PhD in Psychology

Degree Level: PhD
Degree Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD Psychology)
Department: Department of Behavioral Sciences
Attendance: Full Time
Program Duration: minimum 3 Years, maximum 8 Years

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for admission and award of the PhD degree in Psychology, students must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Completion of 18 years of education in Applied Psychology / Psychology / Clinical Psychology / Behavioral Sciences from an HEC-recognized university in Pakistan, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized foreign university.
2. Applicants must possess an MS / M.Phil / Equivalent degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in the semester system or First Division in the annual system.
3. Submission of a complete application form along with all required documents and attachments.
4. Submission of a complete research synopsis.
5. Written or emailed consent from a potential supervisor indicating willingness to supervise the candidate. Final approval of supervision shall be granted by the University.
6. GAT Subject Test conducted by NTS, a minimum of 60% marks is required.

Degree Completion Requirements:

For the award of the PhD degree in Psychology, students must successfully fulfill the following requirements:

1. Successful completion of a minimum of 20 credit hours of PhD coursework.
2. Passing the Comprehensive Examination after completion of coursework.
3. Completion and successful open defense of a PhD thesis.
4. Evaluation of the PhD thesis by at least two experts from technologically advanced countries.
5. Acceptance/publication of at least one research paper in an HEC-recognized “X” category journal (“Y” category applicable for Social Sciences as per HEC policy).
6. Submission of a copy of the PhD thesis to HEC.
7. Compliance with all university rules regarding attendance, academic progress, ethical research practices, and thesis submission.

Comprehensive Exam

1. Each student must pass the Comprehensive Exam within the first 2 years.
2. If the student does not pass the Comprehensive Exam in two years, she will be dismissed from the PhD program.
3. A student must score a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or equivalent in the written exam to maintain her PhD student status.
4. A student will be eligible to retake the Comprehensive Exam within 6 months of the first attempt.
5. A maximum of two attempts will be allowed for the Comprehensive Exam.
6. The written exam will be followed by viva voce.

Total Credits: 20 Credit Hours Core Courses: 9 Credit Hours, Fehmul-Quraan : 1 Credit hour in semester 1 Specialization Courses (Elective): 9 Credit Hours, Fehmul-Quraan : 1 Credit hour in semester 2 Thesis: PhD thesis (year 2 and 3) HEC Credit Hours Requirement = Minimum 18–20 Credit Hours Coursework + Thesis

    List of Specialization Courses

1. Psychological Trauma and Intervention for Individuals, Families and Communities
2. Occupational Health and Safety
3. Advanced Health Psychology
4. Psychology of Public Policy
5. Clinical Psychology
6. Contemporary Data Analysis
7. Evidence Based Psychological Interventions
8. Attachment Theory and Development
9. Developmental Well-being
10. Occupational Ability and Personality Assessment
11. Psychology of Terrorism
12. Advanced School Psychology