Research Degrees in Psychometrics

The Psychometrics Centre at the University of Cambridge is the UK's leading organisation for the study and application of the increasingly important field of psychometrics. It is dedicated to linking the best of academic work in the area to real solutions within fields such as education, social policy, health care and business. It works in association with various departments in the University of Cambridge to offer research degrees both in pure psychometric research and in psychometric related topics with practical applications in the commercial, educational and health sectors.

The Centre's research agenda reflects major new developments. Key topics include:

  • the validation of psychometric assessment procedures in industrial and organisational settings.
  • the examination of the factor structure and construct validity of clinical and educational assessments.
  • the development and evaluation of web-based testing environments (the biggest international growth area of the discipline).
  • the use of artificial intelligence, neural networks and data mining in test interpretation
  • the creation of robust adaptive testing frameworks.
  • using actuarial disciplines to create truly predictive assessments.
  • the impact of new technologies on testing in organisational, clinical and educational settings.  

Entry requirements

Our PhD is challenging, and successful applicants will need, as an initial requirement:

  • an Upper Second or First class honours degree in a relevant subject from a good university
  • a good Masters degree in a related topic with a pass mark of at least 67 or equivalent.
  • Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate their proficiency in English. Currently the requirements are the British Council's International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an overall band score of 7.5 with not less than 7.0 in individual elements, or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), with a score of no less than 637 and 5.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE), or the TOEFL internet-based Test (iBT) , for which the minimum requirement is an overall score of 110 with no less than 25 in each element. 

Funding

The Cambridge Trusts and the Gates Cambridge Trust provide scholarships to both home and overseas MPhil and PhD students studying at the University of Cambridge.  These scholarships are competitive. We can advise on applying for many Bursaries and Scholarships available within the University. International students can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

How to apply

First take a look at the University of Cambridge Graduate PhD Prospectus. You might also want to see details on How to Apply and the likely costs you would incur. If you need more information then send an email to Professor John Rust attaching a resume or CV. We will be able to advise you on eligability and answer any questions you may have. 

Teaching

Doctoral candidates are based in one of the faculties and departments of the University with some teaching and supervision taking place in the Centre. Candidates will be expected to attend the relevant lecture programmes in the School of Medicine and the Faculty of Politics, Psychology, Sociology and International Studies, as well as the Joint Schools Programme and the Computing Centre.  Additionally, students are expected to attend courses providing BPS Level A and B qualifications providing access to a range of tests and assessments.

If you don't yet have a Masters degree 

For those that do not yet have a suitable Masters qualification, there is the opportunity to apply in the first instance for the one-year MPhil in Social and Developmental Psychology. Those who pass at an appropriate standard are eligible to go on to a PhD.