Psychology Ph.D.

Build on gained knowledge, writing and research skills to conduct advanced research in one of several core research streams

The PhD program in Psychology prepares students with the core knowledge, skills and methodological expertise to conduct advanced research in psychology and become producers of original scholarly research.  Candidates engage in research directed towards understanding how cognitive, neurobiological, developmental and social processes drive and shape human behaviour, personality, health and well-being.

With this degree, graduates have the knowledge, skills and training to prepare them for traditional positions within academia (university) or to purse non-academic career paths in industry – government or community-related fields.

Psychology PhD Website

Program Options

• PhD
• Full-time studies
• Thesis-based program
• 4 years to complete
• September intake only

Admission Requirements

• MSc or MA or equivalent degree in Psychology (or related field) from an accredited institution with a minimum A- (80%) or equivalent in the work completed in the last four semesters (full-time equivalent). Applicants with a course-based MA/ MSc degree will not typically be considered. 
• Must have completed at least 1 credit in Statistics or Experimental Design at the graduate level.  
• Aptitude for research inquiry as determined by the completion of an original graduate (dissertation) project and demonstrated excellence in scholarly written as determined from the submission of a written sample from the applicants MSc/ MA studies. Submission of a first-author manuscript/ publication is permissible with an accompanying letter from the corresponding author confirming the primacy of the applicant’s contribution to the paper. 
• A clear and detailed Statement of Interest that aligns with one or more of the following research streams: (a) Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience, (b) Development Psychology, and (c) Social, Health, and Personality Psychology. Potential supervisors must be named in the application and in the Statement of Interest.  
• Admission to the PhD program is based on the availability and agreement of an appropriate graduate faculty member(s) to serve as a PhD supervisor or co-supervisors. 

Required Documents

Transcripts

Post-secondary transcripts and graduation certificates (where applicable) of all previous undergraduate and graduate work are required. This includes transcripts for courses taken on a Letter of Permission, for transfer credit, or on an exchange program.Transcripts must show all course work completed and grades received. If applicable, evidence of degree completion is required.

Please note: Transcripts are NOT required to be official and final when applying to the School of Graduate Studies. Official transcripts are ONLY required to be submitted if an applicant receives an offer of admission.

Previous or current Trent University students do not need to submit a transcript for degree and course work completed at Trent University. Transcripts must be submitted for any course work completed at another institution – i.e., study abroad, letter of permission, transfer credit.

Two letters of Reference

Academic references are required. Links for your referees to submit an online reference will be sent directly to the referees you have provided on your application. We recommend you contact your referees prior to submitting an application to confirm their availability and contact information. If your referee does not receive the link, you can suggest that your referee check their junk email folder and email setting.  The email may have unintentionally been blocked by their email server.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English usage, both written and oral, is essential to pursue graduate studies at Trent University. It is required for applicants to demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Applicants who completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university in Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the USA are exempt from this requirement. If you have completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university where the primary language of instruction is English, the School of Graduate Studies is prepared to consider alternate proof of English language proficiency.

For detailed information about English Language Proficiency requirements, see International Applications. 

Plan of Study

Typically 1-2 pages, outlining applicant's objectives in a graduate program. Any specific research interests (if known), relevant experiences, and/or career aspirations can be included. If a potential supervisor has been discussed, please identify this in your plan of study.

Plan of study template          

A Writing Sample

Submit a sample of your writing of about 20 pages or less. Writing samples preferred format is PDF. Hard copies will not be accepted. Good choices for writing samples include:  an undergraduate essay, lab report, research report, journal article, a chapter from a masters thesis, or a published article. 

Detailed Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Additional Information

Proof of Citizenship (ie. copy of passport or birth certificate) will be requested, only if an offer of admission is made.

Program Contact Information

For any program-specific inquiries or current application status, please contact the program directly at psychologygrad@trentu.ca