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Doctor of Philosophy in Psychological Sciences

Australia

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What will I learn?

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an ungraded degree awarded for research that demonstrates that the candidate has the capacity to conduct research independently, and form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and to afford evidence of coherence and originality shown either by the discovery of new facts or by the exercise of independent critical power. The candidate's program of study will be supervised by at least two supervisors.

The degree requires that a thesis with a maximum length of 75,000 to 100,000 words (depending on the Department) be submitted for a written assessment by three examiners external to the University. Before submitting a PhD thesis, all candidates must have followed an approved program of study and research within the University for a period defined by the Higher Degree Research Rules (normally not less than two years).

A candidate's program of study must be supervised by an eligible Macquarie academic staff member, and will normally be carried out within the University. There is, however, provision for a candidate to be permitted to carry out much of the program outside the University with Faculty approval.

In some disciplines further research training or the completion of a preliminary coursework program in research preparation may be required prior to admission. For further information please refer to the section on Pathways to Macquarie Research Programs and to the Faculty sections of this prospectus.

Length of candidature

The PhD is a three years equivalent full-time program. The minimum period of candidature is two years and the maximum period is three years for full-time candidates and six years for part-time candidates.

A full-time candidate is expected to commit on average a minimum of 40 hours per week to their research study program. A part-time candidate is expected to commit on average a minimum of 20 hours per week to their research study program and consult weekly with their supervisors.

Admission requirements

For admission to the PhD, the university needs to confirm that prospective candidates will be able to complete their degree within this time, and that:

  • they have undertaken significant study of their discipline beyond undergraduate level, and are equipped to make strategic decisions about the state of research in their field and key new directions for research, and are thus ready to conduct an HDR level project;
  • candidates have undertaken a substantial research project at Masters level, which indicates they have significant experience in independently identifying a research question; designing a research project using a methodology that they have been able to justify in relation to alternatives and that their project has produced coherent and well-justified conclusions, situated in relation to the literature.
  • PhD in Health Innovation - Cricos Code: 085032M
  • PhD in Biomedical Sciences - Cricos Code: 085032M
  • PhD in Clinical Medicine - Cricos Code: 085032M
  • PhD in Health System and Population - Cricos Code: 085032M
  • PhD in Cognitive Science - Cricos Code: 064239C
  • PhD in Medicine - Cricos Code: 085032M
  • PhD in Health Sciences - Cricos Code: 085032M
  • PhD in Psychological Sciences - Cricos Code: 064239C
  • PhD in Linguistics - Cricos Code: 070063E
  • PhD in Psychology - Cricos Code: 064239C

Which department am I in?

Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences

CRICOS

064239C

Study options

Full Time (3 years)

Tuition fees
A$51,900.00 (US$ 34,203) per year
Approx Annual Cost: AUD $51,900; Commencement Fee: AUD $25,950

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2025

Venue

North Ryde Campus

4–6 Eastern Road,

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY,

New South Wales,

2109, MACQUARIE PARK, Australia

Entry requirements

For international students

The minimum requirement for admission to a PhD degree is:

  • Completion of a Master of Research (MRes) with a grade of at least a Distinction level (75% or greater in second year; or
  • A Master of Philosophy; or
  • A two-year Masters degree with a major research component at Distinction level (75% or greater).
  • Peer-reviewed research output may be taken into consideration for admission to the program.

You must also demonstrate your suitability for entry to the program by:

  • Including a detailed research proposal.

Entry to a PhD will also be assessed on availability of appropriate supervision and resources.

Candidates who have not completed an MRes and do not meet the above criteria may be asked to undertake the Master of Research as a research training pathway to the Doctor of Philosophy or the Master of Philosophy.

English language Requirements:

  • IELTS Academic – IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each band
  • TOEFL iBT – 83 (Reading - 13, Writing - 21, Listening - 12, Speaking - 18)
  • PTE Academic – 58 with 50 in each band
  • C1A – 180 with 169 in each band
  • C2P – 180 with 169 in each band

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About Macquarie University

Macquarie is in the top 130 of universities globally (QS 2024) and is a leading institution with a strong tradition of innovation and exploration.

  • Ranked in the top 130 universities worldwide
  • Located in Sydney’s fastest-growing business region
  • Provides over 30,000 practical work placements
  • Offers generous scholarship programs

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