PhD in Psychology
Program Overview
The PhD in Psychology is an intensive research programme designed to attract doctoral-level students with exceptional academic potential and to prepare them to excel in psychological research and academic leadership. It represents the highest level of academic achievement in psychology, leading to the development of advanced expertise and original scientific contributions.
The programme is designed according to the highest standards of quality and is aligned with Level 8 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Through the programme, doctoral candidates develop the ability to conduct rigorous, ethical, and publishable research, contributing to the advancement of psychological science in Cyprus and internationally.
The PhD in Psychology focuses on the systematic study of human behaviour, cognition, emotion, and social functioning, aiming to produce graduates who can generate new knowledge, address contemporary scientific challenges, and contribute to evidence-based practice.
During the initial phase of the programme, candidates develop advanced research skills through structured doctoral coursework, including research methodology, scientific writing, and ethical research conduct. In the subsequent phase, candidates complete an in-depth research project and write a dissertation of academic quality suitable for publication, under structured supervision.
The programme can be completed in a minimum of 6 semesters and a maximum of 12 semesters, from the date of enrolment.
PhD in Psychology program includes:
Click here ↗to learn more.
Click here ↗to learn more.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants are expected to hold:
- A Master’s degree, i.e. an MA or MSc in any field of Psychology or a related field, from a recognised accredited programme and a reputable institution, with a strong academic record in a major field of study and background relevant to the proposed graduate-level studies with a GPA of 80% or equivalent. Exceptionally qualified candidates with bachelor honors programs may be admitted upon approval from the Ph.D. Faculty Committee.
- Strong quantitative and/or computational skills to allow competent research and analysis appropriate for the selected field of study, evidenced by relevant educational background.
- Three (3) reference letters from professors and/or practitioners familiar with the candidate and his/her academic performance.
- A statement of purpose; a one-page letter explaining the applicant’s academic background, career aspirations, and program fit.
- The application should include a preliminary research proposal, of about 1500 words, that describes the candidate’s proposed research topic including:
-
-
- The research questions and their significance
-
-
-
- The proposed research methodology
-
-
-
- The key literature on the research topic
-
-
-
- A prospective timetable for completing the Ph.D.
-
- A successful hour-long interview with the Ph.D. Faculty Committee which includes:
-
-
- the Program Director
-
-
-
- the prospective doctoral thesis’ lead supervisor
-
-
-
- a faculty member in the applicant’s field of study
-
-
-
- a faculty member specializing in Quantitative/Qualitative Research Methods
-
-
-
- a faculty member from the department of Psychology or, if relevant, from another department with expertise related to the proposed research topic
-
- Supervisor Declaration
-
-
- During the application process, candidates must declare more than one professor from the Department of Psychology with whom they are interested in conducting their thesis research. These preferences will be reviewed and discussed during the interview stage with the Ph.D. Faculty Committee.
-
-
-
- Declared preferences will not guarantee assignment but will serve as input for matching candidates with appropriate supervisors based on expertise, workload, and alignment with the proposed research.
-
- Native speaker of English or graduate of a high school or University where the language of instruction is English, or IELTS with a score 6.5 or above or TOEFL paper-based test 600, computer-based test 250, internet-based test 100.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
- Master theories and methods at the frontier of knowledge in their chosen area of psychological research.
- Design and conduct original, independent, and rigorous research with high levels of scientific integrity and ethics.
- Apply advanced quantitative and qualitative methodologies to collect, analyse, interpret, and evaluate psychological data.
- Demonstrate excellence in critical thinking, academic writing, and scientific argumentation, producing publishable research outputs.
- Communicate and disseminate research findings effectively through conferences, peer-reviewed journals, and academic/professional audiences.
- Contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge in psychology and to evidence-based applications in society and professional contexts.
Program Requirements
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a tool of the European Higher Education Area that enhances transparency of studies and supports student mobility and recognition of qualifications.
To graduate, students must successfully complete a total of 180 ECTS, as follows:
- Earn 80 ECTS from core doctoral courses
- Earn 15 ECTS from an approved Thesis Proposal
- Earn 85 ECTS from the completed, defended, and approved doctoral dissertation
The programme duration ranges from a minimum of 6 semesters to a maximum of 12 semesters, depending on the regulations and the student’s progression.
Core Courses
2. PSY802 – Theoretical Foundations of Psychological Research
Contact Hours: 36 / Credits: 10
Contact Hours: 36 / Credits: 10
Contact Hours: 36 / Credits: 15
English (UK) 
Ελληνικά