Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology degree is a research higher degree. This research postgraduate program equips graduates with advanced knowledge of research methods and the skills to independently conduct research in many areas of behavioral science. Students conduct original research that extends the frontiers of knowledge in a specialized area of Psychology. As a result of acquiring the abilities needed to undertake independent research, graduates will also develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills that can be applied in their future learning and work environments.

The core domains of Psychology are Biological Psychology (which includes the areas of hormones and behavior, brain function, and genetics), Cognitive Psychology (which includes the areas of attention, perception, learning, and language), Developmental Psychology (which includes the areas of lifespan development, and the social and cultural contexts of development), Individual Differences (which includes the areas of personality, intelligence, motivation, and mental health), Social Psychology (which includes the areas of attribution, attitudes, group processes, and intergroup relations, and close relationships), and Research Methods (which includes the techniques for the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to answer a certain question or solve a problem).

Completion of the program allows students to become experts who are able to facilitate and contribute to the advancement of Psychology. This is a required qualification for people who wish to go on a career as an academic or independent researcher in Psychology.

Intakes

January and July

Duration

3 Years (full-time)

4 Years (part-time)

Program Structure

Core Modules

Prior to starting their thesis, students complete two taught modules: Advanced Research Design and Advanced Statistics. These modules help students develop the necessary skills to complete their research proposals. In consultation with their research supervisors, students identify a research problem based on findings from existing research. They then design and conduct research on the identified problem or issue using a range of scientific techniques while following the required ethical standards. They, therefore, make a unique contribution to understanding the issue under consideration or developing new solutions to address the identified problem.

Areas of Research

• Biological Psychology - includes the areas of hormones and behavior, brain function, and genetics
• Cognitive Psychology - includes the areas of attention, perception, learning, and language
• Developmental Psychology - includes the areas of lifespan development and the social and cultural contexts of development
• Individual Differences - includes the areas of personality, intelligence, motivation, and mental health
• Social Psychology - includes the areas of attribution, attitudes, group processes, intergroup relations, and close relationships
• Applied Psychology - includes the areas of clinical and health psychology, education or school psychology, and industrial and organizational psychology.

Career Prospects

• Lecturer
• Researcher
• Research consultant
• Technical consultant
• Technical author
• Senior analyst