Structured PhD in Psychology

Program Overview

This Structured PhD in Psychology combines rigorous research training with translational research to enhance students' research skills and expertise. Through a shared curriculum and department-specific research projects, it fosters a collaborative environment that promotes high-quality research with national and international impact. The program aims to prepare students for research careers within four years (full-time), equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies and professional development opportunities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Structured PhD in Psychology is a novel program designed to enable students to complete their PhD within four years (full-time). The research project will be situated within one of the Faculty's six Departments, while the taught elements will be shared across the Faculty, maximizing learning opportunities for students. It promotes a sharing of expertise and experience, leading to high-quality translational research aligned with the faculty's mission to advance people's well-being.

Objectives:

• Provide a program that is academically rigorous and consistent with national and international standards for postgraduate research.
• Educate students in all aspects of research, including methodologies, critical review, and ethics.
• Impart skills appropriate for research in professional contexts.
• Foster translational research with national and international significance.

Outline:

Year 1 & 2

• Supervised research project begins.
• Taught modules:
• Research methods modules (9 credits)
• Elective modules (9 credits)
• Core modules:
• Introduction to Doctoral Studies (6 credits)
• Research Integrity (3 credits)
• Entering the Academic Community (3 credits)

Year 3 & 4

• Continuation of supervised research project.
• Core module:
• Postgraduate School Workshops & Professional Portfolio (12 credits)

Other:

• Students may take modules in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research methodology, promoting a holistic view of the participants.
• The three core modules are typically completed within the first two years of the program.
• Research students can begin attending workshops and developing their portfolio from the program's onset.
• The Postgraduate School Workshops & Professional Portfolio module is registered for and submitted in Year 4.
• The research project (270 credits) spans all four years (extended to six years for part-time students) and is supervised by a Primary Supervisor from the student's home department.
• The final thesis may be completed as a monograph or in an article-based format.