Psychology_PhD

Doctor of Philosophy | Psychology

PhD

Programme Type

Full-time, Part-time

Integrative Research Spanning Multi-domains

Psychology offers full-time and part-time M.A. and Ph.D. by research. Students in the programme will be situated in an opportune position to explore and choose from a wide array of research areas that the school endeavors in. From infant to elderly populations, from qualitative to neurobiological techniques, we offer extensive research prospects in social, developmental, clinical, cultural and bio-psychological fields. Students will work alongside experts in their respective fields; where their academic journey will be well-supported by dedicated faculty members and research staff.

Psychology features specializations in many topics and boasts integrative research spanning across multiple research domains. For instance, research projects have been conducted by utilizing methods in neuropsychology to investigate consumer behavior and implementing mobile applications for data collection in the elderly population – juxtaposing techniques across different branches of Psychology to investigate unexplored new territories. We offer state of the art amenities such as eye-tracking and neuroimaging facilities, as well as a range of laboratories to meet different research needs (e.g., child-friendly laboratory). To extend the applicability of our research to the community, the program works closely with national stakeholders in Singapore, including governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social and Family Development, public hospitals and schools. Our faculty members are held in high regard in the global research community and have active collaboration with international partners – research institutes and universities from around the world, including University of Cambridge, the University of Trento, New York University, Columbia University, RIKEN Brain Science Institute and many more.

Students are strongly encouraged to engage in discourse with the international community during conferences and graduate exchange programmes. Such international exposure allow students to learn from some of the brightest minds, foster global networks, and gain insight into the latest developments in the students’ specialized field of research. To prepare students for a career in academia, we provide holistic training in research and other essential skills including teaching, grant-preparation and mentoring. We offer exciting opportunities to give students a head-start in a career in Psychology research in their respective fields of specialization. 

The M.A. and Ph.D. programmes in Psychology are MOE-subsidised. Please visit our website for more details.

 

Admission Requirements

  • A Bachelor degree in Psychology or related field from a highly ranked university, with Honours (Distinction) or Second upper Honours  and the ability to pursue research in the candidate's proposed field of advanced study.
     
  • Applicants applying to the Psychology programme are to note that the GRE (General) test is not mandatory, but GRE scores submitted along with applications will be taken into consideration. Those who did not graduate from the Autonomous Universities in Singapore are advised to take the GRE.
  • A good language proficiency score: IELTS score at least 7.0 (overall); TOEFL score at least 105 – Internet Based Test Score (IBT). IELTS is preferred. The IELTS/TOEFL score must have been attained within 2 years prior to application.
  • Applicants who fulfilled either of the following criteria are exempted from the IELTS or TOEFL submission:
    • Native language is English.
    • Bachelor's or Master's Degree (must be at least 3 years of study) where English is the medium of instruction.  A letter from the respective universities is required indicating the duration of studies, name of programme and medium of instruction.
    • Applicants whose Bachelor's degree is from NTU, NUS, SMU or SUSS need not submit the letter.
  • It is strongly recommended for applicants to contact one of the faculty members whom they wish to work with. Applicants can discuss their proposal with the faculty member and ask for suggestions and feedback prior to applying.


Application Period & Other Information

Please click here for the Admission Quick Guide.

Enquiries can be sent to ac-sss-ge@ntu.edu.sg.

Programme Structure & Duration

Typically, Ph.D. students must complete the coursework requirement within the first three semesters. They should maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.50. Students on scholarship might have additional requirements to fulfil such as teaching and service requirements. Students are encouraged to work closely with their supervisor and the graduate co-ordinator to ensure timely completion of all the requirements. 

Ph.D. students will have to submit and defend their thesis proposal as part of the Qualifying Examination (also known as the Confirmation Exercise). The Qualifying Examination should be completed within 18 months from start of candidature. The final completed thesis will be examined by a panel of internal and external examiners, after which, an oral examination (viva) will be held. 

Thesis submission is made at the end of four years which dovetails with the expiry of the scholarship. Candidature expires at the end of five years.

Curriculum

Ph.D. students enrolled in the Psychology programme must complete and pass the following:  

  • Two core courses HP7001 Advanced Research Design and Data Analysis, HP7002 Research Seminar and four elective courses.
  • RI-ERIC Epigeum Research Integrity Course
  • HWG702 Teaching Assistants Programme (only for full-time PhD students)
  • HWG703 Graduate English (unless exempted)
  • GP8000 - Artificial Intelligence Literacy Course
  • Seminar Attendance
  • 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) presentation symposium organized by Graduate College
  • Two Communication Courses
  • Qualifying Examination
  • ​ Thesis
  • Oral Examination​