Applied and forensic cognition

The Forensic Cognition Research Group is a vibrant team of psychological researchers interested in all aspects of forensic and cognitive psychology addressing applied issues in collaboration with practitioners from a range of backgrounds. The group’s main aim is to better understand the perceptions, processes and systems of the criminal justice system, taking an approach that is both critical and solution-oriented to tackle real world issues. Current research broadly falls into three (overlapping) categories: Courtroom Processes, Policing and Inquiry, Community and Citizens. The Forensic Cognition Research Group boasts an extensive catalogue of public engagement activity.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English. 

Applicants for the PhD are normally expected to possess the equivalent or better of an Upper Second Class Honours degree with Psychology; and, in addition, to hold an MSc in Psychology or related discipline. Please note that these are minimum application criteria and are not sufficient. Applicants who do not meet these criteria may, in exceptional circumstances, be considered, but they will need to give evidence through written work that they are sufficiently prepared for research-level study. If you are applying for an ESRC Grand Union doctoral funding, a Masters degree is not necessary as this can be part of the training.

Current/recent research projects

We have had a number of recently and currently funded research projects, including:

• Citizen Forensics
• Mobile phone use while driving: enforcement and education
• Expertise in Applied Face Matching
• Community generated victim satisfaction surveys ('User Insight')
• For more research projects visit the FCRG website

Potential supervisors

• Dr Gemma Briggs
• Dr Lydia Devenney
• Dr Lara Frumkin
• Dr Camilla Elphick
• Dr Catriona Havard
• Dr Gini Harrison
• Professor Peter Hegarty
• Dr Helen Kaye
• Dr Sarah Laurence
• Dr James Munro
• Dr Hayley Ness
• Professor Graham Pike
• Dr Ailsa Strathie
• Dr Jim Turner
• Dr Zoe Walkington

Fees and funding

Some of our research students are funded via The Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

Links

• Postgraduate research in the School of Psychology & Counselling
• Research in Psychology & Counselling
• Open Psychology Research Centre
• Forensic Cognition Research Group (FCRG)