Program Overview

University of Fribourg Doctoral Programme in Psychology

The doctoral programme in Psychology at the University of Fribourg is an integrated approach consisting of research, academic training, and interventions. It provides doctoral students with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical foundations of the chosen sub-discipline and the research methods used in this sub-discipline. Doctoral students will learn to generate innovative knowledge based on strict methodologies and work with academic research teams or local companies.

Fribourg Profile

The research projects take place in the University of Fribourg laboratories. Currently, 30 students are trained in these laboratories and have the opportunity to take part in research seminars at the University. They are also encouraged to present their research at national and international psychology conferences. This facilitates interactions between students and experienced researchers and allows students to develop a network for collaborations and for their future employment.

Professors Eligible to Supervise Theses

• Prof. Roberto Caldara: Visual and social neuroscience
• Prof. Valérie Camos: Cognitive psychology and cognitive development, Working memory & executive functions
• PD Dr Pascal Gygax: Language and cognitive processes, Social Cognition
• Prof. Petra Klumb: Personnel and organisational psychology, Psychology of health and social relations in the workplace
• Prof. Salome Kurth: Development of sleep regulation, Maturation of neuronal networks, Mapping with high-density electroencephalography, Cognitive development in early childhood, Interaction with family context, nutrition, and gut microbiome
• Prof. Chantal Martin-Sölch: Clinical psychology and experimental psychopathology, Psychological interventions, psychology of health, clinical neuroscience and neuroimaging, depression, stress and trauma linked to disorders, anorexia
• Prof. Simone Munsch: Clinical psychology and Psychotherapy, experimental psychopathology, psychophysiology, eating disorders
• Prof. Björn Rasch: Cognitive neuroscience, Sleep, memory & health
• Prof. Jürgen Sauer: Cognitive ergonomics and work psychology, Interactive consumer products, automation and complex work environments
• Prof. Dominik Schöbi: Clinical psychology of the family, health psychology, Intimate relationships, interpersonal emotional dynamics, relational distress
• Prof. Petra Vetter: Visual and Cognitive Neuroscience, Visual and Multisensory Perception, Consciousness, Eye Movements, Neuroimaging

Studies Organisation

Structure of Studies

No ECTS credits can be earned.

Doctoral School

The doctoral programme is part of the University's doctoral school.

Admission

In order to be admitted to a doctorate, the candidate must have been awarded an academic bachelor's and master's degree or an equivalent qualification from a university recognised by the University of Fribourg. Before applying for a doctorate, the candidate must contact a professor who would be willing to supervise the thesis work. There is no general right to be admitted to a doctorate.

Key Points

Degree Conferred

Rerum Naturalium Doctor in Psychologia / Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Commencement of Studies

An application for admission may be submitted at any time.

Regulation

The regulation is available in French and German.

Career Opportunities

Doctors from the University of Fribourg go on to pursue successful careers in a wide variety of fields, such as research and teaching at the University, teaching in schools and academic upper secondary schools, research in industry or scientific publications.