Key facts
Duration
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Course overview
Make a significant contribution to one of many areas within health and psychology by undertaking PhD research.
You can commence research in the areas of clinical; health and forensic psychology; social and mental health; adolescent health; risk behaviours; body image and disordered eating; drugs and alcohol; eye-witness testimony; treatment of offenders; human sexuality; reproductive health; healthy ageing and depression among older people; cognitive neurosciences and neurodevelopmental disorders; quality of life; relationships; human factors such as auditory and visual perception; and organisational psychology in health care settings.
Deakin currently has around 1600 higher degree by research candidates – intelligent people making the most of our excellent facilities, partnerships, strategic research centres and excellent reputation.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- H950
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 018831B Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool
- Level
- Higher Degree Research
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 10
World-leading experts
Achieve your research aspirations and be inspired by the best researchers in your field. Connect with a dedicated research supervisor who will guide you through every stage of your degree.
Course structure
To complete the Doctor of Philosophy, you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: A Doctor of Philosophy is awarded for a substantial, original contribution to knowledge achieved in 3 years of full-time study (or 6 years of part-time study).
Students complete a pre-confirmation at five months, confirmation at nine months and second year progress presentation during their second year (third or fourth year for part-time students). Student are required to complete a research methods unit in the first year, preferably before their confirmation.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check or other check. Refer the relevant unit guide.
Workload
A full-time student is expected to commit 36 hours a week to their PhD program. A student is entitled to 20 working days annual leave from candidature on approval by their Principal Supervisor. (Part-time is half the commitment.)
Participation requirements
The minimum requirement is the completion of a research methods unit such as HPS907 / HPS911, which may require assignments/exams, and the thesis. The unit is assessed as per all other units at Deakin University and the thesis is submitted to the University and it is assessed by three examiners.
Work experience
Students can complete a work placement in their final year but this is optional and also depends on availability.
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for selection into a Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) degree, you are required to have completed either:
- a research project in a related area including a thesis which is equivalent to at least 25% of a year's full-time study at Level 8 or 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework with achievement of a grade for the project equivalent to a Deakin grade of 70% or equivalent
- a masters degree (research) in a related area
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Scholarship options
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you’ll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Get all the information you need to successfully apply for a Deakin research degree or PhD, including key dates, entry requirements, supporting documents and finding a research supervisor. We’re here to support you through the process.
Research information
The Faculty of Health provides a range of higher degree by research programs at masters and doctorate level, including professional doctorates in the discipline of psychology.
The Faculty has affiliation with six of the University Strategic Research Centres, which work with national and international partners in health communities, business, industry and government to bring about evidence-based practical, equitable health outcomes globally, nationally and in local communities. The Centres are engaged in research programs related to patient care, patient safety, health services, mental health, psychiatric disorders, molecular medicine, immunology, neurosciences, public health research and evaluation, population health, human nutrition, physical activity and health, and social determinants of health and wellbeing.
Review details of research we are undertaking and the Strategic Research Centre.
Pathways
Students may transfer from a Research Masters to PhD. Some students who do not have enough research in their degree or lower grades may commence with a Research Masters, and then at confirmation they may transfer to a PhD (subject to recommendation of the panel and high-quality work).
Professional recognition
Note: This will not lead to Registration as a Psychologist or Area of Practice endorsement.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes | Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding in one or more specialist fields or discipline areas by planning and generating a substantial and original contribution that advances scholarship or professional practice. | Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession. Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information. Self-management: working and learning independently, and taking responsibility for personal actions. |
| Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field. Synthesise, apply and analyse existing and new knowledge in one or more discipline areas to develop new concepts or interpretations through engagement in ethical research, critical reflection, continuous evaluation and demonstration of research skills. | Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment. Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems. Teamwork: working and learning with others from different disciplines and backgrounds. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability, leadership, initiative, resilience and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar. | Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change. Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse communities and cultures in a global context. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
