Ph.D. in Psychology

The Ph.D. program in Psychology aims to enable a select group of highly qualified candidates to develop research and independent scientific writing abilities at the highest academic level. The program is intended for those who have completed, with exceptional success, their M.A. studies in psychology, neuroscience, or other relevant fields. The program, in its unique institutional context, facilitates and even promotes interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary research. Our hope is that graduates of the program will integrate into academia, clinical settings, the civil service, and the third sector, and be involved in the research and development of new interfaces between psychology and emerging technologies.

Head of Program
Head of Program

Prof. Mario Mikulincer

Head of Program Welcome

Program Specifications


  • The Ph.D. program is designed for those holding a master's degree in psychology (M.A.) with or without a thesis (subject to the fulfillment of prerequisites) as well as those with a master's degree in a relevant field such as neuroscience, cognitive science, linguistics, philosophy, or computer science (subject to the fulfillment of prerequisites).
  • The candidate must have the consent of a faculty member from the school, with a minimum rank of senior lecturer, that he/she would in principle serve as a supervisor for the doctorate and for the preliminary research program. It is advisable to contact potential supervisors early on in the process, in order to coordinate mutual expectations.
  • Applicants to the non-thesis tracks are also required to submit a preliminary research proposal following coordination with and approval from the school faculty member proposed to serve as a supervisor.
  • The Ph.D. committee will select from the pool of eligible candidates a limited number of applicants to register as Ph.D. students.
  • Ph.D. students will receive a scholarship, which will exempt them from tuition.

  • The duration of the Ph.D. program in Psychology is individual and variable. It may take between one and four years following the completion of any prerequisites, depending on the amount of time invested by the student, the nature and scope of the research, the program requirements, and so on.
  • The Ph.D. program is comprised of two stages. Stage 1 includes theoretical studies and the writing of a research proposal. This will be supplemented, as applicable, with additional prerequisite courses and the writing of a paper equivalent to a thesis, for those admitted to the non-thesis track. Stage 2 is dedicated to intensive empirical research and the writing of a dissertation that makes an original and substantial contribution to the advancement of the study of psychology according to accepted standards of research.
  • Stage 1 of the Ph.D. program will include five core courses that all program participants are required to take: a workshop on advanced statistical methods, a course on brain research methods, a workshop on the writing of review articles and meta-analyses, a seminar on contemporary issues in psychology, and a colloquium in which doctoral students will present the research they are working on as well as respond to and critique the work of their peers from their own angle of research. In addition, participants will take 4 credits of advanced supplementary studies relevant to their field, either in courses offered at Reichman University or at other institutions, subject to the supervisor's approval.