly and stimulating intellectual environment. We also provide postgraduate training and continuing professional development (CPD) courses for Clinical Psychology professionals on the same site as our PhDs and Masters degrees.
Our postgraduate taught courses
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Postgraduate Research
Our MPhil/PhD students are actively involved in work at the cutting edge of research activities within Psychology at the University of Exeter. Ranked in the top 100 in the world for Psychology (QS World University Rankings 2023) and 11th in the UK for internationally excellent research in Psychology (REF 2021), Psychology offers an ideal environment in which to undertake an MPhil/PhD.
Our research focuses on understanding: brain and behaviour change across the lifespan; social determinants of health and well-being; treatment innovation in mental health and addiction. Our research students will not only be supported by the Doctoral College which offers institution-wide support, training, and administration for all of our postgraduate and early career researchers, they will also be supported by our academics who are recognised internationally for their academic excellence, high quality research and applied output.
We place a strong emphasis on your personal and professional development, as well as academic performance, and are committed to providing a friendly and stimulating intellectual environment. We also provide postgraduate training and continuing professional development (CPD) courses for Clinical Psychology professionals on the same site as our PhDs and Masters degrees. Acceptance of an application for the MPhil/PhD programme is contingent on the availability of appropriate supervision. Hence potential applicants MUST contact one or more potential supervisors prior to applying, and develop preliminary ideas on an agreed research topic with them.
Our postgraduate research degrees
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Clinical Training
Clinical Education Development and Research (CEDAR)
CEDAR is an Applied Psychological Practice Centre of Excellence. We are one of the UK's largest providers of training in evidence-based psychological practice and therapies, working in the NHS and private practice.
Visit the CEDAR website to find out more
Professional Doctorates in Clinical Psychology
Our Professional Doctorate programmes are different from conventional PhDs, which essentially offer training in academic research skills. Our programmes all include taught academic and clinical research modules as well as applied psychological practice (DClinPsy and DPPClinPrac) and leadership (DClinPsy and DClinRes). All programmes include a major research project dissertation.
Students on these programmes are typically experienced clinical practitioners in Psychology (DClinPsy), Psychotherapy (DClinPrac and DClinPrac(Res)) or Allied Health Professionals (DClinRes) who want to enhance their theoretical knowledge, clinical skills and research experience.
Current students
Detailed information for current students can be found on the Current students webpages. Module descriptors and programme specifications can be found on the Study Information webpages.
Handbooks
- Undergraduate Handbook
- Postgraduate Taught Handbook (non-clinical taught programmes)]
- Doctorate in Clinical Practice Handbook
Quick links
Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)
We are committed to enabling all students to communicate their views and to receiving suggestions to influence changes to our policies and procedures.
Psychology has an undergraduate and postgraduate Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC), which gives you the opportunity to voice your opinions about studying with us and to comment on a wide range of issues and possible developments.
How does the SSLC work?
The SSLC is presided over by a Subject Officer (a student elected by the Students’ Guild) and composed of elected student representatives from each year and programme and appropriate staff representatives. Training for Subject Officers is provided by either the Students’ Guild or FXU depending on whether you are based in Cornwall or Exeter. A standard agenda is provided by the Taught Faculty, and minute-taking is provided by the discipline Administrator.
The Director of Education and course directors for the department meet with Subject Chairs on a regular basis.
How do I become a representative?
If you are interested in becoming a representative for the UG SSLC please sign up to volunteer through the Students' Guild website.
How do I contact the SSLC?
For more information on academic representation and to contact your SSLC rep, visit the Students' Guild website.
