Doctor of Philosophy

The NIODA Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by thesis is a degree offering candidates the opportunity to develop high level research skills.

As a PhD candidate, you are required to make a significant original contribution to the field of systems psychodynamics by submitting a written research thesis, of between 80,000 to 100,000 words.

Consistent with the AQF Level 10, a PhD candidate is expected to:

• engage in critical reflection, synthesis and evaluation

• develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge

• disseminate and promote new insights to peers and the community

• generate original knowledge and understanding to make a substantial contribution to the field of system psychodynamics.

NIODA believes that the learning and teaching of systems psychodynamics is assisted by the creation of an environment where staff and candidates have certainty around expectations. This in turn informs NIODA’s pedagogical approach. These expectations are that:

• candidates are mature adult learners with extensive work experience

• a safe learning environment is created for candidates by all NIODA staff

• thoughtful critique and the development of creative alternatives to orthodox theory and methods is supported

• teaching staff feel supported and validated in their work.

Candidates’ research is informed by leading-edge theory and applied methods relevant to systems psychodynamics.

One of the unique features of the NIODA PhD program is that it offers opportunities for learning in group settings as well as in individual supervision. As discussed below, within the discipline of systems psychodynamics this is essential for learning about and applying systems psychodynamic ideas and methods. It offers the additional advantage of mitigating against common experiences of isolation found in undertaking PhD study.

Group sessions are integral to the NIODA learning pedagogy. Led by NIODA staff facilitators, these sessions have the aim of helping doctoral candidates to navigate the personal and group, emotional and psychodynamic challenges of their candidacy and to consider aspects of the group dynamic as potential data about the research systems. Group sessions also provide an opportunity for candidates to present their work in progress to peers for review and reflection.

A central component of systems psychodynamic work is bringing unconscious phenomena to consciousness so that it can be thought about and studied. Face-to-face dialogue (in person or online) allows for ongoing reflection with others about how people might be ‘caught’ in unconscious dynamics and then what that experience might say, as parallel process (Gilmore and Krantz, 1985), about the research system under examination.

All doctoral candidates participate in research design and thesis subjects specifically designed to ensure they have the research knowledge and skills necessary to undertake and complete a PhD by thesis.

The degree is a carefully articulated experience to support incremental learning that builds year by year across the candidature.

The PhD degree is offered in part-time mode only. The PhD is a 288 credit point degree comprising the following subjects:

Year One, Semesters 1 and 2

Year one is provisional candidature

PhD01 Research Design (24 credit points)
PhD02 Thesis 1 (24 credit points)

From year two, ongoing candidature is confirmed following acceptance by the PhD Confirmation Panel of the research proposal and appointment of the ongoing supervisory team

Year Two, Semesters 1 and 2

PhD03 Thesis 2 (48 credit points)

Year Three, Semesters 1 and 2

PhD04 Thesis 3 (48 credit points)

Year Four, Semesters 1 and 2

PhD05 Thesis 4 (48 credit points)

Year Five, Semesters 1 and 2

PhD06 Thesis 5 (48 credit points)

Year Six, Semesters 1 and 2

PhD07 Thesis 6 (48 credit points)

Download the course guide

Download the timetable

Entry to the PhD requires a master’s degree with some research experience. Although a degree in systems psychodynamics or closely related fields is basic, bridging from degrees with little systems psychodynamics content is available through units in our master’s degree. Entry follows an interview with the course leaders where your individual needs and experience are discussed. We aim to help you study and research that which is your passion.

Please lodge an expression of interest to get your journey started.

In 2025 the fee is $14,400 per year. Fees are payable by the due date before each semester begins.

Payment can be made upfront by direct deposit, credit card or by utilising FEE-HELP. Information for FEE-HELP can be found on the study assist website https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/fee-help.

There are no incidental fees charged for this course.

Fees are reviewed each year with the new schedule published each October for the following year.

Many employers have study support policies that include financial and other support. Speak to your employer to find out if you are eligible to receive such assistance during your postgraduate studies. Employers gain significantly from the studies undertaken.

Application for ‘Leave of Absence’ must occur prior to the first class in that semester. Fees will not be refunded after the census date in either semester.