Higher Degree Research Programs
PhD in Psychology
Overview
The Department offers a PhD in psychology. The PhD in psychology is designed for those with formal qualifications in psychology, such as an Honours year or research masters in psychology.
The PhD is the highest degree obtainable through a course of study at University, and requires completion of a thesis of approximately 75,000 words for a quantitative study, and 100,000 words for a qualitative study. The thesis must form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject, and afford evidence or originality by the discovery of new facts, or the exercise of independent critical power. Completing a PhD requires a high level of dedication, plus advanced level research, analytical and writing skills. It offers the candidate the freedom of a relatively independent program of study, and the satisfaction of making a significant and original contribution to knowledge. PhD candidates in psychology at Macquarie complete the thesis under the supervision of a qualified member of staff, and are required to enrol in four Research Training Units (PSY907, PSY908, PSY909, PSY910) during the initial period of their candidature as part of course requirements.
Note that completing a PhD in psychology equips the candidate with superior research, analytical and writing skills and typically prepares candidates for careers in academia or research. A PhD in psychology in itself is not designed to provide practical skills and practitioner-based knowledge for professional recognition required by the APS to practise as a psychologist, and generally cannot be used for registration as a professional psychologist with the NSW Psychologists’ Registration Board.
Students wishing to complete a PhD with a view to gaining professional qualifications for registration purposes should consider applying for the combined PhD/Master of Psychology program.
Admission requirements
Applicants for the PhD in Psychology are required to have an honours degree in psychology at First Class level or Second Class Division 1, or hold a research masters degree in psychology. Admission is also subject to adequate supervision being available in the Department. All prospective candidates should consult the staff areas of research and supervision detailed in this booklet to determine whether supervision is available in their area. Candidates need to contact potential academic staff members prior to submitting their application to determine whether a staff member is interested in and willing to consider supervising their topic.
Application Procedure
For entry to the PhD, applicants are required to:
- Complete the Postgraduate Research Application Form (http://www.ro.mq.edu.au/HDRU/)
- Submit this form to the Higher Degree Research Unit by 31 October in the year preceding enrolment (for first semester intake);
- Submit this form to the Higher Degree Research Unit by 30 May for second semester enrolment
- Include all documentation requested in the application form such as – certified copies of academic transcripts, certificates, proof professional memberships, citizen/resident status etc;
- Include a nominated supervisor and a brief description of your thesis topic.
Cost
A PhD is HECS-exempt, and is not liable for up-front fees, provided it is completed within the minimal time frame – four (4) years for a full-time candidate or eight (8) years for a part-time candidate.
Applicants are eligible for and are encouraged to apply for the scholarships offered by the University.
Attendance
A PhD in psychology at Macquarie requires the candidate to undertake four Research Training Units (PSY907, PSY908, PSY909, PSY910) during their initial period of candidature. Once the units are completed, the candidate has no formal coursework requirements and works independently under the guidance of their supervisor. Note that this course is not offered externally under normal circumstances.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to develop a work schedule in consultation with their supervisor to ensure they complete their thesis within the four-year period if full-time, or eight years if part-time. The work schedule should take into account the timeframes required for the literature review; the time required to obtain ethical clearance and for the likely duration of outcomes of experimental work.
The Department will only support candidates and grant extensions past the four and eight year timeframes if exceptional circumstances are presented by the candidate and are endorsed by their supervisor.
All students considering a PhD are asked to seriously consider their personal motivation, and the work involved in their topic (such as the availability of resources, literature, experiment/survey design and analysis, etc) to ensure they are able to complete their thesis within the prescribed times, set by the University.
Research Training Units
PSY907: Research Training 1 formalizes the type of training a doctoral research candidate is expected to acquire during their candidature. Enrolment in this unit is compulsory. Satisfactory completion of this unit involves:
- successful completion of training courses on use of information technology for information access (WWW, Current Contents, Library CD-ROM network and remote-access catalogue, etc);
- attendance at the Central Commencement Program
- attendance at the Divisional Commencement Program
- submission of a research plan and brief literature review to the supervisor;
- attendance at research seminars; and
- Presentation at the Divisional Research Festival
Note that PSY907 forms part of the Divisional Commencement Program – refer to Section 13 above.
PSY908: Research Training 2 (Year 2)
The completion requirements are:
- Presentation of an external conference paper or submission of a journal article;
- Attendance at Departmental colloquia and research meetings
- Attendance and participation in the Divisional Research Festival
- Joining a professional/scholarly association in research area
PSY909: Research Training 3 (Year 3).
The completion requirements are:
- Preparation of research grant application using the Macquarie University Postgraduate Research Fund Grant application form
- Attendance at Departmental colloquia and research meetings
- Attendance and participation in the Divisional Research Festival
PSY910: Research Training 4 (Year 4).
The completion requirements are:
- Presentation of an external conference paper or submission of a journal article;
- Attendance at Departmental colloquia and research meetings
- Attendance and participation in the Divisional Research Festival
Note that for PSY909 you do not actually have to submit the grant application to a granting body or receive the funding. The aim of the exercise is for you to practise writing grant applications and learn about procedures.
You should also note that the application forms for these grants are only available on the Research Office Web site at particular times. Even if you are not planning to actually submit your grant application, make sure you download the form when it becomes available so that you can complete it when you want to.