The main aim of this programme is to provide advanced research training in a range of intellectual and practical skills associated with evolutionary and comparative approaches to the study of mind. On completion, students should be equipped with the necessary skills to facilitate research at M.Phil or Ph.D. level.

The programme will provide a detailed knowledge of the evolutionary and comparative literature and principal theoretical and methodological issues in this field. The programme will also provide students with the statistical and methodological skills necessary to undertake research in evolutionary psychology. This programme is distinctive because it tackles fundamental issues associated with the origins of human cognition via a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches.

More information about the people involved in this programme can be found on the Origins of Mind research page.

 

Curriculum core modules

Principal approaches to the origins of mind; Empirical approaches to the evolution of communication; Human perception, cognition and attraction; Methods of data analysis; Research project in evolutionary / comparative psychology (may involve field site or lab based work).

Optional modules

Evolution and development of social and technical intelligence; Origins and evolution of mind reading (Theory of Mind); Generic research and professional skills.

More details about the course content can be found in following MScEvo handbook (pdf).

 

How to apply

Students are required to apply using the University's online application form found on the How to apply page. The School requests that the following information be attached to the online form.

1. An up-to-date curriculum vitae including research interests
2. A recent example of your written work (for example, an essay of approx. 2,000 words)
3. Two referees' reports
4. A transcript and evidence of existing qualification (for example, a copy of your degree certificate).
5. Overseas applicants whose first language is not English are also asked to provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (for example, an IELTS or TOEFL score). (e.g., IELTS >=7.0 (incl. >= 7.5 writing skills)).

 

Funding

Candidates are asked to make their own financial arrangements, either privately or with the help of UK or overseas government agencies. The university provides a guide to tuition fees and the level of expenditure a student might expect to incur during a year of postgraduate study.

Further information on other sources of funding for home and overseas students is available from the University of St. Andrews Prospective Students pages and from Prospects, the definitive guide to postgraduate funding provided by Higher Education's official database.

 

Deadline for applications

Applications will be considered throughout the year. The deadline for applications to start the course in September 2011 is the 31st of May 2011.

 

Contact details

Helen Sunderland
School of Psychology
University of St Andrews
St. Mary's College
South Street
St Andrews
Fife
Scotland, UK
KY16 9JP

Tel: 00 44 (0)1334 462157 | Fax: 00 44 (0)1334 463042 | Email: pgsecpsych@st-andrews.ac.uk