Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The PhD is a research degree centred on an original thesis that makes a substantive contribution to knowledge in educational and developmental psychology. Candidates typically investigate topics such as cognitive and social development, learning and instruction, assessment and measurement, early childhood development, developmental psychopathology, intervention efficacy, or school-based mental health.

Although the primary requirement is the thesis, candidature often includes structured elements to support research training, for example:

• development of a literature review and research proposal;
• research methods and advanced statistics or qualitative methods units (as required by the supervisory panel);
• regular progress seminars and a confirmation milestone early in candidature;
• ethical approval and engagement with community or school partners for applied research;
• opportunities to present at conferences and prepare manuscripts for publication.

Supervision is provided by a team of academic staff with expertise in educational psychology, developmental science, psychometrics, and applied interventions. Candidates are expected to plan and execute an independent research program, adhere to rigorous ethical standards, and disseminate findings through academic and stakeholder channels.

Entry requirements

Entry is for applicants who hold a relevant research master's degree (for example a Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) with a substantial research component), or an honours degree with a high level of academic achievement plus demonstrated research experience. Typical expectations include:

• a completed postgraduate qualification in psychology, education or a closely related discipline that includes a significant research thesis or project;
• strong academic record (usually at or above a high second-class honours / merit level, or equivalent);
• a clear research proposal aligning with the expertise of potential supervisors and the university’s research priorities;
• evidence of research skills such as prior publications, conference presentations, or a substantial supervised research project;
• for international applicants, proof of English language proficiency according to the university’s requirements.

Admission also depends on the availability of appropriate supervision and resources for the proposed project. Applicants should contact prospective supervisors before applying and provide referee reports and a CV as part of the application.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in educational and developmental psychology pursue careers across academic, research and applied sectors. Common pathways include:

• academic and research roles at universities and research institutes, including postdoctoral fellowships and teaching positions;
• policy and evaluation roles in government departments and non-government organisations focusing on education, child and family services, or community development;
• senior research or analytic positions in assessment organisations, curriculum authorities or educational technology companies;
• leadership roles in early childhood services, schools and health services where research-informed program design, evaluation and evidence translation are required;
• consultancy in program evaluation, measurement and intervention design for NGOs, private providers and international development agencies.

Note: professional practice as a registered psychologist typically requires completion of an accredited professional master’s sequence and registration pathways; PhD training complements but does not by itself confer professional registration.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University offers a research environment with strengths in education, child and family wellbeing, and applied approaches to learning and development. ACU provides multidisciplinary supervision, access to school and community partnerships across multiple campuses, and research centres focused on education and wellbeing which support applied projects.

Candidates benefit from structured HDR training, professional development workshops, scholarship and funding support processes, and opportunities to connect with practitioners through placement or collaborative research. The university emphasises ethical, community-engaged research and supports translation of findings into policy and practice.