Identical twins Kat and Julie Ashby are celebrating a remarkable achievement.

Having both graduated with PhDs in psychology from the University of Exeter, they have now won prestigious post doctorate research placements.

The sisters came to the University of Exeter as 18-year-olds in 2000, from Kingswear, near Dartmouth.

Kat studied Psychology, while Julie opted for Mathematics. After graduating with first class honours, they both studied for MSc degrees in Economic and Consumer Psychology, before going on to complete their PhDs in the same department.

Kat's PhD was on the psychology of money in relationships and Julie's research focused on taxpaying behaviour. Keen to continue their work, Julie and Kat applied for Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) grants for post doctoral fellowships, which they have now both won.

Professor Stephen Lea, head of the University of Exeter's School of Psychology, said: "So far as I know Kat and Julie's story is unique in UK psychology.

"As well as being excellent students and researchers, they have both been really good colleagues, teaching assistants, and members of the group - even if it has occasionally been confusing having them around.

"We are delighted with their success, both in completing their PhDs promptly and in winning these highly competitive awards, and we look forward to them going on to more success, at a national and international level, for many years to come."

Having been awarded the title of Dr Ashby, the twins are now getting ready for the new challenges they will face in different universities.

Julie will continue her research on the psychology of taxpaying at the University of Exeter's School of Business and Economics.

Kat will go to London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), where in the future she hopes to study the way couples of specific ethnic origins manage their finances.

First, though, the twins are going to the other side of the world, Kat to New Zealand and Julie to Australia, for a two-month research placement.

Dr Kat Ashby said: "I'm so pleased that we were both awarded these grants so that we can continue our research.

"We wanted to go to the same University and loved Exeter, but I don't think either of us thought we'd be here for nearly eight years!

"I've had a fantastic time here and I'm sad to leave, but am really excited about the next stage of my career."