PhD - Psychology as a subject
Main Subject, Second Subject
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded by the University for research carried out under the supervision of at least two staff members. A PhD can also be presented as a PhD with Publication or a PhD with a Creative Practice Component.
Psychology is about understanding the behaviour and cognitive processes of people and animals in their physical, social and organisational environment. As a behavioural science, it examines the way behaviour is learned and can be changed. As a social science, it focuses on individuals within the context of families, organisations and other groups, communities, cultures and societies. As a biological science, it studies the senses (hearing, vision, touch) and how the brain and physiological systems relate to behaviour. As a cognitive science it studies perception, attention, memory, thinking and language understanding. The study of development, personality, learning and motivation are also part of Psychology.
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Key information
| Years: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Start Dates: | The first day of any month from February to November |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): | $6,591 - $7,067 per year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $6,615 - $7,024 per year |
| Area of Study: | |
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New Zealand resident International PhD students pay the domestic fee.
*Tuition fees shown above are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. |
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Career opportunities
- Behaviour Analyst
- Clinical or Community Psychologist
- Community Programme Coordinator
- Human Resource Adviser
- Private Practitioner
- Research Scientist
Degree Planner
Papers
Papers available within Psychology
Prescriptions for the PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Graduate study options
Expand to read graduate study options
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology
Master of Science in Psychology
Master of Social Sciences in Psychology
With an approved programme of study the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology can also lead to the following programmes:
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Clinical)
Please contact the school to discuss your plans with an academic staff member before finalising your programme of study.
Subject links
Undergraduate Pathways
Expand to read Undergraduate Pathways
There are many different pathways you can take when choosing Psychology as a career - for example, Community Psychology, Applied Cognitive Psychology, Behavioural Psychology or Clinical Psychology.
It's important to have your pathway in mind when you select your third-year papers, so talk to academic staff for recommendations or work with one of our student advisors - they can ensure that you select the right combination of papers to pursue your interest.
Contacts
School of Psychology
Email: [email protected]
School of Science
Phone: 0800 924 528 or +64 7 838 4625
Email: [email protected]
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
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