Research Degrees in Psychology
Graduates of a four year undergraduate sequence in psychology may complete a postgraduate research degree by undertaking either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Master of Philosophy. Students will acquire the capacity to carry out independent research, and will demonstrate the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge in the discipline of psychology. The major difference between the Masters by Research and the PhD is that the former is more limited in scope.
Psychological Sciences hosts a number of well-equipped laboratories in which research is carried out by teams of staff members, often in collaboration with researchers from other University departments as well as affiliated institutions. Many of these laboratories have been successful in obtaining grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC), the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and other external granting bodies. These laboratories are very keen to accept postgraduate students to participate in their research programs.
PhD in Psychology
Admission Requirements
• a Masters degree in psychology of an appropriate honours standard; or
• a degree including an accredited four-year sequence in psychology (or its equivalent) of at least H1 (or High Distinction) standard in the fourth year of study. Admission also depends on supervision and resource availability.
Graduates without an H1 (or High Distinction) in their fourth year of psychology may be eligible for admission into the Master of Philosophy degree, and after the successful completion of the first year, may apply for entry into the PhD program.
Graduates in disciplines other than psychology, who have expertise in a domain relevant to a psychological research area, may also be considered for admission.
How to Apply - Important Information
Before an application for entry to the PhD may be submitted, supervision arrangements must be finalised. Students intending to apply for a PhD must make direct contact with suitable members of staff regarding supervision. Please visit the Academic Staff section of this website for profiles and contact details.
ALL APPLICATIONS (LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL) MUST BE MADE USING THE APPLICATION FORM AVAILABLE FROM THIS LINK TO THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS WEBSITE.
Course Objectives
Candidates undertake a substantial piece of original research and complete a thesis which:
• demonstrates authority in the candidate’s field and shows evidence of a command of
knowledge in relevant fields;
• shows that the candidate has a thorough grasp of the appropriate methodological
techniques and an awareness of their limitations;
• makes a distinct contribution to knowledge which rests on originality of approach and/or
interpretation of the findings and, in some cases, the development of new facts;
• demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional
arena and in an international context
Course Duration
Normally a maximum of three years full-time or six years part-time candidature.
Scholarships
Scholarships information, including closing dates, can be found on the Melbourne Scholarships Office website.
PLEASE NOTE: FOR NEW RESEARCH DEGREE APPLICANTS THE RHD APPLICATION FORM IS ALSO YOUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION - NO ADDITIONAL APPLICATION IS NECESSARY.