MPhil/PhD Psychology Research in London United Kingdom | King's College London

The Psychology Department stands out for its wide-ranging expertise and diverse research portfolio, unmatched by any other department at IoPPN. We collaborate across all IoPPN departments and with numerous others throughout King's College London. Established in 1950, the Department of Psychology has maintained an esteemed tradition of research, education, and clinical work, maintaining strong partnerships with NHS collaborators including the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and King’s College London NHS Foundation Trust. This distinctive integration of research and clinical frameworks enables the department to execute its academic vision effectively, ensuring that teaching and research address current clinical needs while clinical practice benefits from cutting-edge research insights. Our research covers an extensive spectrum of mental health issues, from anxiety and trauma to psychosis, depression, childhood disorders, and neurodegeneration. In physical health, we explore the intersection between mental and physical well-being, investigating symptom mechanisms, adaptation strategies, and behavioral interventions for chronic conditions. Our work employs diverse methodologies, experimental approaches, and analytical techniques, with notable leadership in Digital Therapeutics and LGBTQ studies. Since launching our Psychology BSc in 2017, we've expanded our research scope by welcoming cognitive and social psychologists whose work complements our existing focus on translational and applied research. The department comprises around 40 academic staff (including 16 clinical or health psychologists) and approximately 170 total members, operating across two IoPPN locations: Denmark Hill and Guy’s Campus (home to Health Psychology and BSc programs). Our 70 PhD students are evenly distributed between these sites. Recent departmental publications, many featuring PhD student contributions, are available here. Prospective research students will be assigned Primary and Secondary supervisors in their chosen field, with some receiving additional guidance from a third supervisor. They engage in regular progress discussions with supervisors and collaborate with other faculty members, while also participating in departmental seminars and IoPPN events. New students undergo a comprehensive induction and receive workspace and computer access at their supervisor’s site, alongside standard library and computing facilities. Training opportunities—through departmental, IoPPN, or KCL Centre for Doctoral Studies programs—cover both transferable skills and thesis-specific academic areas. Students receive guidance to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals.