New Psychology Ph.D. Program at Trent University Supports Growing Fields of Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Health and Personality
Ph.D. graduate students will benefit from generous funding packages and state-of-the-art facilities
A new doctoral program in Psychology at Trent University is increasing opportunities for researchers in Canada and around the world to lead cutting-edge studies on a range of topics in psychology, such as human emotional intelligence, relationships, sexuality, social development, and memory.
“Trent University has a strong foundation of innovative and engaged undergraduate and graduate programming in Psychology, with faculty leaders representing a wide variety of topics in this diverse field,” said Dr. James Conolly, acting dean of Graduate Studies. “The launch of this program reflects a natural progression for Trent’s Psychology program, and better positions the University’s faculty at the forefront of excellence in teaching and training the professionals of tomorrow.”
Launching September 2022, the new Ph.D. program builds on the success of Trent’s highly competitive Master of Science and Master of Arts in Psychology programs at the School of Graduate Studies, which have graduated highly qualified individuals to work in academia, government, and community-related fields over the past decade.
In this four-year doctoral program, candidates will choose from one of three areas of research—Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, and Social, Health & Personality Psychology—and then dive into more specific studies alongside experts on topics such as cognitive development across the lifespan, multisensory perception and action, and the neurobiological mechanisms of memory and plasticity.
Candidates will further enhance their training and research through access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including a developmental observation lab, virtual reality suite, equipment for eye/motion tracking, animal care and behavioral testing facilities, and transcranial magnetic stimulation for investigating perception, cognition, and action. Qualified candidates will be eligible to receive a competitive four-year funding package to support their studies.
Candidates will not only benefit from outstanding faculty who have an abundance of multidisciplinary research experience in the Social and Natural Sciences, but also from unique and applied research opportunities through strong public and private-sector partnerships and collaborations, such as Ontario Shores for Mental Health Sciences, Trent Centre for Aging & Society, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, Peterborough – Parkinson’s Canada, and others. Their research will contribute to understanding how cognitive, neurobiological, development and social processes drive and shape human behaviour, personality, health and well-being.
“The cornerstone of doctoral experience is the creation of new knowledge through research and discovery,” says Dr. Neil Fournier, professor of Psychology at Trent. “This advanced training and specialized scholarship will enable students to pursue more in-depth investigation into bigger topics within their field of interest and prepare them to pursue successful careers in a variety of settings, including academia, health care, industry, education, and the private sector.”
Applications are now open for the Psychology Ph.D. for September 2022. Domestic and international M.Sc. and M.A. students and graduates are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about Trent’s Ph.D. in Psychology.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
Celia Grimbly, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or celiagrimbly@trentu.ca