As well as starting their research, first year graduate students attend training sessions designed to enhance their research skills and broad knowledge of cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging.

Throughout this three-year degree programme students attend both the weekly research seminars at the York Neuroimaging Centre and the weekly research seminars in the Department of Psychology. Students can also attend any relevant final-year undergraduate and MSc courses to enhance their knowledge and skills in specific areas of interest. There are also academic tools sessions covering grant and CV writing as well as interview skills.

Supervision

Each research student has a supervisor who provides advice on a day-to-day basis. In addition, students meet with their Thesis Advisory Panel once a term to review their progress and present their plans for the next term. The Thesis Advisory Panel consists of two other members of faculty who supply broader expertise, support, and advice.

All PhD students prepare written work (literature survey, empirical study, and a PhD plan) for assessment 12-18 months after starting their PhD (full time). At this juncture the suitability of the student for PhD study is formally assessed and PhD registration is either confirmed or the student is advised to change their registration to an MPhil degree.

We strongly encourage and support our PhD students to submit their final thesis detailing the research work conducted during their degree within 3 years, however if required, writing up can continue into a fourth year. The thesis must be submitted within 4 years.