CASUAL - Internship - Psychology Summer Studentships

The University 

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Department of Psychology: 2026 Summer Studentships

The Department of Psychology is offering several paid undergraduate summer studentships to help students gain experience and skills in Psychology. If you are currently enrolled on C800 (Psychology), C807 (Psychological and Behavioural Science), CL86 (Psychology and Anthropology) or CFC0 (Natural Sciences, Psychology pathway), we invite you to apply for a studentship. You will also need to have at least one year remaining on your degree (i.e. not graduating this summer).

It is also a requirement that research is conducted with a member of academic staff within the Department of Psychology.

Students who have previously been awarded a Summer Studentship from the Department of Psychology are not eligible.

You will be expected to work 30 hours per week for a maximum of six weeks, within the University summer vacation period. It is therefore expected that you will be in Durham during the studentship period. There is also the option to work part time (15 hours per week) for a maximum of six weeks, if 30 hours is prohibitive to you. If you would like to apply for this position but can only work 15 hours per week, please make it clear in your cover letter why it is essential for you to have the opportunity to do the studentship.

To apply, the first step is to contact a research active member of staff in the Department of Psychology and discuss potential projects. Once you have arranged for a member of staff to sponsor your application, submit a brief CV* (2 pages max), supervisor’s statement* (<150 words), and a cover letter*. The supervisor statement should be prepared and signed by your supervisor and should detail the fit of the studentship to Departmental Research Strategy as well as stating that you have discussed the project with them and agreed a 4-6-week workable timeframe for the project. The cover letter should name the supervisor and demonstrate that you fit the eligibility requirements stated above. The cover letter should further outline your relevant experience (e.g. skills; module grades [L1 test marks, if you are a first year student]); a description of the research that you will undertake over summer (max 200 words, prepared together with your supervisor); and a description of how this studentship fits with your research interests and/ or future plans (max 150 words).

Applications will be assessed by a panel of staff based in the Department, who will make recommendations based on clear evidence of academic achievement, overlap in student and sponsor research interests, fit to departmental research strategy, and a description of motivation for undertaking the studentship.

Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Statement: In the Department of Psychology, we are committed to the university-wide mission of increasing the representation of individuals from backgrounds that have historically been excluded from careers in science or who have been unable to participate in unpaid research training. We believe that fostering a more inclusive university benefits all the members of the university community and ultimately improves the quality of our science. As such, the department encourages applications from students who come from backgrounds that have historically been excluded from academic research, such as BAME [i.e., Black, Asian, or minority ethnic] student, first-generation students [i.e., if you are among the first in your family to pursue higher education], and/or if you experience economic hardship that would prevent you from participating in unpaid research opportunities.

The deadline for applications is 15th May. For clarification and questions, contact Professor Ben Alderson-Day ([email protected])

*Please note that these are essential requirements of the application. 

The below role descriptor seeks to capture the main requirements of the role consistently, providing a summary of the key duties of the flexible role to help in setting expectations for applicants, flexible workers and line managers. They are not intended to cover all duties which may be required.

To apply for the role please complete the online application process, uploading a copy of your CV, supervisor statement and covering letter highlighting how the studentship would be of particular benefit to you. Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Applicable when working with vulnerable groups.