PhD Postgraduate research in Psychology

Many of our research supervisors have internationally recognised expertise in a range of research methodologies and frequently work across subject areas so, for example, research supervision can take place around the intersections of Education and Health and Sport and Psychology. We support students with a vibrant seminar and workshop calendar of events and sits within a and broader university research community where a very wide range of activity and support takes place.

PhD studies are typically conducted by completing a research thesis full-time (usually in three years) or part-time (usually six years). PhDs are theoretical research projects seeking to advance knowledge or understanding of a subject to inform further research, education and policy. They can cover a wide range of subjects – learn more by watching our research videos.

Head of Doctoral Studies and Research Fellowship

Dr Hilary Paniagua worked previously as an advanced practitioner (ANP) in women’s health before she pursued a career in academia and ultimately became a researcher and author. Her career interest focuses on issues concerning the narrative understanding of general practice and how it happens. As the editor of The Journal of Health and Social Care and member of two nursing journal editorial boards she has written extensively on issues relating to advanced practice nursing, primary care, law and research. Her book Practice Made Perfect: Higher Aspirations for Practice Nurses, Quay Books, embraces challenges specific to UK advanced nursing practice in six brief chapters. Previous teaching experience includes leading on Masters ANP programmes in primary care, and being instrumental in setting up the first Physicians Assistant programme in Britain. Hilary is currently chair of the research ethics committee within the Faculty of Health in Wolverhampton University and she is chair of the Black Country NHS Research Ethics Committee. She received her doctorate in Swansea University in (2009).

Research interests

• Research in primary care
• Research in women’s health

PhD Supervisors

“My research interests focus on suicide, mental health, lifespan trauma, and their association with poor psychological outcomes. I am particularly interested in the mediating and moderating factors in these relationships, such as attachment, cognitive schemas, and cognitive biases. Additionally, I have a specific focus on male suicidality and the factors across the lifespan that influence the transition to suicidal behaviour. I have a strong interest in Mplus for advanced statistical modelling.”

David Boyda, Senior Lecturer in Psychology

"Research has the power to transform lives, and intervention studies are the key to making a real-world difference. Start by understanding the problem—get to the heart of what matters most through inductive methods. Build on this by developing methods grounded in evidence, testing theories with robust quantitative approaches, and ensuring interventions are practical and scalable. By combining these steps, we can not only expand knowledge but also create solutions that truly benefit individuals and communities. Together, let’s shape a better future through impactful research."

- Andrew Lane, Associate Dean for Research Excellence -