MPhil/PhD Psychological and Behavioural Science

Here at LSE, we conduct psychological and behavioural science research on pressing social issues related to organisations, developing countries and public policy. As a research student, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute original research to the field of psychological and behavioural science. Our wide-ranging research strengths encompass social psychology, health and communities, organisational psychology, evolutionary psychology, communication, and behavioural science.

Students participate in fieldwork in many settings, including experimental laboratories and organisations both in and outside the UK. You’ll be encouraged to present your research at LSE, national and international conferences and publish your findings in international journals.

Part-time research, teaching and editorial roles are often available, giving you valuable experience and publication opportunities.

Find out more about our PhD programme and read our student profiles in our department's website

Training courses

Students are asked to complete 10 hours of research training each year. Courses are agreed with supervisors depending on a student's needs. Taught classes can be accessed within the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science as well as in departments across LSE, including Methodology.  Methodology courses available include Qualitative Research Methods, Survey Methodology, Applied Regression Analysis and Multivariate Analysis and Measurement. Training courses are offered through our PhD academy and with affiliate institutions. Access is subject to agreement with the relevant course convenors (eg according to space considerations).

Transferable skills course

In addition, students take the following transferable skills course - a weekly seminar including plenary and specialist sessions in the Autumn Term, Winter Term and Spring Term.

The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science is a growing community of researchers, academics and students who explore the human mind and behaviour in a societal context.

From our early beginnings as a group of researchers studying psychology and society 50 years ago, the department is now home to an interdisciplinary faculty team conducting wide-ranging research.

Today, our research spans:

• social psychology
• behavioural economics
• political psychology
• organisational culture
• consumer behaviour
• public engagement
• community development
• global health, happiness and well-being
• planetary health.

Our research is connected with what is happening in the world today. The outputs impact policy, business and society at large. This focus on real-world issues sets our department, and LSE, apart from other institutions and our students inform and inspire the direction of our work.

We offer various taught programmes and research opportunities, ranging from our BSc in Psychological and Behavioural Science to doctoral training – all with an emphasis on practical, policy-related issues.

By maintaining this focus on real-world issues and societal impact, our department leads the way with innovative research in the field, the lab and everywhere in between.

So, whether you want to study, research or teach, you’ll find a supportive and inspirational community where you can contribute to global debates and change.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of our staff at LSE. For this reason, we recommend that you take a look at our staff research interests and contact potential supervisors before applying.before applying.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your form, such as your:

• academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications)
• statement of academic purpose
• references
• CV
• outline research proposal
• sample of written work.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Please note that LSE allows part-time PhD study only under limited circumstances. If you wish to study part-time, you should mention this (and the reasons for it) in your statement of academic purpose, and discuss it at interview if you're shortlisted.

The application deadline for this programme is 25 April 2025.

However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline.

See the fees and funding section below for more details.

The fee is likely to rise over the full duration of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with fee levels recommended by the Research Councils.

Learn more about fee status classification.

The fee is likely to rise over the full duration of the programme in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, four per cent each year).

Learn more about fee status classification.

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.