Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies

Research degrees

Male student in library

Develop new knowledge about the mind

Your research degree gives you the chance to investigate the topic that fascinates you in depth and reach a profound understanding.

You can develop new knowledge through your independent research for your thesis, and acquire new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build new networks.

We offer a number of routes to study at doctoral level, including PhD by research and a taught PhD Refugee Care. Our active research community is full of PhD students and Post-Doctoral Fellows who, in addition to the staff, provide a stimulating and congenial environment.

Our staff include professors of psychoanalysis and Jungian psychology, and staff who represent many interests in psychoanalysis and other fields.


 Explore our postgraduate research degrees 
Why choose us?
  • Four subjects in UK top 10 for research quality (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework REF 2021).
  • Access to Freud's original letters and research for your studies.
  • Located within a centre of world-leading excellence for the social sciences (REF 2021).
"Not only has my research been published by a renowned publishing house, but I am leading new research that combines legal and psychological aspects in Italy within a transnational project."
Monica Luci Phd refugee care

Access to Freud's work

You can use Freud's original letters and papers in your work through the Freud Archive.

This collection of his work was donated to Essex and presides in the University's library. You also have access to our own library of specialist books and journals, to help with your learning and research.

Apply to study with us

Read our application documents to find out more about how to apply: