Call for Applications for the Doctoral Programme (PhD) in Psychology | Fall 2026

The University of Nicosia announces the opening of positions for admission to the Doctoral Programme (PhD) in Psychology for the Fall 2026 semester of the academic year 2026-2027.

How to Apply 

For information related to the master programme, contact Ms Elena Constantinou via email at [email protected].

For further queries contact Professor Nuno Ferreira ([email protected]).

The application can be submitted online through the following link https://www.unic.ac.cy/apply or in person by visiting the Department of Admissions at the University of Nicosia.

About the Programme:

The aim of the PhD programme in Psychology is to train the next generation of researchers in the field of Psychology. The programme focuses on developing the skills necessary for graduates to become independent researchers at postdoctoral level. The programme comprises several areas of specialisation; however, candidates will have to propose projects within the specialist areas within the supervisor’s fields of expertise.

Doctoral students are expected to design and execute an independent original research project and produce a Thesis. Through their research project students are expected to evidence an original contribution to knowledge, develop or apply innovative research or intervention methods, and as a result advance scientific knowledge in an area of Psychology.

Specific aims of the programme:

1. Develop students in depth understanding and critical analysis of current literature and research methodology in the field of Psychology.
2. Enhance students’ research skills and facilitate the development of expertise relevant to their research specialization area.
3. Educate students in how to disseminate research findings, through publishing in academic journals and/or presenting their work in academic conferences and seminars.
4. Prepare students to conduct high quality and internationally recognised independent research.

Current Available Faculty Members and Respective Research Areas:

Professor Ioulia Papageorgi, Associate Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences

• Psychology education, competencies, assessment, and (e)learning in higher education
• Test anxiety / Musical Performance Anxiety (MPA) across development and contexts
• Development of expertise, practice strategies, and transition to professionalism
• Motivation, classroom climate, and social identity

More information about the lines of research for Prof Papageorgi here.

Dr Maria Koushiou

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Eating Disorders: Idiographic Approaches and Mechanisms of Change
• Virtual Reality as a Tool to Explore Body Image, mood and Physiological responses in Eating Disorders
• From Early Detection to Intervention: Supporting Emotional and Developmental Outcomes in early childhood.

More information about the lines of research for Dr Koushiou here.

Dr Theofilos Gkinopoulos

• The Psychology of Conspiracy Beliefs and Collective Action in Online and Offline Environments
• Institutional Trust, Trust in Science and Behavioural Responses During Crises in offline and online (e.g., AI-mediated) Environments

More information about the lines of research for Dr Gkinopoulos here.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

Application Form: Applicants must submit an application form for admission and start the application process to the programme. The application form requests general information about the applicant, their qualifications, relevant experience, etc.

Academic Qualifications: An accredited Bachelor’s degree and an accredited Master’s degree*

*At least one of the previous degrees (Bachelors or Masters) must be in Psychology from a recognized institution.

Initial Research Proposal: Information on how to prepare the proposal available in the “Regulations for application proposal” document.

Statement of Purpose: Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive letter outlining their academic and individual competencies and state why they believe they are suitable for admission to the Programme. The statement should not be more than one page long (Times New Roman 12, single spaced)

Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must obtain two (2) recommendation letters from individuals who have known the applicant in an educational and/or professional environment. At least one of the recommendation letters must be from an academic institution where the applicant has studied previously.

English Language Proficiency: TOEFL (paper-based test 600, computer-based test 250, internet-based test 100) or IELTS 6.5 Students who graduated from an English-speaking University are exempt from this requirement.

Applications submitted after the deadline (late) will not be assessed and only be considered at the next deadline

Criteria of assessment:

1. Minimum Entry requirements
2. Quality of the research proposal
3. Quality and appropriateness of the recommendation letters
4. Fit of the proposed project with current supervisor research areas (note that applications that fall outside the areas of expertise of the supervisory team will not be considered)

Interview

The Department Postgraduate Programmes Committee (DPPC) and the Director of Doctoral Programmes will assess all written applications and invite for an oral interview only those applicants who pass the first stage of assessment. The interview will assess the candidate’s abilities in critical thinking, scientific communication, fit of the proposed project with the department’s lines of research and supervisory match and availability. If the candidate is successful at interview level, an invitation letter to join the programme will be sent within two weeks of the interview date.