UQ has a strong history of supervising and supporting Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students in producing innovative, relevant, and progressive theoretical and translational research.

HDR students at UQ join a culture of research excellence which provides strong disciplinary research leadership, an extensive network of support including opportunities for academic and professional development, and committed and experienced advisory teams.

The University belongs to the Group of Eight (Go8) and Universitas 21 (U21). Go8 is a collaboration of leading research intensive Australian universities and U21 is a global network of research intensive universities. As a member of these groups, UQ has access to the highest quality national and international collaborative research opportunities

UQ offers two HDR programs suitable for Psychology students: the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Visit the UQ Graduate School website for information on each program.

 

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Why choose UQ Psychology for your HDR?

The UQ School of Psychology is recognised internationally for its research strengths across the breadth of the discipline and profession of psychology, with particular strengths in cognitive neuroscience, basic perceptual and cognitive processes, higher cognitive processes (such as decision-making), human development, social psychology, organisational behaviour, health psychology, and clinical psychology. The School’s profile is enhanced by its research centres, each of which provides a focus for the work of academics, research staff and students, and a clinic that provides advanced training in practice and research in psychology in addition to a valuable community support.

PhD or MPhil students in the School of Psychology join a community of more than 140 HDR students pursuing a variety of research projects that build on and/or challenge current knowledge within their fields of interest.

Our HDR students play a crucial role in creating and maintaining our reputation for research excellence, and in the broader academic and social life of the School. There is a strong culture of engagement amongst our HDR students: many co-author papers with their advisors, we celebrate their achievements through the School’s newsletter and social media channels, and acknowledge their efforts via awards for research excellence.

Our students can also access a variety of research supports and resources, including:

  • funding to support project costs and/or research development activities
  • opportunities for advanced statistical and methodology training
  • excellent laboratory and computer facilities
  • an annual HDR day that provides an opportunity to present their work to the wider School community.

 


Research + practice

Students who wish to undertake both research and professional training in Psychology may be able to apply for concurrent enrolment in one of our accredited Masters level coursework programs: students who pursue this option typically enrol in a PhD full-time and complete their Masters courses on a part-time basis until their PhD thesis is submitted for examination.