Program Overview

Doctoral Program in Decision, Risk and Financial Sciences

Overview

The Doctoral program in Decision, Risk and Financial Sciences at the University of Melbourne in the Department of Finance provides training in the conceptual principles and research techniques across the social, biological and mathematical sciences fields that analyse human decision-making and problem-solving in the context of risk and complexity at individual and market levels. Students will draw on experimental methods and conceptual principles to deliver solutions to key research questions relating to decision-making, risk and financial sciences.

Program Structure

The program is made up of a 2-year Master of Commerce coursework program followed by a 3-year PhD.

Scholarships and Funding

Generous scholarships are available for high achieving applicants, including full fee waivers and a stipend of AUD$39,500 per year (2026 RTP rate). Research conference travel funding of AUD$15,000 is available to all confirmed PhD candidates.

Training and Research

Training is provided by leading researchers from the Faculty of Business and Economics, the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and the Melbourne School of Engineering. It includes two lab rotations in labs at the University of Melbourne or elsewhere. After the coursework phase, students will conduct their research projects in a lab at the University of Melbourne, such as the Brain, Mind and Markets Lab. Research projects can span multiple disciplines and labs.

Location and Facilities

The program is located in Parkville, one of the largest precincts for biomedical research in the world, which provides access to cutting-edge research facilities, including state-of-the-art biomedical imaging platforms.

Industry and Government Partnerships

The Faculty of Business and Economics also has excellent relationships with industry and government, and the program encourages students to conduct research in collaboration with private and public sector partners.

Related Study Areas

• Business and economics
  • Economics, econometrics and analytics
  • Finance
• Computer science
  • Information technology and computer science
• Health
• Psychological sciences
• Science

Duration and Mode

• Duration: 5 years full time
• Mode: On campus (Parkville)
• Intake: July

Fees

The program offers Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) places, which provide tuition fee waivers and stipends for eligible students.