phd psychotherapy canada

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PhD Program

• Behavioural Neuroscience
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On average, it takes four to five years to complete the PhD program (after the MA) and requires full-time academic year residency until the attainment of candidacy.

At least 12 credits of coursework are required, and the details of required courses vary by research area. In addition to courses, doctoral students are required to complete a comprehensive examination and a dissertation. Students in the Clinical Program are, in addition, required to complete a year-long accredited clinical internship.

Interested in why we behave, think and feel the way we do?

Study the rich and complex nature of human behaviour, thoughts and emotions and explore how you can help improve the lives of people in your community..

Graduate Studies

Psychotherapy.

Faculty of Health Sciences

Program Contact

Degree Options

Psychotherapy (msc).

The psychotherapy program is a 20-month, course-based professional program. Courses cover introduction to advanced topics on mental health and evidence-based psychotherapy, with a specific focus on cognitive behavioural therapy.

The courses include nine classroom-based courses and two clinical practicum courses. The classroom-based courses include didactic lectures, small-group tutorials, self-directed activities, class presentations and practical, hands-on learning experiences.

Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award $$

Deadline Date:

April 30, 2023

The Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award of $5,000 for any kind of research into celiac disease and / or gluten sensitivity is available to students and those who have recently completed degrees.

Eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines available on the Canadian Celiac Association website.

Fulbright Canada Student Awards $ – $$$

November 15, 2023

Traditional Fulbright Canada Student awards are intended for Canadian citizens who are graduate students, prospective graduate students, or promising young professionals who wish to study and/or conduct research in the United States. Awards may be held at any university, research centre, think tank, or government agency in the United States.

For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright Canada website.

Health Research Postdoctoral Opportunities

A comprehensive list of funding sources and agencies for postdoctoral fellows in the Faculty of Health Sciences and those doing health-related research can be found in McMaster’s funding database.. On the site, you will find a variety of filters to help you in your search.

Health Sciences Graduate Scholarship for Indigenous Scholars $$

All incoming Indigenous graduate students who are studying in a graduate program located within the Faculty of Health Sciences, are eligible to apply for this award.

Applicants who are completing a FIAP application for a facilitated graduate program, will be automatically considered for this award.

For full eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines, visit the Faculty of Health Sciences website. (Link below.)

Iranian Student Memorial Scholarship $

Established in honour of McMaster Faculty of Engineering PhD students Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian, and a former Faculty of Health Science Post-Doctoral Fellow, who lost their lives on the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Associate Deans responsible for graduate studies, to international graduate students from Iran who demonstrate academic excellence.

John Charles Polanyi Prize $$$

December 1, 2023

In honour of the achievement of John Charles Polanyi, recipient of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Government of the Province of Ontario has established a fund to provide annually up to five prizes to outstanding researchers in the early stages of their career who are continuing to postdoctoral studies or have recently started a faculty appointment at an Ontario university.

Lyle Makosky Values and Ethics in Sport Fund $

April 30, 2024

This award is through the True Sport Foundation of Canada. Open to applicants who are

• high-performance athletes enrolled at a Canadian university, community college or other post-secondary educational institution.
• post-secondary students active in sport at a non-high-performance level.
• sport practitioners active/working in sport as an official, administrator or high-performance coach.
• educators working in a sport, sports sciences, sport management/administration or other applicable discipline.

All questions should be directed to the True Sport Foundation of Canada.

Visit their website for all details and contact information.

MacDATA Graduate Fellowship $$

March 15, 2021

The advent of large collection of data and ensuing development in data analysis techniques has made collaboration between data scientists and content experts necessary for cutting-edge research. Furthermore, there is a need for trainees to be exposed to both aspects of such research, namely for data science trainees to learn about real life practical projects and for content expert trainees to gain experience in data analysis and management. The aims of the MacDATA Graduate Fellowship Program are:

• To provide trainees with an opportunity to acquire practical and theoretical skills in data science.
• To facilitate exchange of expertise and knowledge in data science across faculties.

Manulife Life Lessons Scholarship Program $$

March 31, 2023

Manulife has introduced the first Life Lessons Scholarship Program in Canada, for students who’ve experienced the death of a parent or guardian with little to no life insurance. The Scholarship Program helps combat the financial burden of paying for post-secondary education during an emotional time and recognizes the perseverance that so many youth show in such adversity.

The next application call for this scholarship opens on February 1, 2024. Visit the Manulife website for details on that date.

Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security $$$

February 23, 2024

Four scholarships open to master’s and PhD students who are conducting research on determinants, impacts, and policy or program interventions into food insecurity in Canada.

Visit Maple Leaf Centre for Food Insecurity to learn more and apply.

Questions can be directed to [email protected] .

McMaster Graduate General Bursary $

What is a bursary.

A bursary is based solely on financial need. In most cases, information from your OSAP application is used to determine your financial need (some students who don’t receive OSAP can still apply for a bursary).

The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program application opens mid-August in AwardSpring. Funding is paid out in mid-February.

Who can apply?

Graduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for the McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program.

Please note: The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program is not open to international students enrolled in graduate studies, MBA, medicine or physician assistant programs.

Bursary eligibility requirements:

• Be enrolled at McMaster
• Submit a completed application by the bursary deadline
• OSAP students who receive an income update request must complete it by the income update deadline
• Continue to demonstrate financial need throughout the study period
• Indigenous students
• students with OSAP government aid restrictions include:
• academic progress restriction
• income verification restriction
• provincial and/or federal default restriction
• credit check restriction
• students with a disability taking a reduced course load
• students with out-of-province student aid
• part-time students
• students receiving social assistance

McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) Postdoctoral Fellowship $$$$

July 15, 2020

Prospective postdoctoral fellows are invited to submit a research plan that focuses on interdisciplinary, impact-driven approaches in the study of optimal aging through one or more of the following research areas:

• the impact of exercise on mobility;
• the interrelationship between psychological function and social function;
• causes and consequences of multimorbidity, frailty, and polypharmacy;
• the role of caregiving, equity, economics and transportation in optimal aging;
• the understanding of the biological mechanisms of diseases of aging;
• evaluating approaches to knowledge translation to improve optimal aging; and
• the use of technology to promote optimal aging and aging in place.

The applicant and principal supervisor are expected to involve at least two other researchers from two different McMaster faculties (outside of the principal supervisor’s faculty) as mentors in the development of an interdisciplinary research plan.

Rainbow Fund $

To be granted to graduate students enrolled in any program who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ students and demonstrate financial need.

Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada Graduate Student Award of Merit $$

At least three awards, each in the amount of $4000, will be awarded annually to the women graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the university or general community while maintaining exemplary academic records.

Women registered in master’s or PhD programs within a designated region. Regions and number of awards rotate each year. SWAAC has designated Ontario as the region for this 2023 competition. There are five awards available for this competition. Each university may nominate one person for the award.

Read about McMaster PhD student Liza-Anastasia DiCecco, who received the 2023 SWAAC Award of Merit .

The Barkleys of Avonmore Scholarship $

The Barkley’s of Avonmore Scholarship was established in 1977 through the generosity of Fred Barkley to assist a student from a developing country to pursue advanced studies at McMaster University.  Each year the Dean of Graduate Studies will identify a worthy graduate student from one of the developing countries to receive the award.

The Dr. Colin Webber Graduate Scholarship $$

Established in 2013 to honour the memory of Dr. Colin Webber, McMaster University professor, physicist, radiation safety expert, teacher, mentor, and leader in the field of bone research. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to master’s or doctoral students. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate interest in bone research.

Value: Minimum $1,600

The Edna Howard Bursary $

Established in 2022 by the family of Edna Howard, this bursary honours the support Edna offered graduate students through her work as a cook at The Phoenix Bar and Grill, owned and operated by the Graduate Students Association. Her food warmed the hearts of the McMaster campus community for many years until her retirement. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies to full-time students in any program who demonstrate financial need.

The H. Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary $

The H.Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary was established in 2010 by Dr. Susan J.Elliott (MA `97 and PhD`92), esteemed former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, and senior research fellow at the United Nations Institute on Water (UNU-IWEH), Environment and Health, in memory of her father, H.Vincent Elliott. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation on the program director of ‘Water Without Borders’ to students registered in a Master’s or PhD program will be given to students in financial need.

The James F. Harvey and Helen S. Harvey Travel Scholarships $

Established in 1995 with funds from the estate of Helen S. Harvey.  James F. Harvey was a member of the first McMaster graduating class in Hamilton in 1935.  This travel scholarship will enable students to engage in research requiring travel.  To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence.

The Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada Graduate Award

Established in 2022 by the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student who is currently enrolled in their first year of any program who identifies as a member of the queer, trans community and is Black, racialized, or Indigenous.

The Myra Baillie Academic Grant $

Established in 2005 by the Surgical Associates in memory of Myra Baillie. To be granted to a graduate student in any degree program who attains and “A” average and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a female graduate student.

Award Value: 2 awards of $1,000 each

The School of Graduate Studies Grant in Aid for Research Travel $-$$

March 8, 2024

The SGS Grant is intended to be a grant in aid of research; students should not expect the grants to cover the full cost of travel or field work.

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Grant is not intended for conference or course work travel .

It is not meant to replace sources of funding already available from the tri-agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other external granting sources, or internal scholarships and bursaries.

It is not intended to fund the research itself, but the travel to do the research.

Application Date

The application will open in Mosaic on January 8, 2024, and close on March 8, 2024.

Wilson Leadership Scholar Award $$-$$$

March 28, 2022

The Wilson Leader Scholarship Award for graduate students is different. Valued at $12,000 in direct funding and up to $2,000 for experiential funding, it’s a leadership development and career launcher program that builds on your studies. It involves about 15 hours/month, including time for synchronous group events between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET.

Awarded to up to three graduate students annually.

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• Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)
• Graduate School
• Prospective Students
• Graduate Degree Programs

Canadian Immigration Updates

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

The Counselling Psychology Program, in line with the mission of the research-intensive University of British Columbia, creates, advances and critically examines knowledge in counselling psychology, especially with respect to its validity, applicability, limits, and interface with other disciplines. In developing and applying pertinent and innovative research methodologies, the Counselling Psychology Program relies upon and builds qualitative and quantitative evidence to determine effective counselling interventions in educational, community, health, and occupational settings.

Our Doctoral Program is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association and follows the scientist-practitioner model for the education of counselling psychologists: students receive a substantial education as both researchers and professional psychologists.  Designed for those with relevant experience who want to gain doctoral level competence, this program enhances research, counselling theory, and counselling skills.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

Pursuing my studies at UBC grants me the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with esteemed supervisors who I deeply admire and trust to guide me through every step of my doctoral journey.

Cheryl Inkster

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 90

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is required by all applicants.

2) Meet Deadlines

September 2025 intake, application open date, canadian applicants, international applicants, deadline explanations.

Deadline to submit online application. No changes can be made to the application after submission.

Deadline to upload scans of official transcripts through the applicant portal in support of a submitted application. Information for accessing the applicant portal will be provided after submitting an online application for admission.

Deadline for the referees identified in the application for admission to submit references. See Letters of Reference for more information.

3) Prepare Application

Transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)

Criminal record check, citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

From September 2024 all full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

• 2 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 2 students was $10,800.
• 8 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 8 students was $7,089.
• 1 student received Academic Assistantships valued at $2,700.
• 14 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 14 students was $12,751.
• 9 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 9 students was $25,370.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

52 students graduated between 2005 and 2013. Of these, career information was obtained for 50 alumni (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016):

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, career options.

Students will be prepared for careers as researchers, practitioners, and educators in a wide variety of settings including academic, clinical, community, business, private practice, and research. Our graduates hold positions such as staff psychologist, research manager, professor, director, department head, clinical counsellor, vocational rehabilitation consultant, team leader, behavioural consultant, group facilitator, and psychoanalyst.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times.

• Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Bedi, Robinder (Counselling psychology; Investigating counselling and psychotherapy as Western cultural healing practices; Counselling psychology disciplinary and professional issues in Canada; Heterodox issues in counselling psychology that challenge its dominant narratives and sacred ideas; Counselling/psychotherapy/mental health with Punjabi/Sikh individuals; Neglected topics in the Psychology of Men and Masculinity)
• Borgen, William (Career Counselling, Career/life transitions, Developmental approaches to counselling, Group counselling)
• Buchanan, Marla (Counsellor Stress, Narrative Inquiry, School Counselling, Traumatic Stress)
• Cox, Daniel (Counselling psychology; Motivations and Emotions; Anxiety; depression; Mental Health and Society; stress; Suicide)
• Haverkamp, Beth (Counselling Process Research, Ethics and Professional Issues, Research Design)
• Hubley, Anita (Psychological and health measurement; test development and validation; adult neuropsychological, personality, and mental health topics and assessment; research with general community and vulnerable populations (e.g. elderly, homeless, drug addicted))
• Miller, Kenneth (Mindfulness and its incorporation into mental health interventions in settings of adversity, Development of culturally grounded assessment and evaluation tools, The use of mixed-methods in intervention development and evaluation research)
• Park, CJ (Vocational psychology; Career counseling; diversity and social justice; critical consciousness; international and cross-cultural psychology; interventions)
• Tomfohr-Madsen, Lianne

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

• Keep your hands to yourself and use your words : a condescendingly titled exploration of what helps and hinders people with visual impairments while receiving unsolicited help from sighted people
• Coping is a collective responsibility : a narrative inquiry with women veterans on the barriers and facilitators of coping with military sexual trauma
• Health and wellness for Métis youth involved with Métis family services : exploring cultural connection through Métis beadwork using photovoice
• The process of transitioning to a mainstream high school for hard-of-hearing youth
• Positions : possibilities and pleasures in gay, bisexual, and queer men's storytelling
• Operation returning to school (Op RTS) : Canadian veterans’ experiences of transitioning to post-secondary studies
• From disenfranchisement to integration : young women's narratives of embodiment and sexual satisfaction
• The impact of traditional masculinity ideology on veteran mental health and treatment outcome
• Sexual and gender minority youth and their parents : identity-related conversations

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA)
• Master of Education in Counselling Psychology (MEd)

Same Academic Unit

• Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in School and Applied Child Psychology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education (PhD)
• Graduate Certificate in Orientation and Mobility (GCOM)
• Master of Arts in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (MA)
• Master of Arts in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (MA)
• Master of Arts in School and Applied Child Psychology (MA)
• Master of Arts in Special Education (MA)
• Master of Education in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (MEd)
• Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (MEd)
• Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology (MEd)
• Master of Education in Special Education (MEd)

Further Information

Specialization.

Programs of research reflect the core values and foci of the discipline of Counselling Psychology: career development, health and wellness, indigenous healing, gender and cultural diversity, disability, and social justice issues. Faculty members are involved in a wide range of research activities including intercultural counselling, First Nations counselling, career development and counselling, stress and coping, sexuality and reproductive health, disabilities, trauma, working with families and children in school settings, prevention of anxiety disorders, and empirically supported approaches utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

Alejandra Botia

Throughout my undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs, I have felt grateful to access a globally recognized university. Beyond being a stunning place, I chose to continue my graduate degree at UBC because of the invaluable friendships and professional relationships that I have built over the...

Sarah Panofsky

My PhD will be my fourth UBC degree and I am confident that the university will provide me with the comprehensiveness, relevance, and rigour that I seek in my studies. Connection to place is also important. Studying at UBC allows me to maintain relationships with the communities in Northwest BC...

Christine Yu

I had a wonderful experience during the Master’s program at UBC and felt a sense of community, with excellent support from my supervisor. Once I was ready to pursue a doctoral degree, I wanted to re-engage in that type of supportive environment while stretching the boundaries of my clinical and...

Katie McCloskey

I decided to study at UBC because the Counselling Psychology program prepares its students to be excellent researchers as well as clinicians. I know that when I graduate I will be able to avail myself of career opportunities in research or practice and that I will be well trained for both.

Curious about life in Vancouver?

Find out how Vancouver enhances your graduate student experience—from the beautiful mountains and city landscapes, to the arts and culture scene, we have it all. Study-life balance at its best!

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• Supporting Student Development and Success
• Reimagining Graduate Education
• Enriching the Student Experience

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Psychology Ph.D.

Notice – international study permits.

According to the January 22, 2024 IRCC news release, applicants pursing master’s and doctoral degree programs are not included in the intake cap on international student study permit applications that the Government of Canada has  recently announced . IRCC also noted that current study permit holders will not be affected.

IRCC has confirmed that applicants to master's and doctoral programs  are exempt  from providing an attestation letter from the province or territory where they plan to study. 

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

Application Deadline

• September 2024 intake - CLOSED

Program Options

• 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 [email protected]

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Psychology (PhD)

Program overview Program structure Admission requirements Application process Tuition & funding

Program overview

The PhD in Psychology is a research-intensive program, and most students pursue training in one of our department's four main areas of research: behavioural neuroscience , clinical and health research , cognitive science and human development and developmental processes . Students choose from one of two program options. The Research Option is suitable for those who wish to pursue careers in research, industry, or academia. The Research and Clinical Training Option also provides professional training in the provision of psychological services, and can lead to careers in research, industry, academia, hospital and health care domains, as well as positions involved in public policy. The Research and Clinical Training Option is fully accredited by the Ordre des Psychologues du Quebec, as well as the Canadian Psychological Association. Our department trains the next generation of researchers in world-class laboratories.

Program structure

Degree requirements, degree requirements.

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.

Please see the Psychology Courses page for course descriptions.

Psychology PhD (90 credits)

Psychology phd research option (90 credits), set a: psychology phd research option, set b: psychology phd research option, psychology phd research and clinical training option (90 credits), admission requirements, admission requirements.

• Master's degree in psychology or its equivalent in a closely related discipline.
• Research and Clinical Training Option requires that applicants have completed specific Psychology undergraduate courses required by federal and provincial licensing bodies, including an empirically based undergraduate thesis or its equivalent, as well as master's-level courses in Psychology specified by the program.
• Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions .

Application process

Application deadlines.

Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.

International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec , we strongly encourage international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.

Tuition & funding

Tuition and fees.

Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.

Awards and funding

Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. They come in the form of awards, teaching and research assistantships are offered at the time of admission to most students to allow them to focus on their research and studies. Research and thesis-based students are automatically considered for all entrance graduate awards when they apply to Concordia, provided they meet eligibility criteria. No separate application is required.

The Quebec and Canadian governments offer a number of competitive graduate scholarships. We encourage you to apply for these awards at the same time you are preparing your application.

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The Doctoral program prepares candidates for a career in teaching, research or as an anthropologist employed in the public or private sector.

Graduates are expected to have acquired autonomy in conducting in-depth, full-scale field research projects. They are expected to be able to analyse data, write, revise and publish scholarly manuscripts. These objectives are achieved beginning with a first year of formal course work that includes the possibility of internships as well as directed reading courses. The second year of the program is geared towards developing intellectual independence and a comprehensive understanding of theory, method and area, in preparation for the degree requirements of two comprehensive examinations and a research proposal. In year 3 students conduct independent field research in diverse social and cultural settings and locales. Field sites range widely both spatially and temporally and in terms of conceptual approach, including archival and digital sites. The final phase of the program involves writing the dissertation culminating in an oral defense.

All doctoral students are encouraged to gain experience as teaching and/or research assistants and to take advantage of the teaching practicum offered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, as well as workshops offered at the Centre for the Support of Teaching.

The program is designed to be completed in 4 years but often takes longer. All requirements for a doctoral degree must be fulfilled within 18 terms (6 years) of registration as a full-time or part-time doctoral student in accordance with Faculty of Graduate Studies Registration Policies, including the requirement of continuous registration. Terms that students register as Leave of Absence, Maternal Leave, Parental Leave, or No Course Available are not included in these time limits.

In the first year of the doctoral program, students take 2.5 graduate courses, including two required half year Theory courses and the required half-year Methods course. Two additional half-courses are selected from the theme courses in Social Anthropology, or one from a cognate discipline, with the permission of the Graduate Director. A Reading Course and/or an Internship are also options. All first-year students must also enroll in the required Graduate Seminar, which is held on a weekly basis in both the Fall and Winter terms. Students are expected to have all course work done in the first year.

The two comprehensive exams and the research proposal are designed to help students achieve expertise in specific areas of literature, prepare for fieldwork, and to move towards the conceptual work of the dissertation. During this phase students read broadly and deeply within selected areas of socio-cultural anthropology and related disciplines in preparation for fieldwork; they develop skills in compiling reading lists, framing questions, and demonstrating sustained engagement with questions posed in relation to bodies of literature; they develop analytic and synthetic skills in the writing of the exams; and finally, in the proposal, they conceptualize a research project and detail how it will be carried out.

Candidates write a dissertation under the supervision of three members from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, at least two of whom must be members of the graduate program in Social Anthropology. The final version of the dissertation is submitted to the supervisory committee for approval and then proceeds to a dissertation defence. The oral examination centres on the dissertation and is a public academic event involving an external examiner in addition to the supervisory committee.

The Graduate Program in Psychology at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.

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School of Graduate Studies

Counselling and clinical psychology – field in clinical and counselling psychology (oise), program overview.

Clinical and Counselling Psychology is one of two fields offered in the Counselling and Clinical Psychology program, leading to the Master of Arts  and  Doctor of Philosophy  degrees. This program is intended for students seeking to pursue careers in research, teaching, and clinical practice. At the time of application, prospective students will be required to identify a preference for this field and a potential supervisor with whom they would work if admitted to the program.

The Clinical and Counselling Psychology field is offered primarily by the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development​  (of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education [OISE] at the downtown St. George campus).​

The other field, Clinical Psychology, is offered primarily by the  Department of Psychological Clinical Science  at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus.

Quick Facts

Master of arts, program description.

The Counselling and Clinical Psychology program offers studies leading to the MA and PhD degrees. It is offered by the graduate Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), St. George campus, and the Graduate Department of Psychological Clinical Science at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC).

This graduate program is intended for students seeking to pursue careers in research, teaching, and clinical practice. At the time of application, students will be required to identify a preference for a specific field as well as for a potential supervisor with whom they would work if admitted to the program.

The program has two fields:

Clinical and Counselling Psychology, offered by OISE;

Clinical Psychology, offered by UTSC.

The field in Clinical and Counselling Psychology is offered by the OISE Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development. This field is based on a bio-psycho-social model with an emphasis on diversity. It shares an emphasis with the Clinical Psychology field on the assessment and treatment of psychopathology in adults.

This MA program is designed for applicants interested in working as researchers or practitioners in a variety of psychological and educational settings. This program enables students to apply for registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) as a Psychological Associate. It also fulfils the course and practicum requirements of students who plan to apply to the PhD program, Clinical and Counselling Psychology field at OISE.

The MA is taken on a full-time or part-time basis. However, students in the part-time option will be required to complete one year of full-time study to fulfil their degree requirements.

For 2023-24 and further extension to the 2024-25 academic year, admissions to the part-time option have been administratively suspended.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development's additional admission requirements stated below.

An appropriate bachelor's degree in psychology or any appropriate bachelor's degree that would contain the psychology requirement equivalent (defined as 6.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs] in psychology, including 0.5 FCE in research methods and 0.5 FCE in statistics. It is expected that students will have completed 1.0 FCE at the third- or fourth-year level in each of three core areas of general psychology:

biological bases of behaviour (for example, physiological psychology, comparative psychology, neuropsychology, psychopharmacology);

cognitive/affective bases of behaviour (for example, learning, sensation, perception, cognition, thinking, motivation, emotion); and

social bases of behaviour (for example, social psychology; cultural, ethnic, and group processes; sex roles; organizational and systems theory).

Students who are missing courses in these core content areas will be required to complete additional courses during the MA or PhD degrees.

A standing equivalent to a University of Toronto A– or better in the final year.

Program Requirements

Coursework. Students must complete a total of 4.5 FCEs as follows:

APD1202H Theories and Techniques of Counselling and Psychotherapy — Part I (0.5 FCE).

APD1203Y + Practicum I: Interventions in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (1.0 FCE) (500 hours of practicum). MA students will attend a minimum of three colloquium presentations during their program, which partially fulfills the course requirements for APD1203Y + .

APD1208Y + Cognitive and Personality Theory and Assessment (1.0 FCE).

APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice in Psychology and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

APD1228H Couples Counselling (0.5 FCE) or APD1261H Group Work in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE) (or an equivalent course).

APD1263H Research Methods for Clinical and Counselling Psychology (RM) (0.5 FCE).

JOI1288H Intermediate Statistics and Research Design (RM) (0.5 FCE).

Master's thesis.

Full-time option: Full-time, on-campus study is required from September to April, which represents the Fall and Winter sessions. Normally, 1.5 FCEs are taken in each of the Fall and Winter sessions and a maximum of 1.0 FCE in the Summer session. Under this option, it is expected that all degree requirements will be completed within two years.

Part-time option (for 2023-24 and further extension to the 2024-25 academic year, admissions to the part-time option have been administratively suspended): For this option, students can register as part-time students at the beginning of their program. However, they will be required to register as full-time students for one year of the program. In this option, students will normally take 1.0 FCE annually during the beginning of their program and 1.5 FCEs in each of the Fall and Winter sessions in their year of full-time study. Once they have begun their last required course, they must register continuously and pay the part-time fees until all degree requirements have been completed. Under this option, it is expected that all degree requirements will be completed within two to three years, up to a maximum of six years.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S); 10 sessions part-time

3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

Doctor of Philosophy

The principal aim of this PhD program is the development of research and theoretical knowledge in counselling and clinical psychology, assessment skills, and knowledge and training in professional issues. Students are expected to conduct advanced research and to develop professional knowledge and skills. Graduates will be prepared to assume a variety of positions in psychological teaching, research, and practice in universities, community settings and agencies offering psychological services, and in university or college counselling centres.

The Clinical and Counselling Psychology field offers both a full-time and flexible-time PhD, and progress in the program will be reviewed annually. This field was accredited in both the areas of counselling and clinical psychology by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) for a six-year term in 2022. It is currently the only program in Canada to hold such a dual accreditation status.

For 2023-24 and further extension to the 2024-25 academic year, admissions to the flexible-time PhD option have been administratively suspended.

PhD Program

An appropriate bachelor's degree in psychology or any appropriate bachelor's degree that would contain the psychology requirement equivalent (defined as 6.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs] in psychology, including 0.5 FCE in research methods and 0.5 FCE in statistics, with a standing equivalent to a University of Toronto A– or better in the final year. It is expected that students will have completed 1.0 FCE at the third- or fourth-year level in each of three core areas of general psychology:

biological bases of behaviour (for example, physiological psychology; comparative psychology, neuropsychology, psychopharmacology);

Students who are missing courses in these areas may be required to complete additional courses during the degree.

A University of Toronto MA degree in Clinical and Counselling Psychology with a grade of A– or better, or its equivalent. However, if the master's program was not equivalent to the U of T MA in Counselling and Clinical Psychology, the student will be required to take additional courses to receive equivalent training.

Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 5.5 FCEs as follows:

2.5 FCEs in Counselling and Psychotherapy:

APD3215H Advanced Psychotherapy Seminar ;

APD3217Y + Advanced Practicum in Clinical and Counselling Psychology (Credit/No Credit; 600-hour practicum); and APD3268Y Internship in Clinical and Counselling Psychology (1,600-hour internship — arrangements must be made in consultation with the Director of Clinical Training). PhD students will attend a minimum of six colloquium presentations during their program, which partially fulfills the course requirements for APD3268Y.

1.0 FCE in Psychology Measurement/Assessment and Diagnosis:

APD3225H Assessment and Diagnosis of Personality and Psychopathology ; and

APD3260H Psychodiagnostic Systems.

0.5 FCE in Supervision and Consultation:

APD3261H + Clinical Supervision and Consultation Practicum.

1.0 FCE in Advanced Research Methods:

APD3202H A Foundation of Program Evaluation in Social Sciences (RM) ; and

An advanced-level statistics course (in consultation with supervisors). Courses can be drawn from those offered at OISE or other Faculties with the permission of the instructor.

0.5 FCE in History and Systems Psychology:

APD3204H Contemporary History and Systems in Human Development and Applied Psychology.

Comprehensive examination: In addition to normal course requirements, students will complete two comprehensive components. First, a manuscript for publication and presentation at a peer review conference, normally in Year 1 of the program. Second, students will be examined systematically in general psychology and in professional psychology. The examination will normally be taken at the end of Year 2 of full-time study.

Doctoral dissertation: All students must develop, complete, and defend in a Doctoral Final Oral Examination a doctoral dissertation supervised by a full-time member of the Counselling and Clinical Psychology faculty. The content of such dissertation research may address theoretical issues applicable to clinical and counselling concerns and practice, relate to the development of programs in a variety of educational or applied settings, or in some other way contribute to the development and practice of clinical and counselling psychology.

Students must register continuously and pay the full-time fee until all degree requirements have been fulfilled.

Students cannot transfer between the full-time and flexible-time PhD options.

PhD Program (Flexible-Time)

Applicants to the flexible-time PhD option are accepted under the same admission requirements as applicants to the full-time PhD option; the exception is that applicants must demonstrate that they are currently employed, and active professionals engaged in activities relevant to their proposed program of study.

APD3215H Advanced Psychotherapy Seminar;

APD3217Y + Advanced Practicum in Clinical and Counselling Psychology (Credit/No Credit; 600-hour practicum); and APD3268Y Internship in Clinical and Counselling Psychology (1,600-hour internship — arrangements must be made in consultation with the Coordinator of Internship and Counselling Services). PhD students will attend a minimum of six colloquium presentations during their program, which partially fulfills the course requirements for APD3268Y.

APD3261H + Clinical Supervision and Consultation Practicum .

0.5 FCE in History and Systems Psychology (if not already satisfied by the completion of a third- or fourth-year undergraduate psychology course in this area):

Students must register continuously until all degree requirements have been fulfilled. They must register full-time during the first four years and may continue as part-time thereafter, with their department's approval.

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PhD in Counselling Psychology

On this page: Overview | Admission Requirements | Applying | Tuition & Fees

Application deadline: December 1 annually  (Fall admission only).

Please read the program’s admission requirements fully. Please note that the Department no longer accepts deferrals, except under extraordinary circumstances.

Related Content

Admissions faq.

Counselling Psychology PhD Pre-Admission Academic Checklist [.doc]

Counselling Psychology Pre-Admission Academic Domains Guide [.pdf]

ECP Counselling Psychology Curriculum Vitae Template [.doc] 

Important note: This CV template is intended for  Counselling Psychology applicants only . All other applicants, please refer to the application instructions for the Program you are applying to.

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Psychology (PhD)

Our PhD in Psychology program is based on a mentorship model, where faculty members work closely with a small cohort of students. You can choose to specialize in one of four areas of psychology:

• cognitive and behavioural neurosciences
• community psychology
• developmental psychology
• social psychology

Close mentorship.

Community engagement.

Hands on, diverse research experiences.

Program Details

Program structure.

Our PhD in Psychology is a full-time program. The structure varies by field, but no matter which area you choose to specialize in, you must write and defend a dissertation.

Our program is designed to prepare you for careers in research and teaching, or for applied opportunities in various community and social agencies.

Doctoral students are encouraged to teach a course as part of their program experience.

Available Fields

You can choose to specialize in one of four areas of psychology:

Social Psychology

Program overview.

Our PhD in Social Psychology program helps individuals with a strong research background to fully develop into outstanding independent research investigators. An apprenticeship model provides students with an opportunity to acquire advanced academic knowledge in social psychology. Students will develop basic and/or applied research skills on attitudes, social cognition, affect and wellbeing, the self, close relationships, intergroup relations, social interactions, and personality processes.

Spanning several levels of analysis (e.g. social, cognitive, temporal), this research examines individuals, dyads and larger groups using both cutting edge and foundational methodologies (such as reaction-time measures, experience sampling and longitudinal self-reports, and moment-to-moment assessment, in addition to more standard experimental manipulations, surveys, questionnaires, and direct observation).

The PhD dissertation requires original research that contributes significant new knowledge to the field. This research has clear practical implications within personal, organizational, social, political, and therapeutic contexts.

Graduates are trained for positions in university, hospital, community, industry or government settings.

Required Courses

• PS800: Advanced Multivariate Methods or PS801: Multi-level Modeling
• PS846: Research Seminar in Social Psychology I
• PS847: Research Seminar in Social Psychology II
• PS848: Research Seminar in Social Psychology III
• PS870: Specialized Research and Methods in Social Psychology I: Attitudes and Social Cognition
• PS871: Specialized Research and Methods in Social Psychology II: Interpersonal Relationships and Group Processes
• PS891: Comprehensive Research Experience I
• PS899: Dissertation
• To provide greater breadth of perspective in students’ dissertation areas, students must complete one elective course, which can be an additional comprehensive research experience (PS892), or an elective content course from another field in the PhD program, or from other graduate course offerings at Laurier or graduate programs at other institutions.

Developmental Psychology

Students in the PhD program in Developmental Psychology at Laurier work closely with a faculty supervisor on an original program of research aimed to make a significant contribution in a specific subfield of developmental psychology.

Rather than requiring students to pass comprehensive exams as a part of their studies, the Laurier Developmental Psychology PhD program requires students to complete two comprehensive research projects each with faculty members other than their primary advisor. The purpose of these projects is for students to learn and benefit from the mentorship of other faculty, to experience new research methodologies, and to gain exposure to new research literatures in order to strengthen students' research profiles with presentations and publications in the broader field of developmental psychology.

After graduation (typically within three to four years), students will have acquired the necessary skills to apply for a teaching or research position at a college or university, as well as for positions outside the academic sector (e.g. governmental and non-governmental institutions).

You'll complete a minimum of seven half-credit courses, two comprehensive research experiences and a PhD thesis.

• PS800: Advanced Seminar in Multivariate Methods or PS801: Multi-level Modeling
• PS874: Advanced Seminar in Social Development
• PS875: Advanced Seminar in Cognitive Development
• PS876: Research Seminar in Developmental Psychology I
• PS877: Research Seminar in Developmental Psychology II
• PS878: Research Seminar in Developmental Psychology III

Community Psychology

Community psychology is a critical and applied social science that pursues action-oriented social justice research from a perspective of understanding human behaviour in its social and historical contexts. Community psychologists recognize the communities they work with as experts on their own situations and as integral partners in designing and implementing culturally appropriate interventions that foster sustainable wellbeing. Community psychologists base their interventions on theory and evidence and use action-oriented research to promote positive change.

Community psychology takes a holistic approach to promoting social justice and wellbeing by focusing on the community, environment, and larger influencing factors that affect people’s daily lives (culture, society, politics, economics, etc.). It's characterized by an ecological approach to social problems that considers the conditions which give rise to them, such as experiences of poverty, oppression, marginalization and stigma. It links research and evaluation with direct action and service, and its practitioners partner with community members and social institutions to promote change.

Having a community psychology degree demonstrates that you have a professional commitment to lasting social change, an understanding of the origins of socially constructed problems, and the training to help others face those issues completely and successfully.

The objectives of the PhD program are for doctoral students to develop:

• Critical thinking, knowledge, and ethical sensitivity in relation to social systems analysis and intervention, community research and evaluation, and human service policy, programs, and practice.
• Skills for catalyzing social action and social policy initiatives related to community psychology, for conducting community research and evaluation, and for providing education and training both in university settings and in the community.

You'll gain teaching experience either by serving as a teaching assistant or by being an instructor or co-instructor for a course. The PhD program is geared to prepare graduates as scholars in universities, as policy researchers/analysts in governmental and non-governmental settings, as community researchers and program evaluators, and as managers of human service organizations.

• PS801: Multi-level Modeling
• PS802: Program Evaluation
• PS805: Qualitative Research Methods
• PS880: Theories and Ethics of Social Analysis and Intervention
• PS887: Application of Social Science Theories to Community Issues

Cognitive and Behavioural Neurosciences

Neuroscience is one of the most exciting and rapidly advancing fields in all of the life sciences. At Laurier, we take a broadly integrative perspective, examining the interaction between behaviour, cognition and the nervous system across a diverse set of species from fish to humans, ranging in scale from populations, to individuals, to cells, on timescales ranging from milliseconds to generations.

The objective of our PhD program is to train students to become independent research investigators in the field of neuroscience. An apprenticeship model provides students with an opportunity to acquire advanced academic knowledge in the biological basis of cognition and behaviour. Human and animal psychological issues are addressed by exploring the interaction between cognition, behaviour and the nervous system. Commonalities between humans and animals relating to cognitive, learning, and motivational processes and behaviour are explored to determine the role of the inner workings of the brain.

Students will develop basic and/or applied research skills in neuroscience. The PhD dissertation requires original research that contributes significant new knowledge to the field. Graduates are trained for positions in university, hospital, community, industry or government settings.

Our facilities allow faculty members and students to employ a rich diversity of tools and techniques including:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), high-density evoked potentials (EP), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
• Animal models of human medical (mental) disorders, including addiction, eating disorders, and age-related memory disorders.
• Automated tracking of collective behaviour, and operant behaviours.
• Confocal imaging, immunohistochemistry, patch clamp electrophysiology, quantitative gene expression analyses, and in situ hybridization.

In addition, a field station is equipped to study large groups of freely behaving animals to study the neural mechanisms organizing complex social behaviour.

• One of PS660: Principles of Cognition or PS663: Principles of Neuroscience . Students will take whichever course they did not take previously. Those students entering the program without a Laurier MSc degree will take the course most suited to their research interests (in consultation with the Psychology graduate coordinator).
• PS856: Research Seminar in Neuroscience . All PhD candidates are required to participate in the research seminar. The seminars will have a component devoted to training in teaching. The seminars are taken in the fall and winter terms for the duration of the student’s enrolment in the PhD program. Students are marked on a pass/fail basis in the last year in the program (receiving an incomplete until that point).
• PS891: Comprehensive Research Experience I . During the first two years of the PhD program, all students must complete a comprehensive research experience under the supervision of a faculty member other than their advisor.
• PS892: Comprehensive Research Experience II (which can take the role of a research project, including a written report, or a review paper) under the supervision of a faculty member other than their advisor;
• Elective content courses: PS860: Seminar in Cognition , PS861: Seminar in Comparative Cognition , PS862: Seminar in Perception , PS863: Seminar in Behavioural Neuroscience , PS864: Seminar in the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory , and PS865: Seminar in Cognitive Neuroscience .
• PS899: Dissertation . The university regulations regarding the requirements for submitting a doctoral dissertation and scheduling the oral examination will apply.

Our faculty members are strong researchers with external grant support and international reputations.

We give you the flexibility to explore your research interest and the ability to specialize in one of our four fields.

Faculty research a wide variety of topics, such as:

• People's thoughts about themselves through time, including their identity, memories, predictions, goals, and motivation.
• Sociocultural influences on the self.
• Implicit and explicit self-esteem.
• Narcissism.
• Experiences of awe.
• Mindfulness.
• Gender discrimination and coping.
• Risk regulation in close relationships.
• Personality and temporal processes at play during people’s social interactions.
• Social anxiety and other anxiety disorders.
• Role ambiguity.
• Acceptance in sport and exercise groups.

In the Developmental Psychology field, faculty members with supervisory status conduct experimental, observational, and applied research in:

• Cognitive development;
• Language and mathematics development;
• Reading acquisition;
• Moral and personality development; and
• Developmental issues related to educational, health and forensic psychology.

Faculty offer very diverse interests and areas of expertise, including:

• Community-based participatory research and stakeholder engagement.
• Indigenous rights and governance.
• The social exclusion of LGBT individuals and communities.
• Environmental justice and sustainability.
• Social innovation and social change.
• Youth engagement.
• Health equity and policy.
• Early childhood education and care.
• Community and education.
• Program development and evaluation.
• Social determinants of HIV/AIDS.
• Population and public health.

Our research interests are interconnected, focusing on the mechanisms underlying:

• Visual and auditory perception;
• Motor control, attention and memory;
• Medical (mental) disorders, including addiction, eating disorders, and age-related memory disorders;
• The neurobiology of learning and memory, the evolution of learning, social learning, comparative cognition, the learning-motivation interface, and neural plasticity; and
• Social organization and collective behaviour.

"Immerse yourself in all Laurier has to offer while completing your graduate education. Enjoy the journey – remember to have fun too!"

Paula C. Fletcher, associate dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.

• Start: Fall (September)
• Format: Full-time
• Application deadline: Jan. 6 (first consideration), March 30 (international applicants), Aug. 15 (domestic applicants). We evaluate late applications if space permits.

Admission Requirements

• A master’s degree in psychology or related field with a minimum A- standing
• Proficiency in English.
• Applications are reviewed by the graduate program committee, which considers all prior university grades, a statement of research interests and letters of reference.
• Contact a prospective advisor prior to submitting your application.

For the Cognitive and Behavioural Neurosciences field:

• If a student applies with a MA or MSc degree from another university, she/he may be admitted to the PhD program; some make-up course work may be required depending on the courses completed at the master’s level.

Application Checklist

Applications are due Jan. 6 for first consideration. Those fields will continue to accept applications until the program is full.

Please note, the application process and the uploading of supplemental documentation, which includes references, typically takes two weeks. To avoid disappointment, apply early.

After you have submitted your OUAC application , paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from [email protected] advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System (LORIS) .

An application for admission to our PhD program in Psychology must include:

• The Application Summary, which is generated after you complete your OUAC application (log back in to OUAC to retrieve it).
• Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. Documents must be dated within the past six months.
• A completed statement of intent.
• A resume of your academic and work experience. Include a history of your publication and scholarly paper activity and any other information you feel will interest the admissions committee.
• A sample of your scholarly writing (10-20 pages in length). This may be a chapter of your master's thesis or a paper written for a graduate course.
• Completed reference forms . Two academic references are required. Applicants to the community psychology field are required to submit, in addition to two academic references, one professional reference letter. Note: Reference forms are electronically submitted to Laurier by the referee and do not need to be uploaded.

Visit our Graduate Admissions Toolkit for more information about applying.

English Proficiency

Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. If applicable, results from accepted testing services must be uploaded to  LORIS .

Your Next Steps

Questions? Contact David White, graduate coordinator, at [email protected] or 548.889.3698. For general inquiries, contact Rita Sharkey, at  [email protected] or 548.889.38631.

Waterloo Campus

This program is available on Laurier's Waterloo campus.

Laurier's Waterloo campus is home to more than 19,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Tucked into several city blocks, this campus is walking distance to your classrooms, food, and various campus amenities.

Laurier is a leading force in research among Canadian universities, and many of our research centres and institutes are housed in Waterloo.

Learn more about Laurier's campuses .

Tuition and Funding

Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

Graduate Tuition and Funding

"With contributions from several university-based partners, ASPIRE provides graduate students and postdoctoral researchers with informative, hands-on professional skills training essential for degree and post-degree success."

Brent Wolfe , Associate Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Our graduates have gone on to work in academia, government agencies, non-government organizations, and medical research.

Examples of jobs held by our graduate include:

• faculty at Carleton University, Algoma University, University of Waterloo and Grant MacEwan University
• research and development at Multi-Health Systems, Toronto
• Government of Canada research

Your Path to Post-Degree Success

ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace .

Learn about the interests and ongoing research of our faculty members. If their research interests you, email the professor directly to set up a meeting. Include information about yourself, your skills, your experience, and why you’re interested in their research.

Eight full-time faculty members supervise theses and dissertations in our Social Psychology master's and PhD programs:

• Roger Buehler
• Justin Cavallo
• Mindi Foster
• Christian Jordan
• Frank Kachanoff
• Nancy Kocovski
• Pamela Sadler
• Anne Wilson
• Meaghan Barlow
• Marc Jambon
• Alexandra Gottardo
• Tobias Krettenauer
• Danielle Law
• Kim Roberts
• John W. Schwieter
• Eileen Wood

There are currently six faculty members who are available to supervise Community Psychology graduate students:

• Ann Marie Beals
• Todd Coleman
• Livia Dittmer
• Maritt Kirst
• Natalie Kivell
• Melody Morton Ninomiya
• Manuel Riemer
• Ketan Shankardass
• Ciann Wilson
• language and cognitive processes
• neural circuits and systems
• non-human social behaviour
• machine learning tools
• Human communication through speech
• music and other acoustic signals
• neural plasticity
• collective behaviour
• comparative cognition
• visual perception and attention
• somatosensory and visual perception
• sensory processing
• motor control
• neurodevelopmental disabilities 

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Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a doctoral program in clinical psychology which is comprised of 26 required courses, a minimum of 750 hours of practica experience, and a fulltime, 12-month predoctoral internship. The degree program is designed to prepare students to practice as clinical psychologists.

Infused with a critical lens, and focused throughout on integration of theory, research, and practice across individual and cultural diversities, the Doctor of Psychology Program prepares graduates to practice as clinical psychologists who will meet the needs of individuals, couples, and families, and also of broader communities and populations through the conscientious practice of the human art and science of clinical psychology.

Students will learn to develop, deliver and supervise high quality mental health services including assessment, diagnosis as appropriate, psychotherapeutic intervention and consultation, supervision, and research as well as learn to practice clinical psychology with an emphasis on responding to the broader needs for health and wellness promotion, community strengthening and prevention of psychological distress.

Of particular priority in the program is the development in students of the capacity to respectfully and effectively engage with the diversity of past and current experiences of individuals and communities, including with respect to culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, language, religion, sexuality, physical and psychological characteristics, and identity. Students will develop an understanding of prominent systems and learn to work within them to effectively advocate for those requiring psychological services and to inform and shape organizational and public policy. Ethical decision making will be paramount throughout the program.

Students in the program are engaged full-time with the program throughout almost the entirety of the four years of study. The first semesters include five courses per semester; the workload for five graduate-level courses in a professional training program is much greater than that for five senior undergraduate courses.  As is the case in other professional training programs such as medicine or veterinary medicine, students in the PsyD will not have time for significant employment outside the program. 

Students' initial practicum placements will take place in the UPEI Psychology Clinic. The program will place students for subsequent practica in sites across Prince Edward Island, unless students initiate an approved placement site outside of the province.  For the pre-doctoral internship, students take part with students across North America in the competitive APPIC internship matching program ( www.appic.org ). Internship placements cannot be guaranteed. A limited number of 12-month internship placements will be available in Prince Edward Island, considerably fewer than there will be students in the program.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply to internship sites outside the province.

Continuation in the program requires successful completion of, and ethical and professional conduct in, courses, practicum placements, and internship. 

The University of Prince Edward Island’s PsyD in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). The initial accreditation is for a three-year term dating from the accreditation site visit of October 2022. A reaccreditation site visit will take place in advance of that three-year date. The CPA Accreditation Panel Office can be contacted via: Dr. Stewart Madon, Registrar, [email protected] , 613-237-2144 (ext. 333).

Clinical Psychology

Clinical Psychology is a subfield within psychology that applies psychological theories, research and knowledge to various aspects of human functioning. Clinical psychologists are professionals who have doctoral level training in clinical psychology. They work in a wide range of contexts, with many working as professional clinicians, academics, or both. Clinical psychologists work across the spectrum of health and mental health promotion, prevention, assessment, diagnosis as appropriate, intervention, consultation, and supportive care. They are engaged with program design, implementation, and evaluation and with policy and systems change.

Clinical psychologists are trained to address many human problems including depression, anxiety, stress, major mental disorders, learning problems, relational problems, challenges in parenting, addictions, behaviours contributing to chronic disease, developmental challenges, problems related to aging, problems which may arise from abuse or other traumatic experiences, and issues within the forensic field.

Clinical psychologists often work closely with psychiatrists, social workers and other health professionals, often within leadership roles on interdisciplinary teams. They may work with individuals, couples, or groups in public mental health clinics, in private practice, in public education systems, in other community settings, and at universities.

Program contacts

Dr. Philip Smith Director of Clinical Training, PsyD Program [email protected]

Lacey McBride and Melissa Bender  Administrative Assistants, PsyD Program [email protected]

Need more information about Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)?

The personal information requested on this form is collected under Section 31(c) of the PEI Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Read our Disclaimer .

Note: Current UPEI students should refer to Student Planning in myUPEI and the UPEI Academic Calendar governing their entry year, and speak to an academic advisor about course requirements. The course structure presented for this program is a recommended, unofficial progression for prospective students.

Students following this degree program must complete 75 semester hours of required courses, 750 hours of clinical practica, and a full-time, 12-month clinical internship.

Required courses

PSY 6201 Critical Historical Perspectives on Clinical Psychology PSY 6202 Ethics and Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology PSY 6101 Foundations I: Human Development and Personality PSY 6203 Psychopathology and Diagnosis Across the Lifespan PSY 6204 Psychometrics and Assessment Practices with Adults PSY 6102 Foundations II: Social Bases of Behaviour PSY 6103 Foundations III: Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behaviour PSY 6206 Quantitative Approaches to Research in Clinical Psychology PSY 6207 Qualitative Research in Clinical Psychology PSY 6205 Psychometrics and Assessment Practices with Children and Adolescents PSY 6501 Assessment Practicum PSY 6208 Introduction to Psychotherapy: Common Factors PSY 7101 Foundations IV: Biological Bases of Behaviour PSY 7202 Intervention with Children and Adolescents PSY 7201 Intervention with Adults PSY 7801 Clinical Dissertation: Research Proposal I PSY 7203 Advanced Intervention with Adults: Behavioural, Cognitive and Related Approaches PSY 7204 Advanced Intervention with Adults: Specific Clinical Approaches PSY 7205 Advanced Intervention with Children and Adolescents PSY 7802 Clinical Dissertation: Research Proposal II PSY 7501 Intervention Practicum PSY 8801 Clinical Dissertation: Project I PSY 8201 Clinical Psychology in the Community PSY 8202 Clinical Psychology for Organizational and Systems Change PSY 8501 Advanced Practicum I PSY 8502 Community Intervention Practicum PSY 8802 Clinical Dissertation: Project II PSY 8203 Clinical Supervision and Teaching PSY 8204 Psychology Practice PSY 8501 Advanced Practicum I PSY 9000 Predoctoral Internship

Optional course

PSY 8503 Advanced Practicum II

Suggested course sequence 

The order in which courses are offered may vary year to year.

Semester 1 (Fall) PSY 6201 Critical Historical Perspectives on Clinical Psychology PSY 6202 Ethics and Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology PSY 6203 Psychopathology and Diagnosis Across the Lifespan PSY 6204 Psychometrics and Assessment Practices with Adults PSY 6207 Qualitative Research in Clinical Psychology

Semester 2 (Winter) PSY 6102 Foundations II: Social Bases of Behaviour

or PSY 7101 Foundations IV: Biological Bases of Behaviour PSY 6205 Psychometrics and Assessment Practices with Children and Adolescents PSY 6206 Quantitative Approaches to Research in Clinical Psychology PSY 6208 Introduction to Psychotherapy: Common Factors  PSY 6501 Assessment Practicum

Semester 3 (Summer) PSY 6101 Foundations I: Human Development and Personality

or PSY 6103 Foundations III: Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behaviour PSY 6501 Assessment Practicum (con’t)

Semester 1 (Fall) PSY 7202 Intervention with Children and Adolescents PSY 7203 Advanced Intervention with Adults: Behavioural, Cognitive & Related Approaches PSY 7501 Intervention Practicum PSY 7801 Clinical Dissertation: Research Proposal I PSY 8202 Clinical Psychology for Organizational and Systems Change

or PSY 7101 Foundations IV: Biological Bases of Behaviour PSY 7201 Intervention with Adults PSY 7205 Advanced Intervention with Children and Adolescents PSY 7501 Intervention Practicum (con’t) PSY 7802 Clinical Dissertation: Research Proposal II

or PSY 6103 Foundations III: Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behaviour PSY 8501 Advanced Practicum I

Semester 1 (Fall) PSY 8203 Clinical Supervision and Teaching PSY 8204 Psychology Practice PSY 8801 Clinical Dissertation: Project I PSY 8501 Advanced Practicum I (con’t)

Semester 2 (Winter) PSY 7204 Advanced Intervention with Adults: Specific Clinical Approaches PSY 8201 Clinical Psychology in the Community PSY 8502 Community Intervention Practicum PSY 8503 Advanced Practicum II (optional) PSY 8802 Clinical Dissertation: Project II

Semester 3 (Summer) PSY 8503 Advanced Practicum II (optional) (con’t) PSY 8802 Clinical Dissertation: Project II (con’t)

Applicants to the UPEI Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program are required to have an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology including an honours thesis, or an equivalent. Applicants are encouraged to present a record of undergraduate course selection reflecting breadth of study across the core areas of psychology. Given the preponderance of quantitative methods in the current clinical psychology research literature, completion of an advanced statistics course prior to admission is required. In addition, given the methodological pluralism and critical historical and social perspective adopted by the program, previous course work in qualitative research methods and situating psychology in a critical historical perspective is highly recommended. PsyD students at UPEI will be engaged in a critical and reflective dialogue about research methods and the modern positions adopted by clinical psychology.

A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4-point scale is normally required, with more recent performance given greater weight.

Applicants whose undergraduate degree is in a language other than English must complete an English proficiency test as an Additional Language assessment.

Please refer to the UPEI Academic Calendar for complete Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program admissions information.

Canadian Psychological Association grants UPEI PsyD program accreditation

The University of Prince Edward Island’s four-year doctor of psychology (PsyD) in clinical psychology program has been granted accreditation for a three-year term by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).

All application materials, including official transcripts from post-secondary institutions and letters of reference, must be  received by December 1 of the previous calendar year the student wishes to enter the program. (If December 1 falls on a weekend, the deadline is the following Monday.)

You do not secure a supervisor before applying to the program arrangement with dissertation supervisors are made during the first year of study.

Doctoral of Clinical Psychology - $35,844 per 4 year program

International students pay $8,010 per year in addition to full-time student tuition.

For a complete breakdown of part-time or full-time study as a student in the PsyD program, visit our Tuition and Fees page .

The PsyD program currently offers each student funding of $10,000 a year for the first three years for clinical assistantships. The clinical assistantships involve students contributing to the development and delivery of community-based interventions.

UPEI has about 250 faculty—exceptional scholars, teachers, and mentors, with more being hired each year as we open new, progressive, and unique programs. But the story isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in the quality of our people. Award-winning faculty from around the globe have made UPEI home. Here, you’ll learn directly from these world-class professors and researchers in small classes where you’ll have easy access to them.

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Psychology (MA, PhD)

Part of the Faculty of Arts

Program Overview

Format : Full-time

Degree Earned : Master of Arts or PhD

Launched in 2007, this innovative program offers study in the fields of Psychological Science or Clinical Psychology under a core faculty trained at and recruited from top universities in Canada, the United States and around the world. In a department known for its experiential and career-focused learning, and with a curriculum anchored in real-world issues, the graduate program takes advantage of its downtown Toronto location to offer proximity to major sites for practicum training and clinical research, and world-class training opportunities. The department has more than 15,000 square feet of research and student training space designed from the ground up to meet the specialized research needs of the department.

At a Glance

Admissions information.

• Completion of a four-year undergraduate (or equivalent) degree in Psychology or related field (e.g., Applied Cognitive Science or Behaviour, Cognition and Neuroscience) from an accredited institution
• As per the Graduate School policy, a minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study is required. However, due to the competitive application process, a minimum of 3.67/4.33 GPA (A-) is strongly recommended. Check the program's web page for further details.
• Statement of interest
• Transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• English Proficiency Test
• An interview will be required for selected applicants
• Completion of a master’s degree in psychology from an accredited institution
• As per the Graduate School policy, a minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.33/4.33 (B+) in the last two years of study is required. However, due to the competitive application process, a minimum of 3.67/4.33 GPA (A-) is strongly recommended. Check the program's web page for further details.

Note:  The GRE test is no longer required as an admissions requirement effective fall 2021.

More information on  admission requirements . Please note this program is extremely competitive and spots are currently limited to qualified domestic applicants.  Potential International applicants are encouraged to contact the program before submitting an application.

Program-specific requirements

Check Application Deadline

Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first consideration date to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Applications received after the first consideration date will be accepted and reviewed based on spaces remaining in the program.

See application dates .

Financing Your Studies

For detailed graduate tuition and fees information please visit  Fees by Program .

For information on scholarships, awards and financing your graduate studies visit  Financing Your Studies.

Streams/Research Areas

• Clinical Psychology (accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association)
• Brain, Perception and Cognition
• Community and Health Psychology
• Lifespan Development
• Social Psychology

Curricular Highlights

In addition to traditional course work and thesis/ dissertation milestones, students complete practicum placements where they apply their knowledge and skills. Some recent research and clinical practicum sites include:

• Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Duke University Medical Centre (North Carolina)
• Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
• John Jay College of Criminal Justice (New York)
• Ontario Correctional Institute
• Pelly Crossing School (Yukon)
• Toronto Rehabilitation Institute

Psychology (MA, PhD) graduate program calendar

• The PRTC and Stress Institute features 31 dedicated research laboratories and groups; shared observation rooms; flexible interview, research and group therapy rooms; seminar and conference rooms; graduate student space; and offices.
• Specialized research equipment and technology include EEG; psychophysiology, BioPac and BioLynx ambulatory systems; face/emotion capture and eye tracking; headmounted virtual reality with scenario suite; a sound attenuated chamber; and an assay laboratory.
• The Clinical Psychology Program offers a unique practicum experience through its Psychology Training Clinic located within the St. Michael’s Hospital Family Health Team Clinic at 80 Bond Street. The Clinic is outfitted with state-of-the-art video recording equipment.

Graduate Admissions

Admissions information and how to apply

Graduate Studies Admissions Office 11th Floor, 1 Dundas Street West Toronto, ON Telephone: 416-979-5150 Email:  [email protected] For information specific to programs, please see the program contact information below.

Program Contacts

Dr. Todd Girard Graduate Program Director PhD, University of Waterloo Research areas: hippocampus; schizophrenia; memory; spatial cognition; fMRI; sleep-paralysis hallucinations Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 552646 Email: [email protected]

Sarah Carmichael Graduate Program Administrator Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 552178 Email:  [email protected]

“[TMU]’s Psychology program has provided me with the skills and opportunities to conduct high-level research that aims to change how we view sexual violence. The knowledge that my research has the potential to translate into clinical and policy recommendations to increase the safety of Canadians is incredibly rewarding.” Andrew Brankley, PhD student and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipient (2014-17)

Student profile: Singing for your brain  (external link) 

Ella Dubinsky (psychology MA alumna and PhD student, and the university's 2017 3MT® winner and Canadian 3MT® finalist) explores using music to improve hearing in aging adults.

Find curriculum, course descriptions and important dates for Psychology (MA, PhD).

Once you’ve made an informed choice about which program(s) you are going to apply to, preparing your application requires careful research and planning.

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we understand that pursuing graduate studies is a significant financial investment. Funding comes from a combination of employment contracts (as a teaching assistant), scholarships, awards and stipends. There are a number of additional funding sources – internal and external – available to graduate students that can increase these funding levels.

As an urban innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University offers 60+ cutting-edge, career-oriented graduate programs, as well as 125+ research centres, institutes and labs, in a wide range of disciplines. Our close connections with industry, government and community partners provide opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and make a difference.

Study Destination

PhD in Psycholo...

PhD in Psychology in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide to Study PhD in Psychology in Canada for International Students

Today’s world realizes the importance of mental health which is why psychology is a pivotal profession with increasing demand. Apart from being in demand, psychology as a profession is also one of the highest paying fields in Canada with average salary packages of 200,000 CAD per year . It is a vocational course that emphasizes the understanding of thoughts, emotions and behavior. If you have already climbed the ladder and earned a postgraduate degree in Psychology, a PhD in Psychology is all you need to become a practicing psychologist or psychiatrist in Canada.

There are a number of specializations in the field of psychology with some of the most popular ones being PhD in clinical psychology in Canada for international students, educational psychology, child psychology, social psychology, counseling psychology, experimental psychology, etc. to choose from. If you wish to pursue a PhD in Psychology in Canada, read this guide to learn about the various specializations, top universities, admission process and requirements, fees and funding, employment prospects, etc.

Why Study PhD in Psychology in Canada?

You must be wondering what makes Canada a lucrative option for studying PhD in Psychology. Here is the answer to your question

• Home to coveted institutions: Canada is home to some of the oldest and prominent institutions ranked among the top globally which promises world-class education to students. 18 Universities in Canada rank for Psychology as per QS subject ranking 2021.
• Affordable fees: Compared to other study abroad destinations like the US or UK, the cost of PhD in Psychology in Canada for international students is quite affordable. Not only this, you will also be able to save yourself from cutting a hole in your pocket by applying for funding available for international doctoral applicants.
• Good future opportunities: For Psychologists, over the period 2019-2028, new job opportunities in Canada (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to total 15,700 , while 13,700 new job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration and mobility) are expected to be available to fill them.
• World-class facilities: The health infrastructure of Canada is supported by high-tech facilities. By pursuing a PhD in Psychology in Canada you will not only be practicing with experts in the field but also get the benefits of world-class infrastructure.

Suggested: Masters in Psychology in Canada

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements for PhD in Psychology in Canada

The admission requirements in Canada may vary from one university to another. The general eligibility criteria for PhD in Psychology in Canada that must be fulfilled to get into any university across Canada are discussed below:

Master’s Degree

To apply for PhD Psychology in Canada, you must have a thesis-based MA or MSc in Psychology degree. You will need a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above to be eligible for admission or minimum overall average in the B+ range. Remember that the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

All international students are required to fulfill this requirement to get into Psychology PhD programs in Canada. You are expected to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or overall TOEFL score of 90.

Test Scores

Some universities require GRE scores depending on the area of research and according to the recommendation of the research supervisor.

Visa Requirements

International students will have to apply for a Canadian student visa to be eligible to study in Canada. You will be able to apply for a study permit only after receiving the offer letter for admission. It is advisable to apply as early as possible to ensure sufficient time for processing the visa.

Documents Required

Keep the following documents handy while applying for admission to PhD in Psychology in Canada for international students:

• Transcripts from previously attended university.
• Master’s degree certificate
• English language proficiency test scores
• GMAT / GRE scores
• Letters of reference
• Statement of Research Interest
• Preference of supervisor
• Personal statement of purpose  
• Writing sample
• Criminal record check
• Copy of passport
• Financial statement

Suggested: Universities in Canada for PhD

Admission Process for PhD in Psychology in Canada

Majority of institutions in Canada offer PhD in Psychology only for the fall intake. The general application deadline for Fall is December 1. The PhD programs have limited seats which is why admissions are quite competitive. Try being an early applicant to be a step ahead of others in the admission process. It is important to be aware of the steps in the admission process for PhD in Psychology in Canada for international students:

• Check_the_available_intake_and_application_deadline_for PhD in Canada .
• Review_the_eligibility_criteria_and_admission_requirements_before_filling_the_online_application
• Complete_the_online_application_and_submit_the_non_refundable_application_fee
• Gather_the_documents_required_to_complete_the_application
• Apply_to_the_doctoral_program_with_your_research_project_and_look_for_a_suitable_supervisor_and_discuss_with_them_your_project
• After_submitting_your_application_track_the_progress_and_wait_for_the_admission_decision
• Once_you_receive_the_admission_decision_pay_the_enrollment_deposit_and_confirm_your_acceptance
• Obtain_the_letter_of_admission_and_proceed_with_the_application_process_for_Canadian_study_permit

Suggested: Intakes and Deadlines to study in Canada in 2022!

Top 6 Universities in Canada for PhD in Psychology

Take a look at the top universities for PhD in Psychology in Canada along with important details such as top courses, fees, rankings and more:

University of British Columbia

University of British Columbia is home to one of the top ranked Department of Psychology, praised for its research not only in Canada but worldwide. The department is run by 58 faculty members supporting 120+ full-time graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in research related to various disciplines with psychology. The key areas of research include clinical, cognitive science, developmental, health, behavioral neuroscience, quantitative methods and social psychology.

Simon Fraser University

The graduate programs in Psychology at Simon Fraser University are directed towards a PhD. The PhD program is based on the scientist-practitioner training model and accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

• McGill University

The Graduate Department of Psychology at McGill University is one of the oldest and most well-known in North America. The university itself enjoys a great reputation as it ranks in the top 30 worldwide in QS Rankings 2022. It offers PhD in various specializations including Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Applied Child Psychology and Educational Psychology.

• University of Victoria

University of Victoria also provides a Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) accredited program which is based on the scientist-practitioner model. With completion of a PhD in Psychology from University of Victoria, international students will automatically qualify for licensed practice across Canada and the US. The program will prepare you for working in both academic and clinical settings be it with families, communities or organizations.

• University of Guelph

The College of Social and Applied Human Sciences at the University of Guelph offers PhD in Psychology. Depending on your area of interest you can choose from one of the four specializations that include Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Applied Social Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science.

• University of Toronto

University of Toronto is the highest ranked institution in Canada. The program emphasizes experimental psychology with behavioral neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, developmental and personality as areas of specialization.

Affordability is a major factor for pursuing Psychology PhD in Canada after eligibility. As we have already discussed the tuition fee for various universities let us now take a look at the overall cost of studying PhD Psychology in Canada:

Cost of Studying PhD in Psychology in Canada

The cost of studying Psychology PhD programs in Canada includes the tuition fees and the cost of living. The tuition fees PhD in Psychology in Canada for international students is between 7,000 CAD and 17,000 CAD . 

• The cost for Indian students is around 412,000-10,02,000 INR. Another component of the cost of education in Canada is the cost of living. 
• The average yearly cost of living in Canada for international students is around 10,000-12,000 CAD i.e. 5,87,000 - 7,05,000 INR. The cost of on-campus accommodation is around 3,000 CAD - 7,500 CAD while private accommodation is costlier and the rent is around 8,000 CAD - 9,000 CAD. 
• Other cost of living expenses include food, utility bills, transportation, entertainment, health insurance, etc.

Scholarships for PhD in Psychology in Canada

The expenses of studying for a PhD in Psychology in Canada may be overburdening for students. But the good news is that there is a lot of scholarships for international students in Canada to fulfill their endeavors. You will also have access to a variety of merit and need-based funding opportunities from the university you apply to. Some scholarships that you must consider for studying PhD in Psychology in Canada are:

Career Opportunities in Canada After PhD in Psychology

The salary of an individual is predicted to increase by 23% after completing a PhD . After getting a PhD in Psychology, you are most likely to practice in your area of specialization or take teaching roles. On an average, a psychologist in Canada earns around 200,000 CAD per year with salaries starting from 104,000 CAD and going up to 305,000 CAD. Take a look at the table below to understand the average salaries for various jobs after Canada PhD Psychology:

Suggested: Part time jobs for international students in Canada!

PhD in Clinical Psychology in Canada for international students has recently gained a lot of popularity as it is one of the highest paying specializations with a lot of scope within the field of Psychology. With a PhD from Canada you will be academically prepared for facing practical situations and excel in your job no matter which corner of the world you are in. Therefore, it is a justified choice to study for a PhD in Psychology in Canada. PhD in Psychology is not a completely theory based discipline but involves a lot of thinking and assessment to be well-known in your job.

Frequently Asked Questions About PhD in Psychology in Canada

How much does it cost to pursue PhD in Clinical Psychology in Canada?

The cost of PhD in Clinical Psychology in Canada is around 9,000-17,000 CAD.

Do I have to register to practice Psychology in Canada?

Yes, a registration is required to practice Psychology in Canada. If your program is already accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association you will not have to undertake the registration process personally. Otherwise, you will have to get in touch with the respective regulatory body.

What is the duration for a PhD in Psychology in Canada?

The duration of PhD in Psychology in Canada is 3-5 years or maximum 6 years.

What are the top universities for PhD in Psychology in Canada?

Some of the top universities for PhD in Psychology in Canada are University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Montreal, McGill University, University of Victoria, University of Guelph among others.

Is a PhD in Psychology from Canada valid in India?

Yes, degrees from Canadian institutions are recognized worldwide. Therefore, your PhD in Psychology from Canada will not only be valid in India but also highly valued.

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• 17 April 2024

Canadian science gets biggest boost to PhD and postdoc pay in 20 years

• Brian Owens

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Canada’s prime minister Justin Trudeau and finance minister Chrystia Freeland hold copies of the 2024 federal budget. Credit: David Kawai/Bloomberg via Getty

Researchers in Canada got most of what they were hoping for in the country’s 2024 federal budget, with a big boost in postgraduate pay and more funding for research and scientific infrastructure.

“We are investing over $5 billion in Canadian brainpower,” said finance minister Chrystia Freeland in her budget speech on 16 April. “More funding for research and scholarships will help Canada attract the next generation of game-changing thinkers.”

Canadian PhD students and postgrads plan mass walkout over low pay

Postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers have been advocating for higher pay for the past two years through a campaign called Support Our Science. They requested an increase in the value, and number, of federal government scholarships, and got more than they asked for. Stipends for master’s students will rise from Can$17,500 (US$12,700) to $27,000 per year, PhDs stipends that ranged from $20,000 to $35,000 will be set to a uniform annual $40,000 and most postdoctoral-fellowship salaries will increase from $45,000 to $70,000 per annum. The number of scholarships and fellowships provided will also rise over time, building to around 1,720 more per year after five years.

“We’re very thrilled with this significant new investment, the largest investment in graduate students and postdocs in over 21 years,” says Kaitlin Kharas, a PhD student at the University of Toronto, Canada, and executive director of Support Our Science . “It will directly support the next generation of researchers.”

Although only a small proportion of students and postdoctoral fellows receive these federal scholarships, other funders tend to use them as a guide for their own stipends.

Many postgraduates said that low pay was forcing them to consider leaving Canada to pursue their scientific career, says Kharas, so this funding should help to retain talent in the country.

“This is going to move us from a searing brain drain to a brain gain, and position us to compete on the world stage,” says Chad Gaffield, chief executive of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, based in Ontario, which supported the campaign.

‘Determined to thrive’

The budget also includes marked boosts for basic research. There is an extra $1.8 billion over five years in core funding for the three federal grant-awarding research councils, as well as $400 million for upgrades to the TRIUMF particle accelerator in Vancouver, and more cash for several other large facilities and institutes across the country. There will also be more than $2 billion for the artificial-intelligence sector in Canada.

“[This budget] really emphasizes that Canada is determined to thrive in the twenty-first century based on science and research,” says Gaffield.

Canada announces new innovation agency — and it’s not modelled on DARPA

Others have pointed out that the vast majority of the money in the budget for the research councils is backloaded, with just $228 million coming in the next two years. This means that the gains will be slow, and could be vulnerable to changes in the political climate, says Alex Usher, president of Higher Education Strategy Associates, a consultancy in Toronto. “Do not count on this money being there after an election,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). Canada’s next federal election is due in October 2025, and the opposition Conservative Party is campaigning on reigning in spending.

The budget also makes some changes to how science funding is organized. Instead of ten different programmes for scholarships and fellowships, with differing levels of support, there will now be a single programme with just three levels — master’s degrees, PhDs and postdoctoral fellowships. Kharas says that this should simplify the system.

The government will also create a new “capstone” research-funding organization to better coordinate the work of the three granting councils and “help to advance internationally collaborative, multi-disciplinary and mission-driven research”, the budget says. It will also create an advisory Council on Science and Innovation, comprised of leaders from academia, industry and the non-profit sector, which will develop a national science-and-innovation strategy to guide priority setting and increase the impact of federal investments. “This should help move us towards a more efficient, well-coordinated and nimble way of supporting research in Canada,” says Gaffield. “I look forward to working with the government to optimize it.”

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01124-2

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Dana Boebinger, PhD , is a postdoctoral fellow working in the lab of Samuel Norman-Haignere, PhD , at the University of Rochester Medical Center . She received her doctoral degree from Harvard University’s Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology program, her master’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience from University College London as a Fulbright Scholar, and her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Music at Florida State University. Her research focuses on how the human brain perceives and understands sounds like speech and music.

“As a musician, I’ve always been fascinated by sound and the profound effect it has on people,” said Boebinger. “I started college as a music therapy major, but quickly realized that I was more interested in the research behind questions like, “why can aphasia patients sometimes sing but not speak?” and “what is it about music that helps Parkinson’s patients walk steadily?” I started taking classes in psychology and neuroscience, and over several years I found that I had slowly morphed from a musician to a computational cognitive neuroscientist.”

Boebinger’s postdoctoral research primarily uses human intracranial recordings. She was recently awarded an F32 from the National Institutes of Health for research that aims to reveal how the brain integrates information about speech over time, in both silent and noisy environments. The Norman-Haignere lab collaborates with neurosurgeons and neurologists in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at URMC to work with patients who have been implanted with intracranial electrodes for clinical reasons. While these patients are in the hospital having their brain activity monitored to localize seizures, they can also to participate in research by listening to experimental stimuli like speech and music. This gives researchers the rare opportunity to record neural activity from inside the human brain. “The results of these experiments will further our knowledge of the computations that enable speech recognition in noisy real-world conditions, as well as how auditory cortex flexibly adapts to changing environments,” Boebinger said. “Answering these questions is a critical step towards understanding the deficits in listening in noise that are present in auditory neurodevelopmental and attention disorders.”

The Hearing and Balance Collective Journal Club that Boebinger co-leads has expanded her understanding of the complexity of the auditory system, exposing her to research she may not otherwise have come across. “The journal club gives me insight into these other levels of observation, and occasionally allows me to make connections to my own research that I otherwise would not have if I only read papers in my own niche field.”

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