PhD (Psychology)

    PhD (Psychology)

    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    AUD 26,415 / yaer
    Next IntakeJuly 1, 2026

    PhD (Psychology)

    About

    Apply your advanced research skills to understand the complexities of psychology and tackle key health challenges.

    Psychology research plays an important role in advancing our understanding and treatments of mental and neurological disorders. The School of Health and Biomedical Sciences conducts discovery, translational and clinical research focused on healthy workplaces and employees, mental health, healthy ageing, and chronic diseases. We have research strengths in various areas of psychology, including the following:

    • Clinical psychology: Understanding and addressing various aspects of mental health and wellbeing, psychological assessment tools and diagnostic criteria for mental disorders, evidence-based treatments, psychopathology, prevention and early intervention.
    • Organisational psychology: Researching effective leadership styles, employee motivation, resilience, job satisfaction, psychological safety, teamwork, organisational culture and communication.
    • Neuropsychology: Studying the relationship between brain structure/function and behaviour, particularly in the context of sleep disorders, neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and traumatic brain injury.
    • Cyberpsychology: By integrating technology in the field of psychology, our researchers are exploring the use of mobile applications, virtual reality, gaming and artificial intelligence for assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders and addictions.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

    • A bachelor's degree requiring at least four (4) years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology subjects that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year. OR
    • A master's degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average; OR
    • A master's degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; OR
    • Evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

    At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

    If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 58
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 79

    English Program Requirements

    To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

    • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
    • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
    • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
    • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

    For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

    Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

    Career

    As a graduate, you will be highly sought after for a research or research-related career (including senior leadership and management positions) in various health and medical sectors, including the government and public health, hospitals, universities and research institutes.

    Expected career pathways for graduates of this degree include:

    • research and academic positions in universities, hospitals and research institutes
    • government and public health careers, investigating public health issues, epidemiology, health policy, and contributing to evidence-based decision-making
    • consulting and program evaluation positions helping organisations assess the effectiveness of their programs, interventions or policies
    • advanced clinical practice in specialised areas.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    26,415 / yaer
    Application Fee 100

    How to Apply

    Step 1: Find a course

    Step 2: Check the entry requirements

    Step 3: Collect required documents

    Step 4: Submit your application

    If you are applying for on-campus study in a coursework program (Bachelor, Associate Degree or Honours), use the online application system for international students. 

    Remember, our team are experts in RMIT study options and how to apply, so contact the team if you need support with your application.

    PhD (Psychology)

    RMIT University

    RMIT University

    Australia

    Australia, Melbourne