University of Western Australia

What you'll study

The PhD is a research degree centred on a substantial original thesis in industrial and organisational (I/O) psychology. Candidates develop a sustained research project addressing workplace issues such as personnel selection, performance measurement, leadership, wellbeing at work, organisational change, job design, diversity and inclusion, and the psychometrics of workplace assessments. Research training is supported by coursework units or structured research training modules that typically cover advanced research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, multilevel modelling, structural equation modelling, test development and validation, and ethics in workplace research.

Many candidates also draw on the Master of Industrial and Organisational Psychology component as a concurrent or nested qualification when transitioning from professional training to research. Typical study activities include:

• Designing and carrying out an extended empirical research project leading to a thesis
• Advanced statistical and psychometric analysis of workplace data
• Critical review of contemporary I/O theory and evidence
• Supervised practicum or industry-linked research placements where applicable
• Presentation of findings at seminars and conferences and preparation of manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals

Typical research topics

• Validity and fairness of selection and assessment systems
• Leadership development and its impact on team performance
• Workplace wellbeing, occupational stress and interventions
• Organisational change, culture and engagement
• Big data and people analytics for talent management

Entry requirements

Entry to the PhD requires a relevant honours degree with a research component, or a recognised master’s by research in psychology or a closely related discipline, and evidence of strong research potential. Applicants should demonstrate prior training in psychological research methods and statistics, and provide a clear research proposal or statement of research interests that aligns with the expertise of potential supervisors in the School of Psychological Science.

Standard application components include academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, the names of academic referees, and a research proposal. International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements. Specific supervisory availability and Faculty approval are required prior to enrolment; applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors to discuss proposed projects before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue careers in academia, government and industry. Typical roles include:

• University researcher or academic staff specialising in I/O psychology
• Organisational consultant in areas such as selection, assessment, leadership development and change management
• Senior HR specialist or head of people analytics using psychometric and quantitative skills
• Research scientist in private research institutes, think tanks or public sector agencies focusing on workplace policy and wellbeing
• Assessment and measurement specialist in recruitment agencies or test development firms

The combination of advanced research skills and applied I/O knowledge also supports leadership roles in large organisations where evidence-based people strategies are required.

Why study at University of Western Australia

UWA’s School of Psychological Science hosts research-active staff working across cognition, organisational behaviour and applied psychological assessment, providing strong supervisory expertise in I/O psychology topics. The University supports doctoral research with access to dedicated laboratories, statistical and computing resources, and institutional research training programs that strengthen methodological rigour.

Students benefit from opportunities for industry engagement and partnerships with government and business in Western Australia and beyond, enabling applied data collection and practicum experiences. UWA’s research environment emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical research practice and preparation for both academic and applied careers in workplace psychology.